SEIU 775 president David Rolf announced he is stepping down, supposedly due to term limits, but the Freedom Foundation questions that narrative. Rolf’s replacement was the only choice given on SEIU members’ ballots. The Freedom Foundation notes that Rolf had changed the bylaws before to extend his time at the top, so term limits may not be the full story on his departure. The group previously reported that SEIU “employees described the workplace atmosphere as ‘toxic’ and had requested the union’s leadership take ‘third-party management training.’” (Freedom Foundation)

Over the weekend Seattle teachers voted to approve a new contract for the 2018-2019 school year. The new contract includes an expansion of school-based race and equity teams, pay increases, and more. (My Northwest)

The federal 9th Circuit ruled last week that cities cannot prosecute people for sleeping outside if they have no other reasonable place to stay. Seattle officials say that because Seattle does not ban these activities outright, the city is not affected by the court’s decision. (Seattle-Times)

A Pierce County Superior Court judge ruled in favor of Sound Transit, allowing them to illegally take taxpayers’ money, according Dori Monson. The superior court judge may not have been ready to deal with the case. Sen. Steve O’Ban (R-Tacoma) said the judge’s opening words before the court were, “This is above my pay grade.” (My Northwest)

After being appointed in 2008, Spokane County Superior Court Judge Michelle “Shelley” Szambelan is facing a challenger with an unusual way of framing the race. Attorney Dennis Cronin says the judiciary (and courthouse security) is like a medieval stronghold. “Perhaps it shouldn’t be a judiciary that looks more like a fortress judiciary, over there in the fort, or the castle, where citizens are searched without a warrant when they go through the door,” he said. (The Spokesman-Review)

A $7.8 million project to improve the water system in central Hanford is underway as part of the cleanup effort. The Department of Energy contractor Mission Support Alliance is installing a new pipeline that will connect the separate water grids of the east and west areas of central Hanford. (Tri-City Herald)

Seattle:
-1884: Let's build STREETCARS!!
-1941: These things cost way too much. Time to scrap them.
-1974: OK, let's try again!
-2005: Nobody's riding this thing. Bye bye.
-2005: Hey, let's try building them over here!
-2018: Maybe this isn't what we want.https://t.co/f6E25HJ1dJ

— Mike Baker (@ByMikeBaker) September 7, 2018

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