Spokane—Below is a statement from Spokane City Council Members Jonathan Bingle and Michael Cathcart of District 1 regarding The State Supreme Court ruling on the case involving Proposition 1.
“The Washington State Supreme Court's decision is an insult to the people of Spokane and our overall democratic process. In 2023, our voters made their voices unmistakably clear—they want our parks, schools, and childcare centers to be safe and free from the hazards of unlawful encampments. This common-sense initiative, passed by a wide margin, aimed to protect our most vulnerable and restore order to our public spaces.
The recent ruling by the Supreme Court justices in Olympia overlooks, and totally disregards, significant concerns for Spokane families regarding their safety, neighborhoods, and representation in government. The court has interpreted the legal language in a way that classifies this initiative as "administrative," which we view as an attempt to circumvent the people's will and maintain the current status quo. It is vital that we strive for a system that prioritizes the voices and needs of our communities, rather than undermining the democratic process of our voters.
This is not justice. This is judicial activism at the expense of public safety.
However, this is not the end. We will promptly introduce legislation before Spokane City Council to enshrine the protections that this initiative was meant to establish. If the courts won’t permit the people to act directly, then we will act on their behalf.
We urge every citizen of Spokane to make their voices heard. Contact your city council members—email them, call them, or attend council meetings—and demand action. Let them know you support safe neighborhoods, clean parks, and a city that prioritizes families. The people should not be silenced, and we will not give in.”
