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July 25, 2014January 6, 2023Councilmember Godden, News Releases

Councilmember Godden Statement in Response to Resolution of Magnuson Park Tree-Cutting Case

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 7/25/2014

Councilmember Jean Godden 

Councilmember Godden Statement in Response to Resolution of Magnuson Park Tree-Cutting Case

Seattle - Councilmember Jean Godden issued a statement in response to the resolution of the Magnuson Park tree-cutting case. Earlier this year Kurt Zwar was charged in Seattle Municipal Court with one count of Removal/Destruction of Parks Property pursuant to Seattle Municipal Code18.12.070(B):

"We treasure our volunteers and all the work they do.  However, we want to ensure visitors feel safe and that our Parklands are protected for future generations.  I would like to thank our City Attorney's Office for its work on this case and Parks Superintendent Christopher Williams for his attention to this issue.  I am grateful to the Seattle Police, as well as the staff of Seattle Parks and Recreation for reporting on this crime and taking swift action."

[View in Council Newsroom]

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July 22, 2014January 6, 2023Councilmember Godden, News Releases

Seafair Princesses at Council Today, Addressing Gender Pay Gap

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 7/21/2014

Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Sally J. Clark

Seafair Princesses at Council Today, Addressing Gender Pay Gap

Seattle - Councilmembers Jean Godden and Sally J. Clark welcomed the Seafair Princesses to City Council today to discuss gender pay disparity in Seattle and how the Seafair Foundation's Scholarship Program for Women participants can help take action to address the problem.  Councilmembers engaged with the young women, who agreed to become "Gender Pay Ambassadors," bringing awareness of the pay disparity to their respective communities.  The young women then visited Full Council, where Councilmembers proclaimed July 21, "Seafair Foundation Day."

"These young women are our future leaders, and I'm thrilled to have them engage in the issues of equal pay and gender equity," said Councilmember Jean Godden. "I'm thankful for Seafair Foundation's Scholarship Program for Women which provides more than $20,000 in scholarship assistance to young women seeking academic scholarships and leadership development."

Councilmembers discussed the recent study which found that, on average, women in the Puget Sound region are paid $0.73 relative to every dollar a man earned.  Among City employees, women were found to have earned $0.90 for every dollar a man earned and comprise only 1/3 of the City workforce.  Between 2013 and 2014, Councilmember Godden spearheaded an effort with former Mayor Mike McGinn and current Mayor Ed Murray to identify solutions to end the disparity.  Work to address the disparity is currently underway.

"The Scholarship Program for Women empowers young women to reach their personal and professional goals by showcasing their academic abilities, community service, and public speaking skills," said Beth Knox, Seafair President and CEO. "Visiting City Hall and meeting female civic leaders is an important addition to their experience with Seafair and the community."

With a mission to promote philanthropy, diversity and community involvement, participants/princesses represent Seafair at nearly 20 community events and parades. Participants are also paired with respected local female professionals in a Mentorship Program. This program provides the opportunity for participants to gain professional experience through networking and exposure to the business world.

The Seafair Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable partner of the Seafair Festival, was established to create and build opportunities for Seafair's youth education, cultural and community engagement programs. Their mission is to empower our future leaders and connect Greater Puget Sound through unique experiences. The Seafair Foundation is passionate about celebrating the culture and unique assets of your community, which contributes to the quality of life for those who live, work and play here.

[View in Council Newsroom]

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June 2, 2014January 6, 2023Councilmember Bagshaw, Councilmember Burgess, Councilmember Godden, Councilmember Harrell, Councilmember Licata, Councilmember O'Brien, Councilmember Rasmussen, Councilmember Sawant, News Releases

City Council Approves $15/hour Minimum Wage in Seattle

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 6/2/2014
Councilmember Sally J. Clark
Council President Tim Burgess
Councilmember Sally Bagshaw
Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Bruce Harrell
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Mike O'Brie...

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March 18, 2014January 6, 2023Councilmember Godden, Councilmember Licata, News Releases

Councilmembers Licata, Godden statements on the passing of former Councilmember Jim Compton

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/18/2014

Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Nick Licata

Councilmembers Licata, Godden statements on the passing of former Councilmember Jim Compton

SEATTLE - Councilmembers Nick Licata and Jean Godden issued the following statements today on the passing of former Councilmember Jim Compton:

Councilmember Nick Licata:

"Jim and I shared a term of service, an interest in writing and a love of literature. As a journalist and councilmember, Jim worked tirelessly to inform the public, educate the electorate and tell the stories that had meaning to Seattleites.

"Beginning with his election in 1999, Jim advocated for open and transparent government, police accountability and a municipally-owned wireless system. I was proud to serve with him as fellow members of the Utilities & Technology, Energy & Environmental Policy, and Government Affairs & Labor committees. During the years we worked together, I found Jim's approach to governing to be thoughtful yet still bold. He was easy to work with but stood up for his beliefs.

"Before being elected to the Council, we all knew Jim for his career in journalism, working first for NBC and ultimately as producer and host of the top-rated weekly news program "The Compton Report." Like so many in Seattle, I relied on "The Compton Report" for an in depth analysis of local issues.

"Jim served with conviction and enthusiasm. His death leaves an undeniable void for us all, and his inquisitive spirit will be missed. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time."

Councilmember Jean Godden:

"Today, the City lost one of its most thoughtful citizens and big thinkers with the passing of Jim Compton.

"I first knew Jim as a fellow journalist. He was working as producer of "The Compton Report" for KING-TV, and I was a columnist for The Seattle Times. Over the years, we often met professionally, covering the same story. As a city columnist, I covered him during his first four years on the Seattle City Council. Later I joined him as a fellow councilmember. During the two-plus years we served together, Jim was more than generous with advice, serving both as a friend and mentor. He often extended a helping hand on issues of importance to us both. I remember his zeal for historic preservation and his recognition of Seattle's role in maritime history.

"It was a sad day when I learned that he would be leaving the council, but I respected his enthusiasm for returning to his roots as a journalist. I know that Jim's post-City Hall life was rich, and he often lobbied the Council for issues he cared deeply about. His work as a journalist, author and legislator has improved our region and City. He will be deeply missed."

[View in Council Newsroom]

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March 4, 2014January 6, 2023Councilmember Godden, Councilmember Sawant, News Releases

Sawant, Godden Recognize Women’s History Month

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/4/2014

Councilmember Kshama Sawant
Councilmember Jean Godden

Sawant, Godden Recognize Women's History Month
Fight for Economic Opportunities, Reduce the Gender Gap

SEATTLE -- Councilmember Kshama Sawant and Councilmember Jean Godden issued the following statement regarding Women's History Month observed in March and the celebration of International Women's Day on March 8. The Councilmembers salute all the women who struggle and have struggled for women's rights around the globe, and the fight to reduce the gender gap to provide economic opportunities for women:

"Every gain for women's rights was won through struggle. Our fight for a $15/hour minimum wage in Seattle is fundamentally a fight for women's rights," said Sawant. "Two-thirds of minimum wage workers are women and one in five are mothers. Women are nearly two thirds of tipped workers and we must fight for a living wage for all workers, not based on the generosity of others."

Sawant cited the findings of the Restaurant Opportunities Center United: "Lowering the minimum wage for tipped workers is essentially creating legalized gender inequity in the restaurant industry and allowing a tip penalty would exacerbate the gender wage gap. Working women and people of color need $15/hour without tip penalties and we need it now."

The Restaurant Opportunities Center United also points out that female servers are paid 68 percent of the wage received by males, whereas African American women workers are making only 60 percent of what their male counterparts earn."A higher minimum wage is a powerful tool towards reducing income disparity between women and men," says Councilmember Godden (chair of the Council Committee overseeing Gender Equity. "Our city wants to be the best at bridging this gap; right now we have one of the worst gender wage gaps in the country."

[View in Council Newsroom]

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December 31, 2013January 6, 2023Councilmember Bagshaw, Councilmember Burgess, Councilmember Godden, Councilmember Harrell, Councilmember Licata, Councilmember O'Brien, Councilmember Rasmussen, Councilmember Sawant, News Releases

City Hall to host inauguration ceremony for Seattle Mayor, Councilmembers, and City Attorney

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12/31/2013
Councilmember Sally Bagshaw
Councilmember Tim Burgess
Councilmember Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Bruce Harrell
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Mike O'Brien
...

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September 12, 2013January 6, 2023Councilmember Godden, News Releases

Councilmember Jean Godden introduces Comprehensive Commercial Recycling

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 9/12/2013

Councilmember Jean Godden 

Councilmember Jean Godden introduces Comprehensive Commercial Recycling
Businesses to recycle aluminum, plastic and glass

Seattle - Councilmember Jean Godden introduced legislation today to require that Seattle businesses recycle glass, plastic, tin, and aluminum, effective July 2014. Six months of educational outreach to businesses would be conducted before the requirement takes effect, with one-and-a-half years before the use of civil infractions for enforcement. Councilmember Godden also directed SPU to streamline the process for business owners to convert to comprehensive recycling, allocating $150,000 for business engagement.

"This is clearly the next step in Seattle's recycling effort," said Councilmember Jean Godden, Chair of the Libraries, Utilities, and Center Committee. “Homeowners have been recycling bottles and cans since 2005, and it's time we reenergize the effort to preserve our dwindling natural resources."

Seattle businesses discard over 8,000 tons of recyclable bottles and cans in the landfill every year. Businesses are currently required to recycle only paper and cardboard. By 2019, this ban will reduce recyclables that go to the landfill by 6,000 tons, or over 200 shipping containers, per year.

Regardless the size or type of business, switching to a strong recycling program is expected to save the company money. Savings will range from $55 per month for a small restaurant to $1,522 for a large office building, according to Seattle Public Utilities.

"I doubled the funding for business recycling outreach to ensure this is a win for both business and the environment." said Godden. "What better year to do this than on the 25th anniversary of curbside recycling in Seattle?"

[View in Council Newsroom]

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July 22, 2013January 6, 2023Councilmember Godden, Councilmember O'Brien, News Releases

Council targets neighborhood flooding using green technologies

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 7/22/2013

Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Mike O'Brien

Council targets neighborhood flooding using green technologies

SEATTLE - City Council set a target to prevent flooding around Seattle's drains and pipes by capturing stormwater and reducing rain runoff by implementing emerging green technologies. This "Green Stormwater Infrastructure" (GSI) includes raingardens, vegetated roofs, rainwater harvesting and use of permeable pavement in Seattle neighborhoods.

The City will strive to manage 700 million gallons of stormwater annually with GSI methods by 2025, approximately 1,000 gallons per Seattle resident. Seattle's sewer and stormwater system can back up during heavy rainfall, and GSI is intended to mimic natural processes by absorbing stormwater flow.

"These green technologies improve water quality, control stormwater, prevent flooding and protect creeks," said Councilmember Jean Godden. "Neighborhood beautification and increased greenery is just one of many bonuses that come with it."

GSI can provide community benefits such as an increased tree canopy, improved pedestrian safety, new small business opportunities, improvements to streetscapes or bikeways that provide appreciable economic and aesthetic value and climate mitigation and adaptation value.

"Seattle has been a national leader in the development and delivery of high-performing GSI projects and programs for more than a decade," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien. "GSI is a critical aspect of a sustainable drainage system."

The Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) will coordinate an interdepartmental effort to develop and deliver a "2025 GSI Implementation Strategy" by June 30, 2014.

[View in Council Newsroom]