An independent investigation into what Governor Jay Inslee knew – and when he knew it – about the dysfunction at his Employment Security Department (ESD), has been hampered by bureaucratic incompetence, which has resulted in a potentially costly lawsuit against the state.  Mike Flynn, the former publisher and editor of the Puget Sound Business Journal, sent out an email (which we have copied and posted to our website) describing the efforts of Lynn Brewer (known previously as a “whistleblower” after leaving Enron) to obtain emails between Governor Inslee and ESD Commissioner Suzi LeVine.  Brewer made a public disclosure request for the emails last Spring, but was informed in June that she would have to wait until after December 31^st to receive these emails.  Brewer has since filed a lawsuit in Thurston County stating the ESD has failed to adhere to the state’s Public Disclosure Act and is seeking “an award of statutory penalties, fees and costs against the Department.” Flynn points out in his email that this could be very costly to Washington taxpayers, since courts have levied huge fines against the state for such willful past public disclosure violations. (Flynn’s Harp December 7 email)  

Unbelievably, Democrat State Senator Karen Keiser (D – Des Moines), whose Labor & Commerce Committee oversees the Employment Security Department, defended the work of the department and embattled commissioner Suzi LeVine.  Without viewing any of the five state audits which are currently being conducted on the ESD to determine how one of the largest thefts in American history could take place, and why tens of thousands of Washington residents had to wait months to receive much needed (and much earned) unemployment benefits, Senator Keiser stood by the dysfunctional department run by her fellow Democrats.  Amazingly, Senator Keiser stated, “Everybody is working as hard as they can. The system has had problems, but most have been addressed. Suzi LeVine has performed as well as anybody could, and better than most.” ‘Better than most what’ is all we can ask? (MyNorthwest)

Three Washington city mayors stated their frustration with Governor Inslee and his one-man rule through continued governance via emergency orders, which has negatively impacted the residents of their communities.  Brandi Kruse interviewed three mayors to obtain their perspective on working with the state during the COVID-19 pandemic and each expressed their frustrations with the governor’s refusal to include local officials in health and safety orders.  Kent Mayor Dana Ralph stated there has been “insignificant consultations” from the governor over decisions which have closed local businesses.  Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring stated that Governor Inslee has not followed the data and is punishing businesses which have not been the source of the recent spike in cases. Nehring stated he wished the governor was “more collaborative, inclusive, and bipartisan“ in his approach.  Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward echoed the same apprehensions of her fellow mayors, and expressed her concerns that the Governor’s “one size fits all” approach is more designed for the needs of the Puget Sound region.  Woodward stated, “We want to be heard on this side of the state too.” (Q13’s The Divide)

An Olympia rally seeking to reopen schools will be held this Saturday by parents and students from across Washington State .  The rally’s objective is for state and local school officials to follow the data that distance learning is hurting students’ education and mental health, and that national, state, and local health officials agree that children can return safely to the classroom.  The rally will start 2:00 PM at the Tivoli Fountain on the Capitol Plaza. (Reopen Schools Rally Facebook)

There are signs that fewer Washington State high school seniors are looking to enroll in college next year.  There has been a nearly 15% decline from previous years in the number of students completing forms for federal financial aid.  Experts are blaming the decline on students not being in school and interacting with other students who are applying, and not having the same access to school counselors. (Seattle Times)

The growing division within the national Democrat Party features two Washington State congressional members as leading players in the chasm.  Extremely liberal Representative Pramila Jayapal (D – Seattle) is seeking to become the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and only very liberal Representative Suzan DelBene has been elected chair of the slightly less extreme New Democrat Coalition.  The division between these two segments of the Democrat Party has been growing and was played out in the streets of Seattle last summer, as the progressives violently took over portions of Seattle and demanded a randomly determined 50% cut in police funding, while members of the state’s Democrat establishment (most notably Governor Inslee and Attorney General Bob Ferguson) ran for the hills and abandoned Mayor Jenny Durkan as she wilted in the face of the progressives’ extreme demands.  (Seattle Times)

In a slickly produced video, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan announced she was not running for a second term.  Using the excuse that that she needs to focus on the city’s many problems (several of which she caused or made worse) and not spend time campaigning, Durkan has decided to not face the same fate of her four predecessors, who were each derailed in their re-election attempts.  In the two-minute video, Durkan claimed many dubious successes, but failed to mention the city allowing protestors to take over 6 blocks over Capital Hill, the explosive rise in homelessness, the departures and closures of many businesses, the increased taxes on Seattle residents, the surge in crime, and the dramatic reduction in funding for Seattle police. (Seattle Times/Jenny Durkan for Seattle video)

A Vancouver Columbian column states that Governor Inslee should have listened to the experts before closing the state’s fitness facilities.  In the article, fitness businesswoman Sherri McMillian says she was “blindsided” by Inslee’s recent orders.  McMillian states, “We have been open since the beginning of June and spent tens of thousands of dollars … we’ve had zero cases among our staff and clients. … The Washington State Department of Health and L&I report no COVID-19 cases associated with gyms or fitness facilities. … CDC information shows no data that fitness facilities are a source of outbreaks.”  She also warned that the recent round of closures could have permanent impact on her industry. “Many (in Washington) will not sustain this second round of shutdowns. Many also do not trust that it will only be four weeks.” (Ann Donnelly Column, The Columbian)

The Tri-Cities Regional Chamber of Commerce sent a letter to Governor Inslee urging him to lift the restrictions which have (again) closed many businesses.  The letter asks the governor to review the available data which indicates these businesses are not the source of the recent outbreaks.  The letter states, “With few exceptions, businesses in the food, entertainment and fitness industries observe and enforce safety guidelines for air quality, capacity limitations, cleaning, social distance, face coverings and contact tracing. Businesses in these industries are following the same stringent guidelines as other businesses that are currently permitted to be open – such as retail business, personal service providers and financial institutions.” Unfortunately for these businesses, the governor has not built a good track record for following data or listening to any concerns except for the liberal special interest groups which have supported his campaigns over the years. (KEPR-TV)

This week’s Newsmaker Interview was with Moya Morgan Skillman, a Bellevue mother of two, who is involved with the local School is Essential group, which aims to bring “kids back in the classroom and stop the mental health pandemic and achievement gap that the school shutdown has created.”  Skillman discusses the data which shows it is safe to reopen schools, and the political reasons why this has not occurred much in our state.  Skillman also announces the formation of a new statewide organization, the Washington Alliance 4 Kids, which will be a statewide advocacy group to reopen schools. (Shift’s Newsmaker Interview)

Do you like The Daily Briefing?

Please consider making a contribution to ensure Shift continues to provide daily updates on the shenanigans of the liberal establishment.

Forward this to a friend.  It helps us grow our community and serve you better.

You can also follow SHIFTWA on social media by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter.

If you feel we missed something that should be covered, email us at [email protected]