SeaTac voters celebrate win: State Court of Appeals orders SeaTac Proposition 1 back on November ballot
Today, September 6th, 2013, with only two hours to spare before the King County Election board’s cutoff for printing, Proposition 1 to raise minimum wage at Seatac Airport and surrounding airport-related businesses is back on the ballot.
A three-judge panel (all remarkably well informed on the case,) including Justice Dwyer held at hearing at 1:15 today in which Dmitri Iglitzin, the attorney for Seatac Committee for Good Jobs, answered pointed, difficult questions from the judges.
Next, the attorney representing the City of Seatac responded in defense of their actions, while agreeing the votes thrown out by Superior Court Judge Andrea Darvas should indeed be counted, allowing the initiative to go to the voters.
Harry Korrel, the Seattle attorney representing Alaska Airlines and Filo Foods (an airport concessionaire,) then answered questions which came fast and furious. The only way to describe the atmosphere in the courtroom was best summarized by a member of the gallery upon exiting, “That was intense!”
Public statements from Seatac residents following the case:
“I have 4 boys at home in SeaTac, and I want them to go to decent schools and to have good opportunities when they get older. SeaTac Prop 1 is the right thing to do for our community.” – Brian White, SeaTac Voter and plaintiff on the voter lawsuit
“As a retired registered nurse, I know it’s a vitally important to pass a common sense law like Prop 1’s paid sick leave so airport staff aren’t forced to come work sick. It prevents the spread of disease and keeps travelers, customers, employees, and their families safe.” – Judy Volkers, retired Registered Nurse and Yes! For SeaTac Committee member
“I own a small business and if airport employees have more money in their pockets, they will spend more money at SeaTac businesses. It’s that simple. SeaTac Prop 1 is the right thing to do for our local economy.” -PJ Seidenstricker, SeaTac small business owner and plaintiff on the voter lawsuit
Alaska Airlines has already announced that they’re prepared to fight this on the ground investing resources to sway voters, and it’s extremely likely they’ll continue the legal battle as well.
NOTE: This was a separate legal action from the case in which I’m a plaintiff, brought by a different organization. My attorney was not a party to this lawsuit. My case was also heard today and I did not win.