Derrick De Vera, Assistant City Attorney at the Seattle City Attorney’s Office. Courtesy photo
It’s easier to go together than alone. As cities, we should collaborate with common interest and purpose to reimagine different approaches to policymaking and systemic problem solving. I see power in local governments that embrace collective momentum and work to have the backs of those marginalized and in need of support.
Litigation (and the threat of it) reflects our litigious habits as a country. There is nothing inherently wrong about it, but many times litigation is a strategic move by corporate interests to intimidate cities with limited legal budgets from passing forward-thinking laws for fear of being sued.
