Today we remember.

Dear Friends,

Today we remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. I ask you to join me tomorrow at the Memorial stair climb with Seattle Police Officers and Firefighters. Proceeds will honor the heroes of September 11 by supporting the families they left behind.

When: Saturday, September 12 from 8:00am – 12:00pm (I will be starting my climb around 8:30am)
Where: Two Union Square
What: Minimum $20 donation to participate. Proceeds will go to the NYC Widows and Orphans Fund.

There is a reason the Seattle Firefighters Union and The Seattle Police Officers Guild believe it is important that I win this election. I am proud that they are solidly at my side in my campaign to represent you.

Police records show that crime is on the rise in Seattle. Calls to Seattle Police Department involving guns in the first half of 2009 rose by 58% over 2008. Problems with snow-removal during the December storm of 2008 illuminated how vulnerable the City of Seattle is in catastrophic emergency incidents, as Metro transportation routes were disrupted and thousands of area residents were trapped in their homes for almost a week, unable to get to work. They believe in my vision and experience in dealing with these crucial safety issues.

• I will be an unwavering advocate for programs that have been proven to prevent youth violence such as placing ‘soft uniformed’ officers in schools to serve as mentors and public safety anchors in the neighborhoods where they’re located.
• I will ensure that proper training, equipment, and staffing is available for the City’s emergency responders.
• I support fully meet the staffing goal of 615 police officers, up from the current level of 515. This will allow Seattle to increase the number of foot patrols in neighborhoods.
• I will provide safety employees with the tools and training to better coordinate with other jurisdictions in times of emergency.
• I will make sure we are creating safe and hospitable public spaces across our City.
• I will fight to preserve four-person staffing on every fire engine and truck in Seattle, meeting national standards for public and firefighter safety - protecting those who protect us.

If you cannot join me for the stair climb tomorrow, donate a few hours walking the neighborhoods with my campaign. I am out every night of the week talking to voters. Conversations at doorsteps that will make a huge difference in this election and my ability to serve Seattle. I have already knocked on almost 2,000 doors, and the response is overwhelmingly positive. Contact Jesseca Brand at jessecabrand@gmail.com or (206) 321-7723 to walk with me.

Seattle is ready for a change and ready for us to have a sharp focus on the basics of building a safe city.

Today we remember those who serve us and protect our community. Tomorrow we get to work helping them to do their job better, safer, stronger.

Jessie