On July 16, the Carl Maxey Center hosted a town hall meeting organized by Washington for Black Lives (W4BL) and the Washington Community Alliance. The event featured prospective atytorney generals Manka Dhingra and Nick Brown, providing the public an opportunity to engage with the candidates on critical issues affecting the community.
Pasco Mayor Pete Serrano is also running for the seat.
The town hall covered a wide range of pressing issues, including:
Criminal Justice Reform: Discussions centered on strategies for reforming the criminal justice system to ensure fairness and equity.
Police Accountability: Candidates addressed the importance of holding law enforcement accountable for their actions and implementing policies to improve community trust.
Opioid Epidemic: The conversation included plans to combat the opioid crisis and support affected individuals and families.
Judicial Transparency: Both candidates emphasized the need for greater transparency within the judicial system.
Public Safety: Strategies for enhancing public safety while respecting civil rights were discussed.
Community Policing: The candidates shared their visions for fostering better relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Dhingra, an Indian-born American attorney, is a state senator representing the 45th legislative district, on Seattle’s Eastside in King County. Brown is a former West Side U.S. attorney.
After the question-and-answer session, attendees participated in a ranked choice voting activity that included rating different varieties of Washington apples. This engaging activity allowed the community to experience ranked choice voting in a fun and interactive way.
The event was well received by attendees, who appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from the candidate. Both Dhingra and Brown impressed the audience with their extensive experience and thoughtful responses to the issues raised.
“We need to continue to remind each other of our shared goals,” Brown said.
The town hall meeting at the Carl Maxey Center was a significant event that highlighted the community’s commitment to civic engagement and informed decision-making.