Burien Mayor Kevin Schilling is taking a stand against the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) after they directed deputies to not enforce a city ordinance outlawing homeless encampments within 500 feet of locations like schools and parks. Schilling is examining the inter-local agreement between the city and county sheriff’s office and has stated that if the agreement was broken, he would consider establishing a city-run police department.
The new ordinance, which was adopted on March 4, prohibits people from sleeping overnight on public property from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. the next day, as long as a shelter, bed, or treatment facility is available. Camping on public property is also prohibited during daytime hours. However, the KCSO has expressed concerns over the constitutionality of the law and has directed deputies to not enforce it until the issue is resolved.
This decision by the sheriff’s office has raised questions about the power dynamics between higher government officials and local governments. Mayor Schilling argues that the City of Burien pays millions of dollars to the KCSO with the expectation that they will enforce city codes and laws to keep the community safe. He believes that the sheriff’s office is prioritizing politics over public safety.
Schilling also criticizes King County Executive Dow Constantine for not being supportive of Burien’s efforts to address homelessness. He points out that despite Constantine’s tenure, the level of homelessness in King County has reached an all-time high, along with the highest number of overdose deaths in the country. Schilling believes that the county’s approach, which includes increasing taxes for programs that do not show results, is not effective in solving the problems at hand.
The mayor emphasizes the need for government accountability and individual responsibility in addressing homelessness, drug addiction, mental health issues, and criminal activity. He believes that these issues cut across traditional partisan divides and should be prioritized over political agendas. Schilling advocates for prioritizing treatment over tents and public safety over politics in order to provide shelter and services for those in need.
While the city council passed the ordinance in a 5-2 vote, members viewed it as an emergency measure connected to the health and public safety implications of a previous law that banned camping on public property. Despite the KCSO’s decision to not enforce the homeless encampment ordinance, they have instructed deputies to continue enforcing criminal code violations.
The situation in Burien highlights the complex challenges faced by local governments in addressing homelessness and public safety. It raises important questions about the role of higher government officials in dictating policies at the local level. Mayor Schilling is determined to hold the KCSO accountable and prioritize the well-being of his community over political interests.
