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Renton City Hall (Photo credit: City of Renton)
Note: 4/7 Update at bottom of page
Council Member Carmen Rivera emailed Renton Police Chief Jon Schuldt’s office at 1:00 AM last Thursday morning, and then complained on Twitter that she didn’t get an immediate response. Of course Renton’s 911 system would have delivered a fast response, but apparently that’s not good enough for her.
Since this all played out on Twitter, the council has already received at least one email questioning why a council member would expect to get special, privileged treatment from the chief that other residents don’t get.
That resident is correct to question this. Council members shouldn’t expect special treatment. They are public servants, not royalty, and the systems they put in place for protection of Renton residents, like 911 dispatch, should be good enough for them. If they aren’t, they should fix them. In 28 years as council member I never asked the police chief for protection, but I called 911 a few times.
Ironically, Council Member Rivera suggested in her tweet that the chief was unresponsive to her because he didn’t like her background and her views on police funding. She had recently posted an image of a paper she had written titled “Defund the Police?” Her inference was that because she might want to defund the police the chief would not give her special security measures she wanted (even though no Renton officials get special security treatment.)
She said on Twitter that another council member was able to phone the chief to get him to read her email, and she claimed this demonstrated that the chief responded to other council members but not her. The chief was taking a scheduled vacation day and not checking office email, but he was answering his personal phone– and he conveyed this to Council Member Rivera when he saw her email, along with his commitment to help her however he could. While Council Member Rivera was quick to broadcast her faulty conclusion that the chief was purposefully ignoring her, she then failed to let her followers know the chief’s full explanation or his offer to assist her. And as of this writing, she still has not responded to the chief with specifics on how he can actually help her.
Council Member Rivera’s tweet about the the chief followed a drama-filled week for her in which she faced criticism on TikTok from thousands of users after one of her posts about the Nashville shooting gained an unusual amount of attention. As critical comments poured in, she tweeted that she reached out to security at Seattle University (where she works), the FBI, and to the Renton Police chief in fear for her personal safety.
In her words from Twitter: “I reported them (the commenters) to the FBI & my school’s public safety who got back to me almost immediately. They made sure it was referred to hate crimes & political protection. I emailed our city’s chief of police but didn’t back immediately since he was been off… …Someone else was able to get a hold of him & got an email in response 8 minutes before our rally. I MAY BE WRONG & I can’t help but think if it were someone else on council w/ a different background/focuses (see Thurs tweet, then more would have happened)”
Her “Thurs tweet” says “New title. Finalizing the final draft of our research paper. After 2.5 years, submitting to publishers tonight. Let me know if you know publications or outlets who want a copy. This research looks at 17 different WA cities & 8 counties police funding & crime rates.” She includes an image of a report that she and others have drafted titled “Defunding the Police? Analyzing the Relationship between Police Funding and Crime Rates”
If anyone in our city is concerned they are in immediate physical danger, they should phone 911. The call will be recorded, quickly and appropriately triaged, and the caller will be connected with appropriate emergency services to best handle the crisis. The police chief plays a critical leadership role in making sure the system works, but he is not the front access point for this important protection. And no one looking for an immediate response should trust email to get it to them.
This clip from the british comedy show “IT Crowd” illustrates this point:
Update: On April 6 Council Member Rivera clarified in a video that she was not just worried about her own safety but also the safety of others including children that would be attending a rally, after her TikTok controversy erupted. The fact that the safety of others was potentially impacted only reinforces the conclusion that she should have phoned 911 instead of emailing the police chief’s office at 1:00 AM. A minimal standard of conduct for any public official is to let the cognizant authority know immediately if lives are in danger.
It’s the height of privilege to think that the entire world should be waiting for urgent emails from you at 1am.
Misuse of Government Property and Resources?
Is a attack on an employee reason for recall?
This ain’t legal advice:
A physical attack on an employee would count as malfeasance, and a verbal attack would if it caused them not to be able to perform their duties.
This has more info:
https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=29A.56.110
So let me get this right:
Carmen wants to abolish and defund the police.
Carmen shitposts on the internet, and it gets 1.5 million views and a few callouts.
Carmen doesn’t like the attention.
Carmen wants the Police Chief to handle her issues personally.
Seriously, WTF. Call 911 like the rest of us, or better yet, don’t be crazy.
1.5 million views?
Carmen said some stupid shit on the internet, basically not giving a shit about six dead people but caring deeply that the shooter was misgendered.
Of course, people make all sorts of jokes about Carmen, and stupid shit. But some of it was funny.
The best one got 1.5 million views, a quarter million likes, and well over 15,000 comments.
So basically, Renton got famous because of our own clown on the council.
It’s good watching:
https://www.tiktok.com/@giyohnly1/video/7216154477504531754
Sending this to the council:
As someone who believes in the importance of accountability and fairness in our community, I am troubled by Council Member Carmen Rivera’s actions in seeking special treatment from Renton Police Chief Jon Schuldt. Council members should not expect to receive privileged treatment, as they are public servants, not royalty. It is unacceptable for Council Member Rivera to complain on Twitter about not getting an immediate response from Chief Schuldt’s office and suggest that the chief was unresponsive because of her background and views on police funding.
It is also concerning that Council Member Rivera suggested that council member Ed Prince was able to phone the chief to get him to read her email, implying that she did not receive the same level of response because of her views on police funding. This type of behavior undermines trust in our local government and sends a message that certain individuals are more important than others.
I urge Council Member Rivera to demonstrate the same level of respect and responsibility that we expect from all public officials. If there are issues with the systems in place to protect Renton residents, they should be addressed in a responsible and transparent manner. Council members should not be seeking special treatment from police chiefs or using Twitter to air their grievances.
I support efforts to ensure that all Renton residents have access to the same level of protection and services, regardless of their background or political views. This includes ensuring that 911 dispatch services are responsive and effective and that all residents can rely on these services in times of emergency.
Let us work together to promote accountability and fairness in our community and ensure all residents have access to the services and protections they deserve and not just those with privilege and power.
Defunding the police for thee,
Special treatment for me.
So what started all the commotion?
This nonsense where Carmen basically justified the shooter
https://www.tiktok.com/@riveraforrenton/video/7215766861802130730
It’s worse. Carmen organized a “Transgender Day of Vengence” event here are city hall just a few days after this horrible mass murder.
Most people had the sense to cancel out of respect for the victims.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/transgender-day-of-vengeance-cancelled-amid-safety-fears-zjf7xrrdk
Somone clapped back:
https://www.tiktok.com/@hankp222/video/7216450317607619882
Council member Kim Kahn Van has told Carmen that she has withdrawn her endorsement and she needs to take any reference to it down immediately.
Good for her. We all make mistakes. Hopefully, the rest of the council will distance them from her craziness.
Please pay close attention to who she endorses. She can’t defund the police all by herself.
From what I’ve heard, Carmen verbally assaulted Kim in public for no reason at all. It’s weird because Kim was the only Renton person to endorse her campaign.
I suspect Carmen is jealous of Kim. Smart, wealthy, kids, family etc. But who knows?
It is essential to recognize that Carmen Rivera’s situation is not ordinary. Her TikTok, which gained substantial attention, exposed her to a barrage of criticism and potential threats. Consequently, her concern for personal safety was valid and warranted.
As a queer person, Council Member Rivera faces unique challenges and vulnerabilities that CIS wt males may not experience. She has consistently advocated for social justice and equity in the community, often facing resistance and criticism along the way. In light of this, I believe it is only fair that we extend empathy and understanding toward her situation.
It is not unreasonable for her to expect a timely response from these channels, especially given the heightened risk she faced as a result of her online presence.
Rather than focusing on the minutiae of this incident, we should concentrate on the broader issues at hand. Council Member Rivera’s work on police funding and how, paradoxically, more police cause increased crime rates is a crucial conversation for our community.
Let us not allow a single incident to overshadow the important work she is doing and the conversations we need to have.
A+ for minimizing. B- for still looking like a shill.
Different rules and values for different types of people?
Or….
By your logic, Diane D should have had police protection 24/7 after the doxing she endured by Carmen over the whole Racist Robin scam.
Dear Carmen, one of the top ten rules your parents should have told you is “Don’t speak ill of the dead.” The end.
Noticed Carmen deleted a TikTok where she’s crying that her parents won’t visit her.
I wonder why she wouldn’t want them to see it… I mean… calling your parents ignorant is normal right?
As a proud member of the Latino community in Renton, I supported Carmen Rivera for city council, believing that her Puerto Rican heritage would be a strong representation of our diverse community.
I have come to realize the importance of evaluating political candidates based on their character and commitment to our shared values, rather than solely focusing on cultural backgrounds.
Upon further reflection and watching her TikTok videos I discovered that Carmen displayed a mean-spirited attitude, which contradicted the compassionate and loving values that we hold dear. I encourage my fellow Latinos and fellow Renton citizens to carefully consider the character and actions of Carmen Rivera, and to always advocate for positive change in our community by supporting those who will truly represent us and our core values.
Well said, and you aren’t alone. Thanks for being honest with yourself and others.
To me, this situation is reminiscent of an old saying: “Don’t poke the bear, then complain when it growls.” It appears that Council Member Rivera’s actions might be a bit contradictory, as she advocates for defunding the police but expects special treatment from the police chief.
In all seriousness, it is important for our elected officials to be consistent in their actions and beliefs. Public servants, including council members, should not expect special treatment from the systems they have put in place for the protection of residents. If those systems are not satisfactory, they should work to improve them for the benefit of all citizens.
Greg
HA ha! She’s melting down…
https://www.tiktok.com/@riveraforrenton/video/7219135242014133546
Dear “Professor” Carmen, nobody is making fun of anything having to do with things you can’t control.
We’re just calling your hypocritical, pampered pseudo-intellectual behavior out. And having fun.
A few people went after her speech impediment. But you know, defending a mass murderer doesn’t bring out the best in people.
Ed “Unemployment Fraud” Prince better calm his girl. If we’re digging up dirt, there’s plenty. Oddly, it was Carmen’s dad that dug it up.
There’s something fishy here that I can’t quite put my finger on. Why would a supposedly smart individual email a vacationing police chief about a presumably imminent danger at 1am in the evening? And then make a big deal about the issue on social media right away?
In Carmen’s own words children were in danger. Why would a daughter of a police officer and a criminal educator to ANYTHING other than call 911?
In my estimation she was setting up the RPD for failure for political gain. If something even remotely bad happened at the Transgender Rally, she could then blame the police by conveniently ignoring the facts that she slow rolled an email to someone on vacation at 1am.
Carmen is dangerous person that must be investigated. If she sincerely though the safety of children were in jeopardy then why did she did what she did?
I sent this email to the Renton City Council just now.
Dear Renton City Council Members,
I am writing to express my concerns about the recent situation involving Council Member Carmen Rivera and her interaction with the Renton Police Chief. It has come to my attention that the events on TikTok, which led to Council Member Rivera feeling that the LGBTQ community, particularly vulnerable children, was endangered, might have been a setup for political gain.
It is especially egregious to put children at risk by delaying action in the hopes that they will be hurt and that the police could be accused of not taking the situation seriously. While it is crucial to ensure the safety of all residents, including the LGBTQ community, it is also essential that our elected officials act responsibly and transparently.
Instead of calling 911, as would be the appropriate course of action, Council Member Rivera emailed the vacationing police chief at 1 AM in the morning. This raises questions about her intentions in handling the situation. If her actions were indeed an attempt to create a situation where she could blame the Renton police for not responding adequately, this is an alarming misuse of her position as a council member.
It undermines trust in our local government and could have serious consequences for the safety and well-being of our residents, particularly the most vulnerable among us – our children. I urge the Renton City Council to thoroughly investigate this matter and take appropriate action to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.
Public servants should always act in the best interests of their constituents and uphold the values of honesty, integrity, and transparency. The safety and well-being of our community and not political gain should always be a top priority.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Greg
As a BIPOC and QTPOC activist, I can’t stand idly by and watch these accusations against Council Member Carmen Rivera and must IMMEDITALY address them. It’s infuriating to see presumably WT cis males like Greg jump to conclusions without considering context or the challenges Rivera faces as a queer advocate for social justice.
Claiming Rivera set up the Renton Police Department for failure for political gain is outrageous! She reached out to multiple channels for help, including Seattle University’s security, the FBI, and Renton Police. This shows she was CONCERNED about her safety, not scheming for some political advantage.
Everyone needs to understand that Carmen Rivera is human. Maybe she didn’t handle the situation perfectly, but that doesn’t mean she had bad intentions. Give her a break!
Let’s focus on building an inclusive, empathetic community instead of tearing down people who are actually TRYING to make a difference. The safety of the LGBTQ+ community should be our top priority. So, Greg, and anyone else who’s so eager to judge, stop spreading baseless accusations and start supporting those who are fighting for change!
That makes sense. Why else would she not call 911 immediately?
Normal Person: Danger -> 911
Carmen: Danger -> Email Chief Of Police on Vacation at 1am -> Post to TikTok -> Post to Twitter -> Call Ed Prince -> Don’t answer Chief of Police return email -> Post to Facebook -> Post again to TikTok -> Post more on Facebook -> Still don’t answer Chief of Police return email -> The Aristocrats!
What’s more important Carmen, safety or political stunts?
From the Renton Crime and Safety Page:
She came at [xxxxxx] and I back before she was elected calling us racists because of a racist Robin video that is still searchable here, Then once she was a council member she asked nicely if she could be a member of this page. Not after she told us that she was going to have protesters show up at our kids sports practice. We don’t do terrorist mentality in this group, especially when it involves children. Psychotic behavior is for the mental hospital, not the general public.
And another poster:
She, by proxy, threatened me and my family too. Thanks for speaking up. For me, it’s hard to speak up because I don’t want someone with bad intent to start to pay attention to my children.
But I’m finding more and more that I’m not the only one. There’s other victims and the more we speak out the better.
Is this what we want Renton?
A bit of inside baseball: Carmen ‘tagged’ council members Ed Prince, Ryan McIrvin, and James Alberson in one of her latest Facebook borderline cray cray rantings in order to increase it’s reach.
They all rejected her.
If I remember correctly, City Staff is supposed to respond to an email from a Councilman/woman in two weeks. If that sheds any light on how wrong this all is.
New TikTok just droped. Seems perfectly sane and well-adjusted.
https://www.tiktok.com/@riveraforrenton/video/7219449792194235691