Written by 
A year ago Renton Council was voting on an ordinance making it illegal for puppy retailers in Renton to sell puppies obtained from puppy mills. But Council Member Kim-Khanh Van spoke against the council’s action, and then voted “no” on advancing the puppy-mill ordinance to second and final reading. In her comments, Council Member Van indicated she was swayed in part by testimony give by Paula Sardinas, who is president and CEO of a lobbying firm that was advocating for Puppyland. Ms. Sardinas recently gave Council Member Van a $500 donation toward her 2023 reelection campaign.
As votes go, this should have been an easy one for Renton council members. Puppy mills are large scale agricultural operations that raise puppies similarly to other livestock. This is in contrast to the careful breeding, early socialization, personal attention, and veterinary care that puppies receive from responsible breeders following AKC best practices. Families that receive puppy-mill puppies are far more likely to get a pet with health or behavioral problems, issues that can lead to terrible heartbreak and high expenses. Medical expenses on top of sky-high sale prices and predatory finance terms can stress a family so badly their beloved pet can even be (traumatically) repossessed.
At the time of this vote, the Washington State legislature had recently acted to prohibit puppy retailers statewide, and Puppyland was only still open in Renton because they had begun operation before the 2021 law took effect. Puppyland was being picketed and boycotted, and investigative journalists were raising questions about the health of their puppies and the predatory financing that often accompanied the sales. Renton city staff and the Renton Planning Commission were both recommending adoption of the ordinance.
Two weeks after Council Member Van’s efforts to sideline the ordinance, it came up for final council approval with widespread public support. With the ordinance poised to easily pass 6-1, and the rest of the Council holding firm, Council Member Van finally switched sides and voted with the majority. Within days of the ordinance passing, Puppyland closed their Renton store.
A year after closing it’s Renton store, Puppyland is still causing grief in Renton. Last week a former-customer posted to a large Renton facebook group, seeking a lawyer that could help her with a possible lawsuit against Puppyland. “I love my doggy but damn these payments,” she said. KIRO’s Jesse Jones reported that some customers signed predatory financing contracts with interest rates up to 200 percent, on puppies costing over $5000. (For comparison, an AKC registered purebred puppy from a responsible local breeder will typically sell for $1000-$2000.) Almost a hundred people commented on the facebook post. Some were not that optimistic that a lawyer could get her out of her contract, while others pointed to a lawsuit Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed in April against the company, and suggested she may want to get in touch with his office.
The Council Meeting with Ms. Sardinas testimony and Council Member Van’s comments can be viewed here. The PDC form showing the donation from Ms. Sardinas to Council Member Van can be seen here.
I’m surprised that it only take $500 to presumably sway a vote by a Renton council member.
Seattle and outside funding of Renton political candidates is a huge problem. In the last election, the Seattle-based candidates spent over $90,000 in their elections, while the candidates with primarily Renton funding roughly spent one third of that.
With that in mind, we can tell in this political race who is ‘for’ Renton and who has been bought by Seattle.
Don’t vote for Kim Van or Ed Prince if you’d like to see your representative advocate for you and Renton and not outside interests.
We need representatives that do not view Renton as a source of funding for their sponsors and do not view Renton as a test ground for their outside extreme political experiments like defunding the police or encouraging open drug usage.
Ed Prince has been nothing but a positive for Renton, he is a true leader in our city and for our neighboring cities! I totally support Ed!
I like Ed. Nice guy. But when we needed him to be the voice of reason, he joins up with Carmen.
You pretend like that’s a bad thing. Quite the opposite.
His ongoing dialogue with Carmen Rivera, a respected advocate for BIPOC and marginalized communities, enriches his perspective, preparing him better to create policies that respond to the needs of all community members, but especially those often overlooked.
Ed’s evolution, shaped notably by his recently acquired understanding of police brutality and the urgent need to reform our approach towards drug-related offenses, demonstrates his readiness to listen and learn from LGBTQUIA+ and BIPOC voices. This adaptability and openness to growth are marks of an effective public servant.
You tell ‘em, Winter.
While it’s clear Ed has his supporters, it’s important to consider all aspects of leadership. A good leader doesn’t only take the path of least resistance or vote in a way that will make their tenure easiest. Instead, they make difficult decisions, guided by the principles they believe in and what will best serve their constituents.
It’s not about undermining Ed’s character, but rather, re-evaluating what we consider to be leadership. Renton needs leaders who are ready to make the tough decisions and stand by them, leaders who prioritize the needs of the community over the ease of their tenure.
Greg
What does this even mean? If Ed is voting for what’s popular, how is that a bad thing?
To be clear if anyone is confused, Ed Prince voted along with five others to put the puppy-mill ordinance on second-and-final reading, and then voted in the next meeting to pass the ordinance– excellent votes on this issue. I remember him working hard on this ordinance.
I agree with Charles statement Ed Prince is a hard working counsel person – he has served Renton well and will continue to do so.
If Ed can get our SoundTransit funding back. He voted it all away, and I’m not amused.
Puppyland is nothing more than a Predatory Lender and an abuser of our furry family selling puppy mill dogs! This type of business should be shut down forever!
100% agreement and I normally support the freedom to let the market decide. But in this case, Puppyland is evil.
Paula is a fascinating person. She’s amazingly clever at building a rapor and then sliding her request in very carefully.
What I find a bit odd, is that she donated after puppyland closed. I just don’t see her giving her own money because she likes a politician, in that, if she did that for every politician, she would go broke. She knows everybody frankly.
What I don’t understand about Paula Sardinas’ testimony is why she thinks keeping Puppyland in business is a priority for equity. Jesse Jones’ report documented that with the ludicrously high interest rates charged, some customers were on the hook to pay over $14,000 for a puppy. This is a puppy they should be able to buy for $1500 from a responsible local breeder. It’s not okay to let any local residents get pulled into a predatory contract by the cuteness of a puppy or the pleading in their child’s eyes, especially not any of our most vulnerable residents. If the issue is that local breeders are discriminating against BIPOC residents when selling puppies, then that is certainly an issue worth lobbying about, and I would join her in tightening legislation to protect against that. Some breeders may have placement restrictions that are either inadvertently or even intentionally biased and should be corrected. But sending BIPOC residents, or any residents, to a retail store that will rope them into high prices and predatory lending, and threaten to repossess their beloved pet, does not look like a good use of Ms. Sardinas’ influence.
Hi Randy,
I’m happy to meet with you in person and share all of the documentation from several national organizations. We can also share a statement issued by the National Humane Society after the death of Mr George Floyd where they called for changes in the “systemically racially biased system.” Again these are not my documents, but theirs.
We never said a pet store was the only option. We in fact said, if a store is not humane or if a community objects— let the local residents decide. In those cases, residents will close a retailer if they are not right for that community.
But consumers need more than one option for pet ownership. Ownership should not be restricted to the privileged few; but affordable for all who love pets. Adopting a pet is similar to adopting a child. While not everyone will qualify, we should not be euthanizing beautiful healthy animals simply because the prospective adoptive parent is not perfect. Give consumers the choice.
We agree that no one should be in a high interest rate loan, let’s ban those loans for all POS— not just puppies.
Let’s have a dialogue. I’m a Renton business owner and I want elected officials who listen without prejudice. We can disagree, but it should be honey and respectful.
Happy to meet and hear your thoughts and ideas.
Warmly,
Paula Sardiñas
Don’t waste your time with a dialog with a puppy mill lobbyist, Randy. She’s already proven what kind of person she is.
Here is what she is defending. https://www.humanesociety.org/puppy-mill-research
Robert,
If you want to know what kind of person I am— Google me. Ask me.
When you cast dispersions on someone you’ve never met— on a #blog it tells the world exactly what kind of person YOU are. Probably a person who celebrates July 4th knowing Black Americans were enslaved. Probably a man who thinks he can bully a woman. Do you object to lobbyists who represent pharmaceutical companies? You those big corporations who poisoned our communities with OXY— and now fentanyl? Or didn’t you know BOB had the same lobbyists “representing them?”
So to be clear representing “legalized drug cartels and puppies is okay, but represent small businesses, the hungry, tenants and tenant unions, transgender kids, the disabled community — well that’s just plain bad!” You see my Lobbying client. You don’t see the other 219 consulting or pro bono clients.
Be careful sir— your DeSantis is showing. Vote based on the issues, not lies based on fear mongering.
Have a blessed day. One thing you won’t do is spread lies about me or my family. I’m not a politician— keep my name off of your conversation.
Warmly,
Paula Sardiñas
I already know what kind of person you are, you are the type that will lobby for puppy mills.
Pathetic.
And you are a typical “keyboard” coward who can only attack people via the internet.
Let’s meet for coffee. Bit that would require courage, something you clearly lack.
Even if provided facts; you operate on emotion. You cannot engage in positive discourse or respectful dialogue. You are exactly what Trump created, an “opinionated zealot,” who thinks bullying works.
Well it does NOT.
Have a blessed day.
Paula
Meet for coffee? Hahahaha, sure. Nothing I love more then wasting my time on some fact spinner who supports puppy mills.
Save your breath, I have no interest.
You can’t represent trash and come out smelling like a rose.
In my opinion, you represented loan shark animal abusers.
Dear Anon:
While I disagree, I respect your opinion. Again, happy to connect and answer any questions. We represent 219 clients, only five are non-BIPOC. We have rescued over 100 women from sex-trafficking. We know who we are and what we do. I can stand ten toes down on the facts.
We don’t engage in gutter politics. We simply believe all people regardless of race, gender, religion, national origin— and disability, should have a right to own a pet. We have two emotional support dogs, they are lifesavers.
That process should not involve puppy mills, animal cruelty, racism, or predatory lending. But neither should dental bills, car repairs, housing or car loans. We are consistent.
I also don’t hide behind a keyboard. I’m in Renton every week. :-). We believe in transparency— not personal attacks for cheap political points.
Have a great day,
Warmly,
Paula
Ms. Sardinas, this Renton law was 100% about Puppy Mills, and you worked hard to defeat it. I don’t see how you can now claim that you are against Puppyland selling puppies from puppy mills after working to defeat Renton’s bill.
Since you mentioned other industries, would you work as hard to protect predatory auto repair shops, exploitive used auto sellers, and predatory landlords as you did this puppy seller?
No Randy, I don’t represent pay day lenders, or buy here pay her auto lending industries. We do represent over 1,000 small businesses. It’s not practical to know all of their lending practices.
99.5% of all Washington businesses, are small businesses. We support them!
As I stated, we are continuing to put forward legislation that caps all high interest rates for all industries. Businesses who use these lenders will need to find a new way of doing business.
If I don’t like a business, I don’t shop there. I don’t attack or send death threats. Do you understand that’s what happened here? Or do you not care? Maybe that’s how some folks advocate, it’s not how we engage.
We have screenshots of your blog. If me or my family receives any threats or threats of violence, we will take legal action. We’ve already reported this to the police. Your entire exercise for political power is making Renton less safe.
I’m glad this is a public format. Ultimately voters can see we made an attempt to engage in a professional discussion. You and your keyboard “gang” decided to obfuscate into ad-homonym attacks.
If you are running a race based on making Renton safer and more affordable— talk about that. Don’t “cherry pick one client” when you know our firm has won countless honors in multiple states for the great things we do.
I’m disappointed but not surprised. Some folks will do anything to win an election. I hope the voters see through this.
If you cared, run a bill to eradicate all predatory lending. Cap all lending at 9.99%. This includes Best Buy and Progressive leasing (in your district) who have also been sued and settled with multiple AG’s.
Have shelters follow the sane exercise, diet and vigorous screening process as your ordinance, so know no one adopts a critically sick puppy. Stop euthanizing healthy dogs and give them to vets and nonprofits who oppose human trafficking. Let’s eliminate coded questions on the adoption application (we’ve done this in three states). Wouldn’t this provide a better outcome for all of our furry friends? But hey, real solutions don’t make good political sound bites.
Put up, or put down the keyboard. You are not solutions based, just another political “candidate” running a race on fear.
Have a blessed day. I’m going back to my vacation. My point is clear— you never win when you play dirty and we stand up to bullies.
Paula Sardiñas
Ms. Sardinas, I don’t see any death threats, or threats of violence, on my blog.
Hundreds and perhaps thousands of Renton families are in debt due to Puppyland. And some of them are coping with medical expenses for their dogs on top of the 200% interest rate they were locked into when they made the purchase. This can make it more difficult for them to afford the other costs of daily life, especially given the recent high inflation. If questioning this seems wrong to you, you should take your objections to the Attorney General, who has filed a lawsuit with the same concerns. https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-files-lawsuit-against-puppyland-misleading-marketing-puppies
I’m glad you would support legislation to eliminate predatory lending. The need for this is definitely something you and I can readily agree on.
>>Ownership should not be restricted to the privileged few; but affordable for all who love pets.
Well ok then. Good thing we shut down Puppyland. With their predatory loan practices.
I’m also interested in that Kim’s supporters are doing their hardest to make her vote for this go away.
I bet they read the room and found it to be an inferno.
AC,
I actually do! We don’t have a PAC. I only give to folks we’ve met with and believe in their values and missions. It takes tremendous courage to run for office and most of the best candidates simply are working-class people looking to serve the community they love. We donate, make calls and knock doors.
Even if someone votes against an issue I support, I may still donate to their campaign. We don’t take votes personally. Issues are complicated and all voices must be heard and respected.
When a person rises above partisanship and seeks to represent all the citizens (even those who won’t vote for them) we know that’s the right candidate. Leadership is more than slogans and signs— it’s about doing really hard work to achieve meaningful outcomes. Renton is a beautiful city and deserves the best representation.
Warmly,
Paula Sardiñas
KKV has to go.
She have demonstrated very poor judgement and this is just another example. Allowing King County to transfer Seattle’s homeless problem to Renton was another.
How are we going to get the news out to voters? She has more that 40K in the bank and her expensive campaign manager will be willing to message anything to get her elected.
We’ll wind up with another lying Carmen Rivera situation where her Abolish the Police stand was covered up with her daddy being a cop.
Let’s hope KKV gets knocked out in the primary. If not, we all should pledge to support her opponent. So far, from what I’ve seen, any one of them would be better – EXCEPT for the hidden Seattle socialist.
I had assumed Kim’s vote to keep the puppy mills in business was just a poor vote or maybe a difference in balancing business needs with local legislation.
But accepting the campaign contributions from their lobbyist after the vote and after we all came to understand their animal abuse and predatory lending tells a different story.
This isn’t what I want in a representative.
Dear Renton family,
I say family because when I moved to WA I loved and lived in Renton. My kids graduated from Renton schools. I’m happy to discuss my lived experience with a system that denied me a puppy when I needed an emotional support animal. I did purchase from a breeder. (Roman). We were told “you travel a lot and don’t have a back yard). At the time I was travel to NJ to assist in a sexual assault prosecution. (All public record).
My decision as a National Civil Rights advocate is to love my pet, but not more than “Black and BIPOC humans.” The pet rescue industry history of discrimination is well documented and we presented thirty years worth of documentation. To be clear, all of my pets prior to Roman were rescued. Some came from a shelter where I volunteered, another was adopted directly from a family. We favor choice. A homeless veteran or mother living as a renter should not be denied a pet arbitrarily.
The same way I’ve fought for food insecurity and affordable housing, I also advocate for small businesses unapologetically. I’m not a partisan “hack,” or someone who caves to bullying. The owners of Puppyland were interviewed and questioned. Our firm also advised of the “puppy mill claims were true,” we would not represent them.
They have worked hard to change many policies and complied with the ordinances and regulations. We do not now nor have we ever advocated for high interest loans. I do not believe a consumer should be priced gouged at a pet store, retail store, or car lot. While we are at it— let’s end pay day loans and other predatory lending.
A new WA state law removes all financing and adds additional consumer protections. This was negotiated by all stakeholders including Puppyland.
My contribution to a politician has nothing to do with their vote. If you view my PDC, you’ll see I give to both D’s and R’s. When you work hard and own your own BUSINESSES, you can reinvest those dollars however you choose. I support candidates who quite frankly do not bully, sellout, or use their platforms to empower their own ideology. Rep. Von Kahn loves Renton. She cares deeply about issue like housing, education, and public safety.
We support her and the city. Why the author was “bashing” me he did not note since 2019, we have provided emergency food to over 5,000 Renton families. We’ve also donated 500 turkeys for Thanksgiving and 1,000 backpacks.
Conveniently the author left out the other 177 bills we passed this session that benefit all Washington’s such as missing middle housing, the assault weapons ban, and funding for food insecurity.
To the author, run your campaign based on ideas and principles; not baseless attacks on two “women of color.” Those who create a positive change talk about their ideas— partisan hacks talk about people.
Have a wonderful day and stay classy!
Mrs. Paula Sardiñas
(She/her/Ella)
President & CEO
Thank you Ms. Sardinas for your comments. Like you, I’ve dedicated many, many years to improving the lives of the residents of Renton.
I still don’t understand why you objected to legislation that prohibits puppies from puppy mills being sold in Renton stores. That’s all this legislation does.
I’m glad you agree with me that customers should not be price-gouged or subjected to predatory lending. Unfortunately there is enough evidence that Puppyland was doing this that the Attorney General is now investigating.
Sorry… You don’t get to play the race card. That’s lazy.
Nobody attacked anybody for any aspect of who they are. We’re discussing idiot idea of voting for animal abusers.
Grow up.
KKV = Animal Abuse
That comment wasn’t for Randy, but for Paula.
Sir,
You sound a tad Trumps.
PS
Did you just assume my gender?
Randy,
We have tried for years to pass legislation to block all forms of predatory loans. Happy to meet you, show you the bills and the Democrats who killed it because of the pay day loan and banking industry. This bill would have prevented all of these loans in every industry.
We’ve never met but I certainly knew you when I lived in Renton. If you read my public state testimony- you’ll understand why I took on this client. When had a hard time adopting a puppy because unfortunately, we rented a 5,000 square foot home with no backyard. (We had kids and a foster child). We needed a puppy for a sexual-assault victim. A friend introduced me to Puppyland where they offered to give us a puppy.
We ended up making national news and the Make A Wish foundation got the puppy Roman for our family and the survivor. I never forgot the owner’s kindness during this horrible episode. We met them and agreed to help them as a small business client.
We continue to support adoptions, more resources to shelter’s etc. We also met thousands of folks who came from various backgrounds with the same story, “we won’t a puppy, we have references and great income— we were denied.” So we advocate for choice. The shelter intake numbers have not gone down in any location where a Puppyland store closed. This is verifiable through both county auditors and pet welfare agencies.
We rely on facts; not emotions.
Renton made their decision and we respect it. Communities get to choose. But similarly to abortion and affirmative action, I don’t want a person without my lived experience, deciding what’s right for my family. Consumerism is about the freedom of choice.
My offer stands. I’m happy to meet and answer any question. No matter who wins, we will continue to serve Renton. The city has been very good to my family.
Respectfully,
Paula Sardiñas
>>Rep. Von Kahn loves Renton.
That may be true. Whoever that is
Paula Sardiñas’ perspective, is a reflection of her personal experiences and advocacy work.
I have a different perspective as someone with a deep love for animals and a dislike for predatory practices.
I agree with Paula that no one should be denied a pet. However, we should consider the welfare of the animals.
It is essential to recognize that the fight against predatory lending is a challenge we must address head-on. Small businesses are crucial to our community and economy, but we cannot overlook practices that may exploit consumers or animals.
Fairness and integrity must be at the heart of everything we do.
Regarding political contributions, it’s a personal decision on how one uses their resources. However, it is vital for our democracy that decisions are made based on what is best for the community, not for individual businesses or interests.
I acknowledge the importance of focusing on ideas and principles rather than personal attacks. However, a fair critique is not necessarily an attack. It’s a way to hold each other accountable, learn, and improve as a community. I stand for that, and I encourage everyone to do the same.
Greg
Greg,
Thank you and I agree with you on every point.
We won’t shy away from tough issues (we get attacked by landlords because we favor rent control). We also supported seven gun ban bills and local controls. The NRA has also made me a target. I’m an advocate— this comes with the work.
We always try to align policies and clients with lived experience. More than anything we are very loyal. The owners offered help after a therapist recommended an emotional support animal. Never have they ever publicly divulged that information— we did. Our dog saved two lives in our home. I’m eternally grateful.
Businesses must operate ethically and honestly. We fully support accountability. The Council member in question does not now; nor has she ever supported a puppy mill. If she proposed a bill to eliminate all sales outside of pet adoption, I would still have supported her. We looked at her work on healthcare, homeless, immigration, and jobs.
I’m fine if people need to attack me, but this is not fair to Kim. She’s not for sale and she loves Renton. She’s been a great champion for domestic violence survivors and marginalized communities. That’s her heart. That’s who she truly is.
I just want people to spread more love and less hate. This store is closed in Renton and if there are consumer issues, please let me know. We absolutely support consumers. We are also awaiting the outcome of the AG’s case.
Our process involves viewing all facts before rushing to judgment. If you are familiar with high profile cases; you know this tactic can ruin both lives and reputation. We want to see all of the facts.
Respectfully,
Paula Sardiñas
“Renton Family”…..
FMS GLOBAL STRATEGIES, LLC
Company Number
604602985
Status
Active
Incorporation Date
30 April 2020 (about 3 years ago)
Company Type
WA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Jurisdiction
Washington (US)
Registered Address
2044 NW TALUS DR
ISSAQUAH
98027-8954
WA
UNITED STATES
Agent Name
PAULA SARDINAS
Agent Address
2044 NW TALUS DR, ISSAQUAH, WA, 98027-8954, UNITED STATES
Directors / Officers
ALBERT SARDINAS, executor
PAULA SARDINAS, executor
PAULA SARDINAS, governor
PAULA SARDINAS, agent
Registry Page
https://www.sos.wa.gov/corps/business…
In case anyone has not yet seen the formal announcement of the Attorney General’s lawsuit against Puppyland, here it is: https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-files-lawsuit-against-puppyland-misleading-marketing-puppies
Randy, this is just plain sad. There is a special place in hell for people who engage profit from this type of sickness.
** typo **
engage AND profit
sorry
Have a blessed day. Jesus loves you!
It’s the puppy mill defenders that should go seek Jesus, repent, and then sin no more.
Robert,
If anyone harasses me or my family due to this post, we will absolutely take legal action against you.
Again, is this how the city of Renton wants its citizens to behave. This type of internet bullying only strengthens my resolve to advocate against people like you.
We’ll be sending your post to law enforcement. See we never “defunded police,” we are pro public safety!
If the moderator allows this conduct, the citizens need to factor this in when making their choice.
Have a blessed and fantastic day!
Love always wins,
Paula Sardiñas
Really hard for you to stay on topic, isn’t it? I get it, you throw what you can up on the wall and see what sticks.
“We’ll be sending your post to law enforcement” – Cool. I’ll just provide them the public record of your LLC filing and that’ll be that. I’m sure they appreciate you wasting their time.
In the meantime, I’ll be very proactive in making sure that Kim-Khanh Van doesn’t make it through the upcoming primary.
She has you to thank for that.
Dear Richard,
Be blessed. May God watch over you. May His grace heal whatever compels you as a human to behave this way. You are an example of everything I’m proud I fought against my entire life. This Trumpian form of political discourse is tearing the country apart. You can choose change.
Be the light you seek. Talk about ideas and policies, not people.
Advocating for your position should not involve “dosing,” (just passed a law) and bullying.
Love and light,
Paula
Who is Richard?
Based on her context, Richard sounds like a Trump supporter. But as far as I can tell he has not commented here on my blog.
It’s worrisome that Ms. Sardinas is taking to baseless threats to try to stop people from discussion here.
One of the things that her client “Puppyland” is in trouble for, is attempting to silence their customers on the internet.
Here is a quote directly from the Attorney General’s lawsuit announcement:
“Puppyland tried to prevent customers from speaking out about their experiences
Puppyland’s standard purchase paperwork included an illegal non-disclosure provision that attempted to prevent consumers from sharing truthful information about their experience. Individuals who signed the paperwork agreed not to “disparage, defame, sully or compromise the goodwill” of Puppyland, or face the threat of legal action.
Further, Puppyland’s purchase agreement stated that it would void its health warranties if a consumer left a negative review on widely used online web sites.
A Washingtonian who bought a Shiba Inu puppy that later died said she wanted to write a negative review but decided not to because she feared Puppyland would sue her, which would add attorney costs onto the financial hardships from her loan and veterinary bills.”
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-files-lawsuit-against-puppyland-misleading-marketing-puppies
Threatening police action because someone said they don’t like Puppy Mills seems to prove the Attorney General’s point.
“Puppyland faces thousands of dollars in penalties per violation of the Consumer Protection Act. Further, the Attorney General’s Office anticipates seeking restitution for the many Washingtonians who financed puppies through the company.”
In a perfect world, the WA ATG office would go after everybody who assisted Pupplyland with scamming people.
People should be ashamed to even be associated with Puppyland.
I see how Kim’s campaign is going to go based on her supporter here.l:
Avoid taking about policy and accuse people of being racist trump supporters and then cry about things that never happened.
No wonder Kim endorsed Carmen Rivera. They’re the same.
I don’t quite agree fully. But based on this interaction, I’m no longer sitting on the sidelines.
Anybody but Kim.
The residents of our state have made it clear that votes by elected officials shall be made in public (Open Public Meetings Act, RCW 42.30), and campaign funding sources will be public (Campaign Disclosure and Contribution, RCW 42.17A). There are entire state agencies paid for by taxpayers to ensure this data is widely available to the public. Collecting and disbursing this information costs millions of dollars per year.
So obviously, contrary to what Puppyland’s lobbyist says, it is not “bullying” or “a baseless attack” for residents of the State of Washington to discuss this public information in the context of an upcoming election. Some residents would even consider it a duty. If the lobbyist or the candidates she supports do not like this public information to be discussed, then they may want to reconsider the decisions they are making, or even reconsider their career choices.
During 28 years in public office, I was always happy to discuss my voting record and my political contributions with anyone, and I wasn’t ashamed when others talked about them. I did not consider it bullying when someone brought them up.
Threatening people with “police” action for discussing this information becomes a story in itself.
Agreed. The threats and ad-hominem attacks in the comment section came from Kim’s supporter.
Kim-Khánh Văn are you going to return the campaign contribution?
Congratulations, Kim-Khánh Văn. Your “lobbyist” pal just cost you the re-election.
Hope $500 was worth it.
Apparently the Renton Firefighters Union endorses Kim’s puppy mill and defund the police antics! Who would have guessed.
Gross. KKV continues to prove she’s unfit to serve on council.