The misplaced priorities of the Seattle City Council have been well documented on Shift, from removing toys from public parks instead of illegal campers on public property, to investing in failed bike share companies instead of public safety.
The latest exampled of misplaced priorities comes from KIRO radio, which reported on a Seattle restaurant which is struggling to survive because of the problems caused by a nearby government-run methadone clinic. The restaurant owner took her concerns to city hall, to little effect. According to KIRO, “Going before the Seattle City Council, Jen Calozzi recounted her family’s ordeal thus far and pleaded for assistance in their plight regarding the Seattle methadone clinic. After her allotted minute to speak had ended, the mic was cut and she was dismissed. For Steve Calozzi, he’s not sure where to turn next.”
Unfortunately for the business owners, they didn’t chose to stage a protest to shut down the meeting – that might have gotten the council’s attention, and some action.
Instead, yet another Seattle business is left wondering if city elected officials care more about those who break the law than those who pay the taxes. As the restaurant’s owner said, “ ‘I’m a mom and pop shop. I have a little pizzeria. I paid $17,000 last month in taxes. Some of that tax money definitely went to supplying methadone,’ said Calozzi. ‘We don’t mind helping the people that need the help, but to be attacked on top of it as our reward, we’ve had enough. As a concerned citizen, what can I do to get help?’”
People across the city may be wondering the same thing.
