Supporters of open government are watching a bill currently in the Senate State Government, Tribal Relations and Elections Committee that would make legislators subject to the Public Records Act with some exceptions.“If the bill just dies in committee, which is very possible, then I guess we’ll just be waiting to see what the court does, and we’ll go through a period of more years,” Sen. Jamie Pedersen (D-Seattle) said. (The Olympian)

A bill that would better protect employees who are vulnerable and isolated at work against sexual harassment and assault passed off of the Senate Floor. “This unanimous bipartisan vote helps put us on our way to becoming one of the first states in the nation with expanded protections for vulnerable employees,” said Sen. Karen Keiser (D-Des Moines). (Washington State Wire)

Seattle City Councilmember Mike O’Brien (District 6) announced that he will not be seeking re-election. O’Brien becomes the fourth incumbent to step aside and choose not to run in what is sure to be a very contentious election cycle. “There are a lot of people that are scared and sort of frustrated, and that shows up as fear and hate sometimes in a way that’s kind of ugly,” he said. “I wish we weren’t so divided right now as a community.” Ironic coming from the man responsible for a lot of the division. (KING 5)

The Seattle Public School levies look like they are set to pass with ease. The two propositions could cost property owners up to $2.2 billion. Stephen Nielsen, the district’s deputy superintendent said they hope the Legislature will provide an additional influx of funds to go along with the money raised by the levies. (Seattle Times)

The Puyallup City Council unanimously approved a motion to terminate discussion of changing the city’s form of government from a city manager style to that of an elected “strong mayor.”  “My concern is for the bigger picture,” said Councilman Dean Johnson. “Will this be an issue that will divide the council and divide our constituent base? … I’m concerned with that sense of unity, and I want to preserve that as much as possible.” (The News Tribune)

Spokane voters, by large margins, approved a $5.8 million-a-year tax that will pay for more police and firefighters. “I’m thankful the citizens voted for this because it’s always hard to vote for a tax,” said Spokane City Council President and mayoral candidate Ben Stuckart. The tax will help pay for 20 new police officers and maintain 30 recently-hired firefighters currently funded by a federal grant. (Spokesman Review)

Yakima County Superior Court Judge Blaine Gibson found Tuesday that Wapato conducted special council meetings, but said he would need additional evidence before determining if the city provided proper public notice. “Make no mistake, this is about taking money from a small town where people work,” said Richard Gilliland, the attorney representing eight people suing the city, City Administrator Juan Orozco, Mayor Dora Alvarez-Roa and other officials. The state open meetings law requires meetings of city councils be open to the public with proper notification. (Yakima Herald)

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