During a recent Pierce County Council meeting, a resident urged council members to propose an ordinance directing the Pierce County prosecuting attorney to investigate the destruction of police body camera footage from an incident on October 2, 2022. The resident expressed frustration over the lack of acknowledgment regarding a public records request submitted on October 5, 2022, and claimed that the county had destroyed the records, which could hinder potential legal action due to the statute of limitations.
The resident also requested an investigation into the invalidation of a permit from 2017, which they stated had caused significant personal costs. They emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency, appealing to the council to act in accordance with state law and ethical standards.
In a separate discussion, Vice Chair Campbell condemned recent political violence, specifically referencing an attempted assassination of a presidential candidate. He called for unity and civility within the community, urging residents to engage in respectful dialogue rather than resorting to violence. Council member Murrell echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for mutual respect and the importance of addressing disagreements without hostility.
Both council members stressed that the recent events serve as a reminder of the critical need for civility in political discourse, urging the community to reflect on their responses to differing opinions. The meeting concluded without further public comments, but the discussions underscored significant concerns regarding transparency in local governance and the broader implications of political violence.