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Port Angeles council unanimously authorizes mayor to send letter to governor opposing proposed budget cuts
Summary
On March 4 the Port Angeles City Council voted unanimously to authorize Mayor Dexter to send a letter to Washington's governor expressing concern about proposed state budget cuts to early childhood services, social services and other programs that council members said would affect local households and workers.
The Port Angeles City Council on March 4 authorized Mayor Dexter to send a letter to Washington's governor outlining the council's concerns about proposed state budget cuts and asking that the city's legislative priorities be considered. The motion passed unanimously.
Council members said the letter aims to highlight local consequences if state cuts move forward. Mayor Dexter said the city faces a difficult year if proposals under consideration at the state level take effect and framed the letter as a chance to press the case for Port Angeles' priorities. “I think I appreciate the the mechanism that we have used, which is, certainly, I think, more powerful too if I'm signing a letter on behalf, I hope, of a unanimous counsel,” Mayor Dexter said during council discussion.
Council member Lindsey moved to authorize the mayor to send the letter; the motion was seconded and then approved without recorded opposition. Lindsey warned of specific program cuts discussed at the state level, saying, “it's pretty bad when the governor's proposing things like cutting dental rates for children.” Council member Deborah added that the council should “stand up for the health, safety and welfare of all of the people who live in our community.”
Council members said they are particularly concerned about potential cuts to early childhood programs, social services and public-health funding and the downstream impacts on operations such as local food assistance. The mayor and other members noted that many residents in the community rely on state-funded services and that some local households include state employees who could face furloughs.
The motion directed the mayor to transmit a letter reflecting those concerns; council did not adopt language on the floor beyond authorizing the mayor to send the document. Mayor Dexter said he would circulate the final letter and try to send it quickly because the legislative session is ongoing.
Votes at a glance: the motion to authorize the mayor to send the letter passed unanimously (yes:7, no:0, abstain:0, absent:0).
