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HomeMy WebLinkAbout38_Mayors Newsletter_051117MAY 11, 2017 This Week from the Mayor Denis Law, Mayor VOL. II, NO. 15 Public Works Chili Cook-off I recently had the privilege of joining Councilmembers Carol Ann Witschi, Don Persson, and Ed Prince as judges for the 11th annual Public Works Chili Cook-off. After carefully, thoughtfully, and thoroughly sampling and enjoying the eight entries, Emil Gunderson’s delicious entry was declared the winner. Congratulations, Emil! Public Works Administrator Gregg Zimmerman, Mayor Law, Emil Gunderson, and Councilmembers Carol Ann Witschi, Don Persson, and Ed Prince. Standing up for victims of sexual assault In 2016, there were over 13,000 reported cases of primary and secondary sexual assault in the state of Washington. As shocking as that number is, the actual number is much higher because reporting rates for this crime are traditionally low. We also know sexual assault affects hundreds of thousands of people each year in the United States. It knows no boundaries, affecting all ages, sexes, ethnicities, and occupations. Renton is not exempt. That’s why I spearheaded the drive with King County’s Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) to get other cities in the region to join me and commit to ending sexual violence. Through Sound Cities Association we got 30 cities in King County to proclaim April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. For years we have worked closely with KCSARC to raise awareness about sexual assault and its impact in our community. KCSARC has called Renton home for over 40 years and they are on the frontline working with victims of sexual assault and their families, ensuring their voices are heard. Their services include a 24-Hour Resource Line, (888) 99-VOICE, individual therapy, and legal advocacy for victims pursuing a case in the criminal justice system. We’ll have more on our efforts in the coming months. I hope you’ll join us. Mayor Law is flanked by Mary Ellen Stone, Executive Director of King County’s Sexual Assault Resource Center, and Deanna Dawson, Executive Director of Sound Cities Association. Congratulations to Elizabeth Stewart, director of the Renton History Museum, for receiving the Willard Jue Memorial Award from the Association of King County Historical Organizations (AKCHO). The AKCHO cited Liz’s continuing efforts to connect with Renton’s diverse communities and her work ensuring the museum represents Renton’s rich cultural diversity and that all visitors feel welcome. Congratulations Museum Director Liz Stewart with King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert to her right and Alice Winship, President of AKCHO, to her left. Feedback Comments, questions or suggestions, or just want to share all the great things that are happening in the city, please email me. Thanks for reading.