by Staff Writer
At the Sept 11 City Council Meeting, City Manager Bailon stated that an email sent to all the council and certain staff by someone who regularly sends comments was incorrect. The writer, Jessica Giles, contended that there was not an increase in crime or overdose incidents in the camps. Bailon said that data from the King County Sheriff’s Office proves otherwise. Ms Giles stated in her email to the council:
“It is not outlandish to consider that mentally-ill, homeless people on drugs could possibly maintain any sort of community that would not be a den of crime and filth. I’m copying Chief Boe to validate my claim that there has not been substantial crime or overdose in Camp Ambaum. Without any monitoring, services, resources, or even a toilet, while under hostile and unsanitary conditions, about 45 people have self-governed for months.”
The people of Burien can judge for themselves if the behavior around the camps, as evidenced by the Sherriff’s report, observation and public testimony at City Council Meetings has been a demonstration of good self-governing.Â
Please find the complete letter below.Â
