Renton Community Update

News from former Councilmember Randy Corman, your Renton City Hall insider. (All views expressed in journal entries are Randy Corman's personal views, and not the official position of the City of Renton or other city employees. Views expressed in reader comments are those of the commenter)

Daily archives for May 15th, 2023

Renton City Council approves first reading of drug ordinance on 7-0 vote

May15
2023

Written by Randy Corman

Maryjane Van Cleave, Renton’s head of Equity, Housing and Human Services, discusses diversion and drug treatment options available to those who violate the new drug ordinance

After weeks of receiving input from the Renton community, all seven council members voted tonight to pass a new Renton drug ordinance.

The city staff provided a thorough presentation during the Committee of the Whole meeting prior to tonight’s council meeting. The presentation was heartbreaking at times, touching on the fact that Renton tragically lost 47 residents through overdoses last year, and police and firefighters had to save many more from close calls. The new ordinance focuses heavily on encouraging those struggling with addiction to get treatment as an alternative to being charged and sentenced for drug crimes. The council asked numerous questions during the presentation, and the city staff including the Police Chief, the City Attorney, the Chief Administrative Officer, and the Director of Equity, Housing and Human Services answered them all adeptly.

Posted in Drugs, Uncategorized

Election filing for local offices begins today

May15
2023

Written by Randy Corman

Screenshot from King County Elections website

Official filing begins today for five Renton elected offices. The City Council Seats held by Kim-Khanh Van, Ed Prince, Ryan McIrvin, and Valerie O’Halloran are up for election, as well as the Mayor’s Seat held by Armondo Pavone. (Full disclosure: I’ve given early endorsements to Mayor Armondo Pavone and Council Member Valerie O’Halloran.)

Anyone interested in running has until the end of the workday on Friday May 19 to file (4:00PM online, 4:30 PM in-person), although it’s best not to wait until the last minute.

Posted in Uncategorized

Hi, I’m Randy Corman. Welcome to my blog! I served on Renton City Council for 28 years, 1994-2021, with six years as Renton Council President. I’m also a mechanical engineer and manager, and worked for the Boeing Company for 33 years, from 1984- 2017. My wife and I have five kids and five grandkids, and we all live in Renton. I’ve kept this blog for 17 years, and get thousands of readers each month. Please share your feedback, ideas, and opinions in the comments.

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