On Monday (Mar. 1st), Seattle Times columnist Jerry Large published a followup article that is basically a reaction to him being confronted by Burien Mayor Joan McGilton, Councilmember Kathy Keene and City Manager Mike Martin over Burien’s desire to annex the remaining portions of White Center.
The encounter came after Large published a column on Feb. 3rd extolling how White Center is “the right fit” for Seattle.
Councilmember Keene then sent us a copy of a letter she sent The Times, where she strongly refuted Large and claimed that Burien would be a better fit for White Center (read Keene’s letter here).
In Large’s latest column, he starts out by saying:
Burien is getting feisty.
The small city is not counting itself out as a home to the northern neighborhoods of North Highline.
So now, “feisty” Burien has struck back, and the columnist has printed our cityfolk’s claims, stating that “Burien knows what it wants” – read his full column here.
We wonder what will happen next in this political opinion-shaping chess match…stay tuned.
by Burien City Manager Mike Martin is concerned – very concerned – about the likelihood that Initiative 1033 will pass in November’s general election. So much, in fact, that he’s exploring the possibility of a local referendum that could exempt Burien from the requirements of this tax-limitation ballot measure should it win approval statewide.
“If I-1033 passes, it will stop the city cold in its tracks,” Martin told The B-Town Blog. “The progress we’ve been making will just plod along if we no longer have the tools to build on what we’ve done so far. They’ll go away and that’s a fact.”
According to the ballot measure summary, I-1033 “would limit growth in state revenues … and limit growth in county and city revenues. The limit would be adjusted based on annual growth in inflation and population…. The limit would exclude voter-approved revenue increases. Revenues above the limit would reduce property tax levies.”
Burien City Council members voted 3-1 on Oct. 5 to oppose I-1033, with three opponents of the initiative absent.
Earlier, city Finance Director Tabatha Miller told them that restrictions imposed by I-1033 would be “problematic for Burien” because “it does not take into account commercial growth like that envisioned in the Northeast Development Area…. In essence, any commercial growth in the NERA or elsewhere which increased the City’s revenues could not be used to provide the supporting city services, but instead would decrease the next year’s property taxes.”
“If people want smaller government, we can give them that,” Martin said. “But that will have consequences in the way we serve our residents…. It’s safe to say that we would slow down or stop major projects in the works” – including new development in the Northeast Redevelopment Area, street and sidewalk work, and discretionary programs from parks to senior services.
“There’s a real potential for closing the city down for all or part of one day a week,” he added. “That is not being punitive, it is being responsive” if the ballot measure passes.
To sidestep these impacts of I-1033, Martin is considering proposing to the council “a referendum that would allow the city to opt out” of its requirements.
While this proposition allows voters to approve property tax levy lid lifts locally, Martin noted it also could impact grants and other sources of funding not covered by a levy lid lift.
That, he explained, is why he’s exploring the possibility of a referendum – despite the fact he isn’t sure whether a city legally can exempt itself from a voter-passed law. Currently he’s investigating the legality of such a move.
“If it’s possible for the city to opt out, I will propose to council that they place such a referendum on the February (special election) ballot.”
by Burien City Manager Mike Martin on Tuesday (June 23rd) was granted a deferred prosecution (download court doc as a PDF here) on a DUI charge (driving under the influence) by King County District Court Judge Eileen Kato.
Martin, 55, must complete a two-year alcohol treatment program at Highline Medical Center, and will remain on probation and under court supervision for five years.
In petitioning the court for the deferred prosecution, Martin agreed that police reports of an April 19 one-car accident in which he was the driver included “sufficient evidence” to establish probable cause that he was impaired at the time. He also agreed to participate in alcohol treatment.
Martin must attend at least two meetings a week in the treatment program for two years, follow all prescribed programs, totally abstain from alcohol and non-prescribed drugs for five years, and not refuse to take Breathalyzer or blood-alcohol tests on request.
He will be allowed to drive if he has a valid driver’s license and car insurance, but only with an interlock device in any vehicle he operates that will prevent the engine from starting if he has been drinking alcohol.
Court costs and program fees that he must pay total about $2,500.
If Martin successfully completes alcohol treatment and complies with all other mandates of the deferred prosecution as ordered by Judge Kato, this infraction will be removed from his record.
“I am optimistic that you will successfully complete the program,” the judge told Martin upon granting the deferred prosecution.
According to Pierce College’s Chemical Dependency Studies program website:
The legislature finds that the deferred prosecution program is an alternative to punishment for persons who will benefit from a treatment program if the treatment program is provided under circumstances that do not unreasonably endanger public safety or the traditional goals of the criminal justice system. This alternative to punishment is dependent for success upon appropriate treatment and the willingness and ability of the person receiving treatment to cooperate fully with the treatment program. The legislature finds that some persons have sought deferred prosecution but have been unable or unwilling to cooperate with treatment requirements and escaped punishment because of the difficulties in resuming prosecution after significant delay due to the absence of witnesses at a later date and the congestion in courts at a later date. The legislature further finds that the deferred prosecution statutes require clarification. The purpose of sections 4 through 19 of this act is to provide specific standards and procedures for judges and prosecutors to use in carrying out the original intent of the deferred prosecution statutes.”
“Deferred prosecution is a true intervention initiative. It recognizes that crisis is often the best incentive to motivate changes in behavior or confront dysfunctional or unhealthy life-styles. It also recognizes the disease nature of chemical addictions, and the “loss of control” that accompanies chemical dependency and many mental health diagnoses.
However, because it is unique, deferred prosecution is also controversial. It has evolved over time, changing to reflect public values, and many times facing the prospect of repeal. Today, deferred prosecution remains one of the primary policy tools for encouraging alcoholics and other drug addicts to seek treatment, accounting for over one-third of the referrals resulting from an arrest for Driving While Under the Influence (DUI).”
Martin was arrested for DUI on April 19th after his vehicle left the road and struck a ceramic pot in a yard in Burien. He has been city manager since November 2006, and his yearly salary is $135,180.
On May 11th, his contract was amended by the city of Burien with strict “alcohol-related conditions” (download and view the PDF here). The City Council approved the contract revision on a 5-1 vote.
Under the terms of Martin’s revised contract, he “will not report to work at the city or remain at work or on duty while under the influence of alcohol,” which is defined as a blood alcohol level of .02 percent or above.
Martin is also required by the city to submit to random alcohol testing without prior notice to ensure compliance with this condition. In addition, he is to submit to alcohol testing at the request of the mayor (or deputy mayor in the mayor’s absence) and one other council member if there is a good-faith “articulated suspicion by any person that the manager has reported to work or remained at work under the influence of
On May 15th, he entered a plea of not guilty to the DUI charge and Judge Kato then scheduled Tuesday’s pretrial hearing.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- Citizens Mount Protest Against City Manager Mike Martin
- BREAKING: Mike Martin Enters “Not Guilty” Plea To DUI
- OPINION: What Mike Martin Should Have Said About His DUI
- City Keeps Mike Martin On, Requires Amended Contract
- City Manager Mike Martin Formally Charged With DUI
- OPINION: Mike Martin Must Tell The Truth Or Resign
- Burien City Manager Mike Martin Arrested For DUI
Photo of City Manager Mike Martin by Michael Brunk
It’s official. Several thousand North Highline residents now can mark Aug. 18th – primary election day – on their calendars as the date they will decide at last whether to be annexed by Burien.
City Manager Mike Martin said Friday (May 22nd) the 30-day period to appeal the King County Boundary Review Board’s prior approval of Burien’s plan to annex the south part of the North Highline unincorporated area expired May 18 with no challenge being filed.
“In all these years of talking about annexation, we’ve never been to this point,” Martin noted. “This is a major advancement … I encourage them, whether they like the idea of annexation or not, to vote.”
The August primary marks “the first time the county will hold an all mail-in election,” he continued. “I hope this increases voter turnout. After all these years, we’re looking for something definite about the preference of residents up there.”
In the meantime, language for the ballot measure will be written, and Burien will continue to hold informational forums in North Highline. The next forum is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at Southern Heights Elementary School, 11249 14th Ave. South.
State law requires a simple majority vote of residents in an area designated for annexation before the merger can take effect. Residents of an annexing city do not vote on the question.
As seen in the map at left, the south part of the North Highline unincorporated area that will become part of Burien if annexation is approved by voters is defined by a zigzag line that extends west to east along Southwest 112th Street in north Shorewood, South 116th Street, South 112th Street, and South 107th Street in Boulevard Park, ending at Tukwila.
Left in the remaining unincorporated area between Burien and Seattle would be the North Highline fire station, Evergreen High School and Pool, and the Top Hat neighborhood. Much of Beverly Park and Boulevard Park, including the Rainier Golf and Country Club, would be absorbed by Burien.
Proposals to annex North Highline have generated controversy in both Burien and North Highline – and between Burien and Seattle after Mayor Greg Nickels claimed the White Center area and beyond for his city – ever since Countywide Planning Policies, a regional offshoot of Washington’s Growth Management Act, called for King County’s unincorporated urban areas to be included in cities by 2012. The county also targeted North Highline for annexation in 2003 in the wake of the first in a succession of severe budget shortfalls, and offered financial assistance to cities that annex unincorporated urban areas.
In 2006, Burien, Seattle and King County agreed to work cooperatively for annexation of the entire unincorporated area by one or both cities. But despite their Memorandum of Understanding to resolve the issue, Seattle never responded to offers by Burien to settle competing claims on North Highline. This inaction led Burien to adopt independently early last year its plan to annex the south part of the unincorporated area.
Seattle objected to Burien’s annexation plan and challenged it before the Boundary Review Board. Following a public hearing in March, the board formally approved Burien’s request on April 16.
If North Highline voters approve annexation on Aug. 18th, the city will begin the legal and logistical processes of incorporation and those residents will become part of Burien in March 2010.
Story and Photos by Michael Brunk
Wednesday afternoon (May 20th), Tai Oh of Burien (right, below) and Terry Torbet of Kent (left) stood on SW 148th near First Avenue South holding a large banner protesting City Manager Mike Martin’s recent DUI incident, as seen in these pictures by Michael Brunk:
“The City of Burien deserves better than a DUI felon,” said Oh, the organizer (picture above). “Residents of Burien should demand and expect more for their tax dollars.”
When asked if they planned to protest again, Torbet (pictured above) said “We’ll keep coming back until he’s gone!”
Tai Oh says he’s protesting because he contacted the city council as a body and each member individually via e-mail and voicemail and not a single councilmember responded to him.
His position is that he looked to his city leaders to take action and they did nothing.
Burien City Manager Mike Martin entered a plea of “Not Guilty” on Friday (May 15th) to a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol stemming from a minor traffic accident on April 19th. Martin appeared before King County District Court Judge Eileen Kato, who scheduled a pretrial hearing for June 23rd.
Martin, 55, refused to perform field sobriety tests or take a Breathalyzer test when he was arrested following the one-car accident in Burien. As a result, his driver’s license was suspended, as required by state law, when formal DUI charges were filed on May 6th.
On Monday (May 11th), the Burien City Council approved an amended contract for Martin on a 5-1 vote, which imposes strict “alcohol-related conditions” with which he must “comply fully” to retain his position as city manager.
In agreeing to the addition of alcohol-related conditions to his contract, Martin denied committing “any wrongful or criminal act,” but acknowledged “that the facts and circumstances of his arrest may constitute ‘cause’ to terminate his employment under the Original Agreement.”
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- OPINION: What Mike Martin Should Have Said About His DUI
- City Keeps Mike Martin On, Requires Amended Contract
- City Manager Mike Martin Formally Charged With DUI
- OPINION: Mike Martin Must Tell The Truth Or Resign
- Burien City Manager Mike Martin Arrested For DUI
Jack Block, Jr., former Deputy Mayor and Councilmember, on Friday (May 15th) announced his candidacy for Burien City Council, Position 7, currently held by Sally Nelson.
Last we saw Mr. Block was at the April 27th City Council meeting when he voiced his support for City Manager Mike Martin, who was recently charged with a DUI, resulting in Martin’s amended contract.
“I was proud of the investments we made in our community in Burien while I served on the City Council,” said Block in a statement. “But I have unfinished business, and want to ensure that Burien is looking after our working families and their futures.”
The incumbent, Sally Nelson, has held Position 7 since the city was incorporated in 1993.
While on the City Council, Block says he helped lead the effort to create Burien’s Town Square.
Here’s the full press release from Block:
Former Burien Councilmember Jack Block Jr. to enter campaign for Burien City Council
Block seeking Position 7, currently held by Sally NelsonBurien, WA. – Jack Block, Jr., Former Deputy Mayor and Councilmember today announces his candidacy for Burien City Council, Position 7.
“I was proud of the investments we made in our community in Burien while I served on the City Council,” said Block. “But I have unfinished business, and want to ensure that Burien is looking after our working families and their futures.”
“We need to get Burien back on track. Great projects such as the reconstruction of First Avenue have been started but three years on sit unfinished. The current city policy of multi-family unit down-zoning has created an economic disincentive towards reconstruction,” Block said. “We won’t always be in an economic recession or depression. We have to ensure that we don’t create disincentives that will condemn our poorest citizens to live in slum-like conditions.”
While on the City Council, Block helped lead the effort to create Burien’s Town Square.
“When I came on the council, a lot of great ideas such as Town Square were floating around but nothing was happening”, said Block. “Some of our Council members forget that Burien is a diverse town with a large number of people struggling to survive in a challenging economic environment. If we are to grow and thrive as a community-to reinvigorate our downtown business core- we need action. I believe in leadership, not idle talk.”
Burien is facing challenges due to the economic downturn, including the closure of large, tax-generating car dealerships.
“Businesses, whether large or small, provide Burien with tax dollars and jobs,” said Block. “I will work, as I did in the past, on aggressively bringing in new businesses, tax dollars and jobs, and create policies that protect existing businesses at the same time. A healthy city requires a thriving business community.”
The incumbent, Sally Nelson, has held Position 7 since the city was incorporated.
“Ms. Nelson twice voted against family wage job creating apprenticeship utilization legislation; her priorities are skewed for our community,” said Block. “Resolutions were passed by the Council in support of comprehensive immigration reform and, following the Enron scandal, supporting equitable electric rates. Ms. Nelson later said passage of these resolutions was a mistake. Ms. Nelson opposed greater public access to the City Council, of making meetings and records more accessible. She also voted in favor of allowing big box retailers such as Wal-Mart to locate in Burien (see our coverage of that issue here), threatening the hard work our city has done to rebuild our downtown business core.”
“I want to address the future,” said Block. “I want to use my contacts at the Port to ensure Burien is protected from airport noise and expansion; I want to ensure we manage the annexation of North Highline so that services are well delivered and we have enough police and fire coverage; I want to create a non-profit service center to aid the charitable organizations working in our community, and to move the Highline food bank to a safe location with transit access. I want to protect our environment and bring the salmon back to Salmon Creek.”
UPDATE 4pm 5/15/09: Mr. Block emailed us with this correction:
“Just wanted to point out a mistake that was made in your reporting on the council decision regarding big box retail. You have me down as voting for big box retail in the article. As you can see from the attached minutes (PDF file), the vote was 5-1-1, with Nelson, Shaw, McGilton, Clark, and Blazak voting yes, Krakowiac voting no, and I abstained because I was oposed to big box retail in the NERA, (and anywhere else in Burien), but did not oppose the rest of the comp plan amendments.”
Block was elected to the Burien City Council in 2003 and served as Deputy Mayor in 2006. He unsuccessfully ran for Commissioner to the Port of Seattle in 2007. He is a crane operator at the Port of Seattle, a member of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and a former Teamster. A lifetime resident of the Burien area, Block attended Mt. Rainier High School and Seattle University. Jack is a former teamster (Consolidated Freightways) shop steward. In 1998, Jack was a founding member of, and past chair of, the Burien Parks and Recreation Board.
An Editorial by Jim Branson
Imagine how quickly and simply this fiasco might have been solved if Mike Martin had said the following:
“I would like to apologize to the citizens of Burien for my actions on the night of April 19th.
As anyone who read the news reports must know, I was clearly intoxicated, and the decision to drive that night put myself and others at risk. Drunk driving kills more than 200 people in Washington every year and ruins the lives of countless others, and it is not something to be taken lightly, ignored, or denied.
I want to take this opportunity to accept full responsibility for my actions, not only because the citizens of Burien deserve the truth, but also because admitting that I have a problem is the only way I will be able to work toward living a healthy life again. I have entered into counseling for alcoholism, and I am following the recommendations of experts on the best way to overcome this disease. I will immediately and voluntarily install an ignition lock on my car to prevent me from ever driving while intoxicated in the future.
If, in spite of these measures, I ever drive under the influence again, or if I am ever intoxicated at work or in public, I will immediately resign and forfeit any severance package I might have received.
I feel the best way to deal with a problem is openly, honestly, and quickly, and I want to assure the citizens of Burien that I am capable and willing to deal with this problem, put it behind me, and do the best job I can as City Manager of Burien.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
That’s what Mr. Martin should have said on the morning of April 20th.
If he were the pillar of society that some people claim he is, he would have taken responsibility right away. Instead, he resorted to legal weaseling to save his job and avoid telling the truth about what happened.
He has stated, in a legally binding contract (download/view the PDF here), which he signed:
“…[he] denies that he committed any wrongful or criminal act….”
It doesn’t matter what Mr. Martin says now. He has already shown that he refuses to tell the truth, and he cannot be trusted.
Further, he is willing to drag others into his deception. Mayor Joan McGilton’s signature is also on the document that denies the facts of April 19th.
The motto of Burien government, displayed prominently in conspicuous places, is:
I guess by “innovative” they mean they are willing to resort to lawyerly tricks to avoid telling the truth.
Very innovative indeed.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Branson is a longtime area resident and activist.
Previously, he's written editorials on Mike Martin, Earth Hour, and Burien's claims of being a "Tree City".
What do you think of his opinion on Mike Martin? Please Comment below...
If YOU have an opinion about a local issue and would like to share with our Readers, please email us.]
The Burien City Council imposed on Monday (May 11th) strict “alcohol-related conditions” with which City Manager Mike Martin must “comply fully” if he is to retain that position. Martin is scheduled to be arraigned in King County District Court Friday on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol.
The conditions are included in an amendment to Martin’s contract (download and view PDF here), which was approved without discussion with a 6-1 vote by city lawmakers. Councilwoman Lucy Krakowiak, who publicly called for Martin’s ouster following his arrest for allegedly driving under the influence, cast the dissenting vote. She also cast the lone vote against Martin when the council hired him as city manager in January 2007.
Here’s a portion of the amended contract – click to view the entire document:
(click to view entire contract)
Martin, 55, was arrested after a minor traffic accident on April 19 in which his car left the road and hit a yard planter. The King County Sheriff’s deputy who made the arrest said Martin’s breath smelled of alcohol at the time. He was formally charged with DUI by the King County Prosecutor’s office on May 6th.
Martin, who told the deputy that he had had a couple of glasses of wine and two beers, refused to perform field sobriety tests or take a Breathalyzer test when he was arrested. As a result, his driver’s license was suspended when formal DUI charges were filed, as required by state law.
Refusal to take a Breathalyzer test results in the automatic suspension of a driver’s license for one year, although motorists may seek reinstatement of driving privileges if they have an alcohol-ignition interlock device – which prevents an engine from starting if they have been drinking alcohol – installed in their vehicle. 
In agreeing to the addition of alcohol-related conditions to his contract, Martin denied committing “any wrongful or criminal act,” but acknowledged “that the facts and circumstances of his arrest may constitute ‘cause’ to terminate his employment under the Orginal Agreement.”
The council, in turn, recognized “the excellent performance” of Martin over the past 2½ years and opted to retain him as city manager if he agreed to the additional conditions. Burien Mayor Joan McGilton and Martin signed the amended contract on Monday.
Under the terms of Martin’s amended contract, he “will not report to work at the city or remain at work or on duty while under the influence of alcohol,” which is defined as a blood alcohol level of .02 percent or above.
Martin is required to submit to random alcohol testing without prior notice to ensure compliance with this condition. In addition, he is to submit to alcohol testing at the request of the mayor (or deputy mayor in the mayor’s absence) and one other council member if there is a good-faith “articulated suspicion by any person that the manager has reported to work or remained at work under the influence of alcohol.”
He also must apply for and install at his own expense an ignition-interlock device on any vehicle that he drives to or from work or while on the job. Each interlock device is to remain in use for two years.
And Martin is required to undergo alcohol assessment and “comply with any treatment recommendations” that are made.
He is to meet quarterly with council members in executive session “to affirm his compliance” with all conditions. Failure to comply with any of them will result in his termination. In two years, the council will review with him the additional requirements to determine if they still are needed.
In October 2005, Martin resigned from a top administrative position with the City of Kent after a hit-and-run accident that he admitted to causing. He paid a $1,025 fine, underwent alcohol-abuse assessment, and attended a victim-impact alcohol and drug panel for that incident.
On April 19th, after Martin was arrested, he was driven home by a sheriff’s deputy – prompting some citizens to ask The B-Town Blog if the city manager had received preferential treatment.
But the answer, according to several law enforcement agencies, is no.
Washington State Patrol public information officer Daniel Coon said how motorists arrested for DUI are handled depends on each county. If a county can take an individual into its jail, they may be booked into the facility. But “if there is no room at the inn, so to speak,” a driver may be released after the car is impounded and taken to a location where they can sober up. This sometimes involves taking the driver home.
Here’s a video that explains how ignition-interlock devices work:
So…what do YOU think? Please take our poll below:
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Here are notes from Monday night’s (May 11th) Burien City Council meeting (PDF agenda here, streaming video link here):
RESIDENTIAL CONCERNS:
An alley behind St. Vincent de Paul is up to homeowners to maintain and one resident expressed concern over lack of lighting provided by the city. Peter Arends voiced his concern with past muggings, vandalism and theft that occurs in the alley due to its dark secluded atmosphere.
BURIEN POLICE CHIEF’S REPORT ON CRIME RATES:
Scott Kimmer, Burien Chief of Police, reported that Burien had a drop in overall crime by 12% over last year. Nationally there has been a decrease across the board, however the average for other communities is around 2-3%.
“The goal is to reduce crime and fear of crime,” said Kimmer. “We want residents to feel comfortable in their community.”
Violent crimes against people rank in the middle and property crimes are second to lowest in the area in comparison. Some crimes that are seeing a significant downturn are:
- Burglary down -6%
- Robbery down -14%
- Theft down -11%
- Vehicle theft down -36%
Traffic safety is a priority for the city of Burien, and with heightened patrols and red light cameras recently installed along First Ave South a reduction of violations is expected to appear in future reports.
Misdemeanor crimes, on the other hand, are up +14%, as are general misdemeanor crimes like vandalism, alcohol-related issues, property damage, family disturbances, trespassing, minor assaults, etc. Chief Kimmer equates the increase in this area to current state of economy and increased stress at home.
Very notably, complaints against officers are down to three total formal complaints for 9,383 dispatched calls for service.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: We'll be posting a more in-depth story on Burien crime statistics very soon, so check back here shortly!]
CITY MANAGER MIKE MARTIN AGREES TO AN AMENDED CONTRACT:
City manager Mike Martin has signed an amended contract for employment due to his drunk driving charge that was issued from May 6th. There is no room for additional occurrences, and a monitoring device will be installed on the ignition of Mr. Martin’s vehicle.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: We'll be posting a story on this issue very soon, which will include the amended contract in its entirety - so check back here shortly!]
FINANCIAL REPORTS: BURIEN LOOKING AT BUDGET CUTS:
A complete report of the 2009-2010 budget is available on the city of Burien’s website, however the blog was provided a breakdown of what the cuts mean and how residents should understand the changes that are currently being discussed at city council meetings:
CITY OF BURIEN BUDGET DEFICIT:
We have been keenly aware of the financial impacts of the economic downturn on the Puget Sound Region and observant of its impact on Burien. Our goal has been to avoid the need for deep cuts that would cause a significant effect. Last fall we budgeted for the economic downturn, however, the recession we thought would end by the third quarter 2009, looks like it may last well into 2010. While we were prepared for lower revenues through mid-2009 we did not anticipate these conditions lasting into 2010. Burien’s sales tax is down more than 9% year-to-date (YTD), our real estate excise tax is down 78% YTD and local unemployment has doubled in the last year. Add to the problem, an increase in salary and benefit costs in our contract for police services w/King County and litigation legal expenses.Council has reviewed but not taken action on a 3-prong solution to the projected deficit in the current biennial (2-year) budget. No new taxes are proposed but instead staff has recommended reducing expense budgets, re-directing revenue from transportation capital projects to general fund operations and using discretionary fund balance (prior years’ cumulative savings) to close the gap.
According to The Seattle P-I, Burien City Manager Mike Martin was formally charged with drunk driving Wednesday (May 6th), based on his arrest on Sunday, April 19th.
As we reported then, Martin, 55, allegedly crashed his car into a ceramic planter in the 12600 block of 14th Ave South.
Apparently Martin was found outside his car, “leaning forward and swaying side to side,” according to King County Sheriff’s records. His breath allegedly smelled strongly of alcohol, his eyes were bloodshot, his speech slurred and he admitted to drinking a couple glasses of wine and two beers.
Martin also refused to hand over his driver’s license, as well as perform both field sobriety tests and Breathalyzer tests. Deputies took him to the police station, where he was cited for suspicion of DUI. An officer then drove him home and released him.
Under Washington state law, refusing to take a breath test results in automatic suspension of a driver’s license for at least one year. Martin may challenge the suspension or seek approval for an alcohol-ignition device on his car.
Martin’s license has now been suspended by the Washington State Department of Licensing, and he is scheduled to enter a plea to the DUI chage on May 15th.
This isn’t Martin’s first run-in with the law – he apparently previously resigned as Chief Administrative Officer for the city of Kent after a 2005 hit-and-run incident.
Martin has been city manager since November 2006, and his yearly salary is $135,180.
If you haven’t already, please take our poll and let us know what you think Martin should do now that he’s been officially charged:
Loading ...An Editorial by Jim Branson
At Monday’s City Council meeting, several prominent Burien citizens spoke up for City Manager Mike Martin, saying he has done a good job and he deserves another chance. They said he shouldn’t be judged before the facts were known.
Former Council Member Jack Block Jr. said he (Block) had the disease of alcoholism, he had sought treatment for it, and it did not stop him from being a contributing member of society as long as he took the right steps.
One difference between Mr. Block and Mr. Martin is the admission of having a problem.
Mr. Martin has had plenty of chances to come forward and explain what happened.
The Seattle Times reports:
“Martin’s breath strongly smelled of alcohol, his speech was slurred and he said he had consumed a couple of glasses of wine and two beers, a deputy wrote in a report.”
That is something that needs explaining. If Mr. Martin wants to protect himself from paying the legal consequences for his actions, he was smart to refuse the sobriety test and the breathalyzer. If Mr. Martin is serious about serving the City of Burien, he could have, while he had the microphone at Monday’s meeting, said he was sorry. He could have given a minimal explanation of what led up to the accident. If he shouldn’t be judged before the facts are known, then why doesn’t he tell us the facts? At a minimum, if he couldn’t discuss the matter for legal reasons, he could have apologized to the Council and to the City for putting Burien citizens at risk, whatever the reason or circumstances. He could have outlined his plan to make sure nothing like that ever happened again.
Ideally, he could have offered his resignation and let the Council decide whether they would accept it at that point or discuss it further.
Instead, he went on with his report as if his DUI arrest weren’t the burning issue on everyone’s mind. Yes, the City does have many other important matters to discuss, but first we need to know if the person we rely on most for our public safety and fiscal well-being is someone we can really trust.
It is not only in the City’s best interests for Mr. Martin to explain himself; it is ultimately in his best interests. If he has a drinking problem, he needs to seek treatment before he kills himself or someone else. If he hopes to have a future in Burien, where he has purchased a home, he needs to resolve this quickly and openly. If he hopes to ever have another meaningful job after leaving this one, it would be in his best interests to address the matter directly, without equivocation.
The City Council tip-toed around the issue, adjourning to executive session to discuss “a personnel issue,” as if everyone didn’t already know they were going to talk about Mr. Martin’s DUI. What do they need to discuss in private that they couldn’t discuss in public? A negotiation or a settlement? How to spin this incident for the least damage to Burien’s image? The way to handle it with the least damage for all would be to discuss it openly and honestly. Although Mr. Martin has passed up many opportunities to speak, he can, at any time, explain to the Citizens of Burien what exactly happened and why he should or should not continue as Burien’s City Manager. The longer he waits, the more he and the City Council discuss how to deal with the situation instead of actually dealing with it, the more it looks like he, and they, have something to hide.
The way to deal with the Mr. Martin’s accident is to tell the truth. He doesn’t need a lawyer for that.
If he can’t tell us the truth, he has no business being our City Manager.
So, what do YOU think Mike Martin should do? Please answer our poll:
Loading ...[EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Branson is a longtime area resident and outspoken activist. Previously, he wrote an editorial on "Earth Hour" that received quite a few Comments from Readers.
What do you think of his opinion on Mike Martin? Please Comment below.
Also if you have an opinion about a local issue, or a "Letter to the Editor" you'd like us to post, please email us.]
Monday night’s (April 27th) City Council meeting was run under a “business as usual” approach, despite the recent news about Burien City Manager Mike Martin’s DUI arrest.
Many in the audience came expecting to hear Martin address the issue, perhaps even issue a public apology or letter of resignation. However, Martin didn’t say one word about his incident, (which happened Sunday, April 19th), and the only references to it were statements of support from four residents, which you can read below.
UPDATE 12:30pm 4/28: We managed to get a quote out of Burien Mayor Joan McGilton, who said:
“Mike Martin is a very strong asset to the city of Burien, and I hope the outcome is positive.”
Here are notes (link to PDF agenda here, link to video stream here):
STUDENTS FABRICATE ART WITH EDUCATION:
Puget Sound Skills Center Instructor Dale Copeland presented progress by welding students in his class. The students are working on a carbon steel sculpture of a eagle swooping down onto a salmon with plans being designed for both animals to include moving parts. The sculpture will weight about 60 lbs with a wing span of more than 6 feet wide and almost as tall. Once the piece is complete it will be displayed in Burien’s Interim Art Space( B/IAS). Where the piece will be installed after its stay at the art space is still up for discussion.
Class member Robert Rose (pictured at right) said “I have taken pieces from each of my teachers and kept it with me.”
The staff of retired UA Local 32 Plumbers & Pipe Fitters includes 350 years experience between them. The teachers are giving a practice learning experience by passing down their trade to their students.
For more information on the course visit http://www.hsd401.org/PSSC/welding.html
B/IAS Co-Founder Dane Johnson said “This is exactly what we intended for the space.”
On July 2nd, the Burien Arts Council in association with the City of Seattle arts community is hoping to welcome world-renown German artist Tom Severts on a stop to the B/IAS. His visit will be generating attention to growing art communities in neighborhood outside of major cites, and highlighting Burien’s achievements in developing a grassroots arts project.
“We are honored you chose Burien. We are often overlooked,” said Mayor Joan McGilton.
SPRING EGG HUNT & BUNNY BREAKFAST:
More than 700 people attended the Spring Egg Hunt & Bunny Breakfast. The event was an overwhelming success…literally. Concerns and excitement from the Burien Parks Department over the size of the crowd ignited discussion for future capacity of the event and assuring adequate space for one of this magnitude.
C.O.P.S. GRANT:
An application has been submitted for the C.O.P.S. Grant (Community Oriented Policing Services) which would pay for 50% of some additional police officers for three years. Police Chief Scott Kimmer believes receiving this grant would be a benefit to the cities annexation efforts by generating a half million dollars for additional law enforcement officers.
For more information on the grant visit http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/Default.asp?Item=46
KING COUNTY PUSHES FOR HIGHER CONTRIBUTIONS FROM LOCAL CITIES GRANT FUNDS:
Police Chief Kimmer presented the measure for approval of a proposal that would allocate 10% of 18 cities Justice Assistance Grant to the budget-challenged King County. All 18 cities have to agree on the proposal before moving forward. King County initially asked for 50% of the 18 cities grant money and later decreased the request to 43%.
King County Executive Ron Sims spoke out in strong disfavor to the offer of 10% in a letter to the 18 cities council members.
REZONING DISCUSSED FOR VACANT BBC DODGE LOT:
Burien may see an airport off-site parking lot in the vacant former BBC Dodge property on the corner of 1st Ave South and SW 148th Street. The proposal would help the owner in a difficult economic climate and would rezone the area from SW 156th to about SW 133rd Street. A $1 per transaction rental car tax would generate additional revenue for the city. The proposed rezoning would have a duration of three years.
CITY COUNCIL TAKES NEXT STEP TO GET ANNEXATION ON BALLOT AUG. 18th:
A six to one vote moved efforts forward to the adoption of the proposed annexation vote. Registered voters in the south neighborhood of north highline would be allowed to vote on their property being annexed by the City of Burien on August 18th of this year.
Council Member Lucy Krakowiak voted no on the motion to place the annexation proposal on the ballot in congruence with her concern for number of residents being too high. She disagrees with the mediated suggestion of 14K residents and believes a more comfortable number would be an additional 10K residents.
For more information on the annexation visit http://www.burienwa.gov/index.asp?NID=321
RESIDENTS SPEAK OUT IN FAVOR OF CITY MANAGER MIKE MARTIN:
Comments from Burien residents were voiced on the issue of City Manager Mike Martin possibly being charged with drunk driving from an incident on April 19th were all in support of Mr. Martin.
Resident Dean Parkins said that the famous bible quote sums up this situation exactly: “Those who are without sin may cast the first stone” (John 8:7).
“I hope Mr. Martin does not resign,” said resident Jim Clingan and Burien Planning Commission member. “I know we are all disappointed, but I expect no one is more disappointed than Mr. Martin himself.”
The city adjourned to a private executive session at 10pm to seek an independent and impartial council to review and present details of the incident. The council will decide what/if action should be taken against Mr. Martin.
The public portion of the meeting closed without any further word of Martin’s incident.
As of 11am Tuesday morning (4/28), no official statement had yet been released by the city, nor Martin, but an inside source says that an independent Prosecutor will soon be hired to investigate Martin’s DUI incident.
The next city council meeting will be held Monday, May 4th, starting at 7pm.
Mike Martin at a recent Annexation Open House.
According to The Seattle Times, Burien City Manager Mike Martin was arrested for a DUI Sunday night (April 19th) after his vehicle left the road and struck a ceramic pot in a yard in the 12600 block of 14th Avenue South in Burien (Google street view map below).
Apparently Martin was found outside his car, “leaning forward and swaying side to side,” according to King County Sheriff’s records. His breath allegedly smelled strongly of alcohol, his speech was slurred and he admitted to drinking a couple glasses of wine and two beers.
The article goes on to say that Martin refused to perform both field sobriety tests and Breathalyzer tests, and that he was arrested. Under Washington state law, refusing to take a breath test results in automatic suspension of a driver’s license for at least one year. Martin may challenge the suspension or seek approval for an alcohol-ignition device on his car.
According to the Times, this isn’t Martin’s first run-in with the law – he apparently previously resigned as Chief Administrative Officer for the city of Kent after a 2005 hit-and-run incident.
Martin has been city manager since November 2006, and his yearly salary is $135,180.
We’re working on getting comments from both Martin and other city officials, but the Times goes on to quote Mayor Joan McGilton as saying that his arrest will be discussed at the next city council meeting on Monday night, April 28th, which we will cover.
Read the full story here.
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