Town Hall meeting: "Criminal Justice Reform: What is to be done?"

Dear Friend,

For only the third time in 14 years the King County Council is formally hosting a Town Hall meeting in the Central Area and I would like very much for you to attend and participate in it. The theme of this forum is, "Criminal Justice Reform: What is to be done?" The meeting is designed to allow concerned citizens to hear about programs the county has introduced to reduce crime, prevent recidivism, lower the disproportionate number of minorities in our jails and courts as well as other innovative reforms we've instituted to improve the operations of our criminal justice system.

But the most important part of the meeting, however, is to hear community folks ideas on what King County government officials should be doing to lower the crime rate, reduce jail cost, help victims and offenders and make neighborhoods throughout our city and County safer. Any one desiring to testify will be given two minutes to do so. This exciting interchange with County Councilmember's will be held:

Monday, September 24, 2007

6:00pm-Public Reception, 6:30-9:00pm-program

First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME)
1522 14th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98122

About 70 % of all the general tax revenue ( $386 million) coming to County government goes to support criminal justice agencies-sheriff deputies, prosecuting attorneys, District and Superior Court, two adult and one youth jail, Public Defense-and approximately 4% ($20 million) in tax dollars is used to fund alternatives to incarceration-drug and mental health courts, Work Release, day reporting, youth and family counseling, employment assistance programs for youth and young adults and so on. One crucial question the County Council will be addressing in the near future is whether or not we should invest more of your tax dollars on jails or on intervention and prevention programs.

This event is in my district, therefore, I really want a good showing of community folks there, so PLEASE do everything you can to clear your calendar next Monday evening, September 24th, in order to join me at First AME Church. Bring relatives, friends, coworkers, if at all possible. RSVP me NOW, if you plan to come!

Kamilah Brown on behalf of Larry Gossett
Legislative Aide to Councilmember Gossett
516 Third Avenue, Rm 1200, Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 296-1002
(206) 296-0198 (fax)
kamilah.brown@metrokc.gov