Mayor's Reversal on North Precinct a Victory for Community

PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release: Friday, September 16th, 2016
Contact: Sheley Secrest, Second Vice President of the Seattle King County NAACP, 
sheleysecrest@gmail.com, 253-468-1247

              Mayor's Reversal on North Precinct a Victory for Community
                NAACP Wants Resources Redirected to Community Needs

Seattle, WA--On Thursday evening, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray reversed his decision and put a hold on building the $149 million North Precinct police station. The Seattle King County NAACP released the following statement in response:

"We are glad that the City of Seattle is no longer rushing through a plan to build a $149 million police bunker. This victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our community, who made their voices heard and kept the conversation centered on communities of color. It took ongoing and sustained pressure for the Mayor and City Councilmembers to reverse their course, and we're thankful that elected officials finally heard us. 

We encourage the City to put those resources to better use for our community by building affordable housing and increasing educational opportunities. As our country and city continue to grapple with ongoing issues of police brutality and accountability, we have to start thinking more holistically about how to keep our communities safer. That starts by listening to community needs, building relationships, and addressing the underlying social conditions that perpetuate crime. None of those problems can be solved by funneling millions of dollars into a police bunker. If Seattle is serious about strengthening relations between the community and police, it's time to put their money where their mouth is."
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Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. More information about the Seattle King County NAACP can be found here:www.seattlekingcountynaacp.org