In far-left Seattle, the only thing disappearing faster than your car is any hope of crime control!
King County's Car Theft Circus: Where 50 Stolen Cars a Day is Progress!
In September, King County reported about 1,115 stolen vehicles, averaging 50 cars per day, compared to 386 in Pierce County. Shockingly enough, that jaw-dropping statistics marks an actual improvement from last year, as the Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force noted a decline in auto thefts, partially due to key arrests of the “Kia Boyz” involved in local crime sprees. So far in 2024, Washington has seen a total of 22,029 vehicle thefts, down 11.8% from the same period in 2023, when there was a whopping average of 71 thefts per day in September. Nationally, 2024 is on track to be the first year with a decline in car thefts since 2019, following an astonishing record-breaking 1,020,729 vehicles stolen in 2023.
Unsurprisingly, Seattle ranks among cities with high theft rates in the nation, trailing only behind places like Pueblo, Bakersfield, and Denver. So how do you prevent your car from being stolen? According to MyNorthwest.com, experts recommend “practical” measures to combat car theft. This includes not-so-practical measures like using a steering wheel lock anytime you park your car and obvious measures like parking in well-lit areas and not leaving valuables in plain sight. And, of course, you can thank Democrats for their soft-on-crime policies for making your life more difficult – and for adding to the daily worries of life. Read more at MyNorthwest.com.
Seattle Activist Busted as Fentanyl Kingpin
The consequences of Democrat-led policies that foster crime and allow drug cartels to flourish continue to devastate communities across our state. New details have emerged on a nationwide takedown of a drug trafficking and money laundering operation based in Washington, led by two brothers and their lefty activist mother, Matelita “Marty” Jackson—a prominent leader with Seattle’s Boys & Girls Clubs. Jackson now faces charges that could result in life imprisonment for her role in laundering money tied to fentanyl distribution. The drug ring, headquartered at her Renton home, was supplying deadly fentanyl to communities, including the Lummi Nation, where overdose deaths soared. This massive operation, involving the DEA, FBI, and local law enforcement, seized nearly a million potentially lethal doses of fentanyl, along with cocaine, meth, and firearms. The drugs were traced back to Mexican cartels, with chemicals supplied by Chinese companies— in case you need any further evidence of Democrats’ lax border policies enabling a flood of dangerous substances into our country. While officials say this bust is a win, the damage done by unchecked fentanyl flow is devastating local communities. Read more at Center Square.
Legacy: Doubling Down on Spending While Washington Sinks in Debt and Homelessness
Jay Inslee’s 12-year tenure as governor has been marked by significant increases in government spending, despite growing financial struggles for Washington taxpayers. Over the past decade, the state’s operating budget more than doubled, while the population grew by only 14%. Even with a 2024 budget surplus, Inslee opted for $1 billion in new spending rather than tax relief. A recent editorial from Future42 highlights Inslee’s failures including his refusal to reduce taxes during COVID-19, as inflation and costs rose. And his policies on homelessness which, despite over $5 billion spent in 10 years, led to homelessness increasing significantly. In 2023, the estimated cost to exit someone from homelessness was over half a million dollars, with little progress to show. Ultimately, Inslee’s approach, focused on increased spending without accountability, leaves taxpayers burdened. If Bob Ferguson is elected governor, voters can likely expect the continuation of this trend rather than any shift toward fiscal responsibility. Read more at Future42.
Seattle’s Recipe for Disaster: Higher Wages, Fewer Restaurants, and Goodbye to Tipping
As Shift WA previously reported, Seattle’s small restaurant owners are bracing for significant challenges as the city’s minimum wage rises to $20.76 per hour on January 1, up from $19.97. This increase, particularly affecting businesses that previously used a tip credit, could result in major cost hikes. Charlie Anthe, co-owner of Moshi Moshi Sushi, recently told Fox 13 that he faces a whopping $50,000 increase in wages and fears that many restaurants will be forced to cut hours, raise prices, and reduce staff. A recent survey shows 80% of restaurant owners plan to cut shifts, 70% will raise menu prices, and over half will reduce operating hours. Some customers, frustrated with rising costs, are threatening to stop tipping altogether. Meanwhile, some businesses, like Shikorina Bakeshop, have eliminated tipping in favor of higher menu prices and a $25 hourly wage. Looks like Seattle may be facing another wave of business shutdowns and/or exodus due to failed policies. Read more at Fox 13.
Overheard on the Interwebs
All these years later, the media continues to carry water for Inslee…
#FACTS…
Oh look, another Seattle “Progressive” virtue-signaling…
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- Pete Serrano discusses his path to law school, work as an environmental lawyer, and run for office. He breaks down the Attorney General’s mission, public safety priorities, and the police and public defender shortages. Pete also highlights what sets him apart from his opponent and shares thoughts on working with the legislature and whether the AG should be appointed by the governor.
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