I believe that public safety is a fundamental responsibility of local government. This means a primary emphasis and strong financial backing for professional firefighters, police officers, and our municipal court system.
Public Safety
I believe that public safety is a fundamental responsibility of local government. This means a primary emphasis and strong financial backing for professional firefighters, police officers, and our municipal court system.
I went door-to-door in support of the recently-approved EMS levy, to rebuild this crucial public service that was headed for bankruptcy. Against initial resistance by the city administration, I have supported modest and strategic increases in staffing levels for both the police and our firefighter.
I also supported the introduction of body cameras for our patrol officers, which have been shown elsewhere as an important tool to ensure transparency and better law enforcement; and I resisted and rejected a police request for privacy-intrusive software tools that would mine social media and other data.
“We are facing important decisions about mental illness, substance abuse, and criminal justice, and Michael Lilliquist is wise enough to know that we should reject false either/or choices. He knows that the criminalization of behavioral and social problems worsens crime and decreases safety. I have seen up close that Michael thinks with his head and acts from his heart, and that’s why I support Michael’s re-election to the city council.”
–Jill Bernstein
Our municipal court handles lower-level offenders, where the opportunities for alternative and restorative approaches to justice are possible. I am proud of Bellingham’s Drug Court, Mental Health Court, and Domestic Violence programs, that seek to protect and rebuild rather than simply to punish and imprison. Our goal needs to be to reduce the number of people who commit crimes, and one of the best ways to do this is by not stigmatizing and burdening people with a criminal record when behavioral and substance abuse problems are the root cause. I believe that treatment, prevention, and re-entry support create a safer community in the long run.
I also supported the City’s “sanctuary” ordinance, which affirmed our policy that no city personnel or resources will be used to enforce federal immigration rules. I believe our community is safer and more just when every person feels free to call 911 to report a crime or ask for help.
Community
We’re in this together. My family and yours. Self-government and democracy are about coming together to address our common concerns and reach our shared goals. To do this we need to listen to each other. For me, this has meant a tireless effort to respond to, and seek out various groups and individuals in Bellingham, and to listen to people with experiences in other communities to learn what works.
As an example, there was a recent meeting by advocates for sanctuary city status, and I was there. There was another event focused on telling the stories of homeless people, and I was there. Not too long ago, several neighborhood associations held an open discussion on infill development, affordable housing, and neighborhood character, and I was there. More recently, a neighborhood group used Whatcom Community Foundation funds to hold a forum and workshops on the possibility of infill development in established neighborhoods, and I was an all-day participant as well as a featured person in the short video produced prior to the event.
It takes a lot of my time to attend the many events organized by the members of our community and to meet one-on-one with constituents who contact me, but the benefits are enormous. Often, it’s the best part of my job.
And what I learn does not always make my job easier. Indeed, it is often the opposite. Simple issues are shown to be complex. One group of people has legitimate concerns that run counter to those expressed by others. It becomes a balancing act and a weighing of priorities, by each city council member individually and by the seven council members collectively. My belief is that this is a healthy process that begins with keeping my ears and my mind open.
