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Public commenters cite police misconduct and press council for youth violence-prevention funding
Summary
Speakers at the Feb. 3 Seattle City Council meeting described past misconduct by Seattle City Light crews, criticized SPD responses to incidents and asked for local investments in proven youth programs, including a request for city funding for the 3 Kings Dojo boxing gym. The council did not take immediate action on these requests.
Multiple public commenters used the Feb. 3 public-comment period to raise concerns about police performance, workplace misconduct at Seattle City Light and the need for city-funded youth programs that the speakers said prevent violence.
Del Johnson, a Seattle City Light engineer with more than 25 years’ utility experience and a ProTech 17 member, recounted prior reports of crew misconduct and said he wants a meeting with General Manager Jen Chan and the mayor, telling the council, "We've been asking to meet with Jen, but she hasn't met with us." Howard Gayle criticized a council-related bill repeatedly referenced in testimony as "121,158," saying it "simply reiterates" a law that allows Seattle police officers an exemption to certain limitations when they have reasonable suspicion about immigration or felony status and arguing the policy should be changed.
Local nonprofit leaders and program operators asked for direct funding for youth services. Solomon (Only One Wiser Prince), founder of Christ Organization and co-founder of 3 Kings Dojo, said city investment would allow his boxing gym to offer low-cost or free programming that keeps young people engaged after school: "Every hour a child is in our gym is an hour they are not in the streets," he said, and asked the city to "stand with us" on funding.
Speakers linked calls for youth funding to broader public-safety goals, saying investment in mentorship and stable facilities produces measurable outcomes in school engagement and behavior. No vote or formal appropriation occurred on these requests during the Feb. 3 meeting; the testimony functions as public record and a basis for possible committee follow-up or budget requests.
