Ann Davison came to Seattle in 1996 to work for the Seattle SuperSonics front office in basketball operations. She is now an attorney and mother of two elementary-aged kids who were born in Seattle.

Ann holds a JD from Willamette and a BA in Sociology from Baylor. She was a Court Certified Law Clerk at the Marion County District Attorney’s Office in Salem, OR, where she managed assigned criminal cases by conducting bench trials, analyzing crime, and negotiating plea deals. Ann established her own practice out of law school, becoming one of Seattle’s many small business owners. After building a book of business, she took it to a small downtown law firm where her practice areas included civil litigation, immigration, sports, contracts and business transactions. She has practiced in Seattle since 2005, at times navigating the balance of becoming a mother, and does so now at Functional Legal Solutions, focusing on sports, business, employment, contracts, intellectual property, and other general civil areas. Ann has also been an arbitrator for numerous cases over her 16 year legal career.

Ann currently serves on the executive board for the Seattle Youth Soccer Association as the VP of Recreational Development and is also on the Board for a nonprofit that assists clients who have mental illness re-enter community. Previously Ann served as co-chair of a volunteer committee for a public elementary school fundraiser that raised over $200,000. She has also served as a co-operative preschool Board member and was a volunteer tutor through CAYA (Central Area Youth Association), helping refugee and immigrant students. Ann lives in north Seattle with her family where she coaches kids’ soccer teams. She has spent time volunteering with people recently released from incarceration, with people experiencing homelessness, and led an event known as Hunger Awareness Week. Ann has spent time working in Australia helping at-risk youth, immigrants and refugees. Ann also helped the UN Border Relief Operation to do a survey in a Cambodian refugee camp along the Thai/Cambodian border in Thailand.

Ann is also a teacher. She taught conversational English to Thai college students at Yonok College in Lampang, Thailand. Currently, she teaches International Business Law in the Global Business Program to international students at the University of Washington Continuum College.

Prior to becoming an attorney, Ann worked as a caseworker in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D. C., assisting constituents in matters regarding their military service, medicare, medicaid and social security. Also in D.C., she started her career in sports at a pro sports representational agency before her time in the front office for the Seattle SuperSonics from 1996 to 2001.

Ann was a political newcomer when she ran for Seattle City Council in 2019, driven by conversations for years with her young kids about the obvious plight of people alongside the roadways of Seattle, with elected people doing nothing meaningful about it and allowing for the suffering of people and the degradation of the environment.  Ann garnered 40% of the vote in the general election of 2019, after securing the endorsement of the Seattle Times over the incumbent.  Ann continued her efforts to see change within Seattle and Washington state, seeing a need for political balance that stemmed from Seattle and ran for Lieutenant Governor for Washington state from her convictions about the same issues that spurred her initial political involvement in 2019.

UNIVERSITY SUNRISE ROTARY

10/21/21

MEETING MINUTES

Our Speaker this morning was Ann Davison, running for office of Seattle City Attorney (SCA).

Worked for the Sonics (but I don’t think as an attorney)

Graduated with Juris Doctor

Started Functional Legal Solutions PLLC, consulting supporting business.

Participated in youth soccer, currently a soccer coach.

Participated in Hunger Awareness Week

Taught English in Thailand

Previously campaigned for the office of Lt. Governor and Seattle City Council

Understands the  office of SCA is to provide legal advice to city government officials and to represent city functionaries, empowering them to make decisions in support of city policies.

Ann Davison then fielded QUESTIONS:

1. Lee Raaen: Should the SCA represent the city agencies or the interests of its citizens?

A:    Ms. Davison stated, the SCA makes the determination of “What’s best for the City”.  The SCA helps set policy / guidelines.

• Tom Ranken: What is your thought on the pursuit of minor crimes?

A:    Laws are a reflection of City values.  Intervention / supervision in the forefront of public safety.  “Crime  Matters”.

• Bob Wiley):  What is your position on shoplifting?

A:    Ms. Davidson stated that offenders need to be prosecuted as shoplifting puts workers at risk.  There are usually other crimes involved during the execution of a shoplifting action. Proponent of a SCA retail theft focus.

• Paul Weibel:  What will be your focus on entering the Job?

A:    Understanding the needs of all the departments.  Engender collaboration across all City departments.  Police reform needed – opposition to dismantling the Police Department – raising civility and respect.

• Isaac McNalley:  What can we do to help the campaign?

A:    Contribute time and money.

• Mike Madden:  What do you see as the role of SCA to a multi-approach solution to crime?

A:    Obligation to the recidivism of offenders.  Interdiction of repeat offenders VS re-entry into society.  “We own the process of recidivism”.  Espousing programs to measure outcomes.

• John Pierce:  Have you any support from Seattle law firms?

A:    30 past City judges endorse the campaign.

• Jim Horrigan :  What is your position on “safe injection sites”?

A:    SCA should provide the legal framework to carry out City policy.  Ms. Davison stated that her personal opinions are not relevant.

• Jim MIller:  What is your position on gun violence?

A:    Ms. Davison stated “Intervention and prosecution”.

On Saturday, October 9^th, 2021, 15 associates of the University Sunrise Rotary Club (12 members and 3 friends/partners) descended on Foundations NW to assist with building Tiny Homes. This was the second volunteer outing to Sound Foundations NW by the club. The volunteers (young and old, skilled and unskilled) were all willing, eager, and able participants in the event that ran from 9 AM to 3 PM that day.

The volunteers participated in various phases of construction: component assembly (floor and walls), finishing (door/window installation, insulation, interior walls, and interior/exterior caulking), and interior/exterior painting. At the end of the day the group was able to “raise the barn” by attaching two walls to a floor assembly.

The group was particularly impressed by the processes in place at Sound Foundations NW, and how they are able to leverage wide ranges of skills to assist in the process. One example is that, by the end of the day, most all the volunteers were comfortable wielding the impressive cordless nail gun. The jig system set up to assemble components was quite efficient and fool-proof.

This is now a District 5030, but under Mike Bronsdon’s leadership, the University Sunrise Club was the first to volunteer.

At the end of the day, the group shared a universal feeling of accomplishment and contribution to the mission. All in all, a testament to the mission of Rotary!

It is hard to imagine anyone more qualified to speak about the pandemic.  Jonathan Mayer is a Professor of Epidemiology and Geography at the University of Washington.  He is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Medicine, (Division of Infectious Diseases), Department of Family Medicine, and in Health Services, Global Health. He is Program Director, joint degree: MPH in Epidemiology/PhD Biocultural Anthropology.

Program Notes by Hal Beals:

Dr. Jonathan Mayer, Emeritus Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Washington presented “What’s New with Covid”, his 4^th presentation to the club since before and during the pandemic.

The Delta variant was hard to see last spring but by early summer 2021 it was here. Delta accounts for 99.7% of Covid infections and is very contagious.  To reach “herd immunity”, 90% of the population must be vaccinated. In Seattle and Western Washington, the peak in new infections and death has passed.  Compared to earlier in the year, major increases in infections and deaths are in the northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountain states, reaching into Eastern Washington.

The Merck Covid 19 pill is being reviewed by the FDA now. In clinical trials it is 50% effective in preventing hospitalization and deaths.  Booster shots, especially the Pfizer seem to be effective because the benefits of the 2^nd Pfizer shot are reduced after 6 months. Some ethical concerns surround the use of boosters when so many poor nations are unvaccinated compared to wealthy countries

The Moderna vaccine has 3X the RNA than the Pfizer vaccine and is more potent and lasts longer than the Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson vaccines. At 6 months from the 2^nd shot, Moderna is 75% more effective than either Pfizer or J & J.

As to the use and effectiveness of masks, Dr. Mayer stated that cloth and bandanna masks are not effective and should not be used. Even the common so-called surgical masks are not as effective as the N-95, KN-95 and KF-94 that block more aerosols and droplets.

Covid will be around for many years to come – like seasonal flu. However, it is much more dangerous and long lasting as it effects every system in the body including the lungs, the heart and the brain. It is deadly.

Dear Rotarians,

The Fremont Rotary invites you and your clubs and families to hear PDG Ezra Teshome speak about his great work in Africa for polio!

WHAT: A Celebration for World Polio Day

WHO: Rotary Club of Fremont

WHEN: Tuesday, October 19, 2021, 5:30 pm to 7 pm 

WHERE: Hale’s Ales Brewery & Family Restaurant

                   4301 Leary Way NW

                    Seattle, Wa.   98107

We meet upstairs in the banquet room. Refreshments will be served.

We would be honored to have you attend. RSVP to me. Thank you!

In Service,

Beth Tesh

RC Fremont Past President

Bold 4 Blood District Project Champion

teshb@comcast.net

206.930.5319

Please read:

The club heard from new member, Ted Hunter, who introduced himself.

Ted received his law degree from the University of Washington and was trained in mediation techniques at Willamette and Harvard Universities. His trial experience involved representation in land use matters for developers and environmental groups at all levels of the state and federal courts. Mr. Hunter also served as Legal Counsel to the Washington State Legislature on energy and environmental matters.

Ted was selected as the Chief Negotiator for the Legislature in matters involving land use proposals at the U.S. Hanford Nuclear Reservation. He established and is past Chair of the Dispute Resolution Section of the Washington State Bar and is a member of the Association for Conflict Resolution. He is also a member of the American Planning Association and the Washington & American Bar Associations. He is a Land Use Hearing Examiner and Mediator for over twenty cities in Washington State. Ted enjoys marathon running, guitar playing and singing in several groups.

Ted is the son of a preacher, loves baseball, and was heavily influenced by his childhood years growing up in Oregon.

In addition to hearing from Ted, the Club heard from a potential member from Afghanistan seeking asylum in the US.

President Pam Mushen, per her custom, gave us a primer on history. This week she covered the history of women’s voting rights.

New members – please come and help us or come to meet and socialize

October 7^th – Octoberfest at Ravenna Brewery at 4:30

October 7^th – Seahawk Game Day, Fundraiser for Outdoors for All –Contact Ed Bronsdon at edb@outdoorsforall.org

October 9^th – Tiny Home Build, Michael Bronsdon would still like to have 1 – 2 more people – Contact Michael at Michael@bronsdon.com

October 30^th – QFC Food Drive for University Foodbank.  Isaac sent out a sign-up sheet already.  If you have not received it or wish to sign up, contact Isaac at ike2307@gmail.com

November 20^th Saturday 2:00  Social Event – Potluck and Pies at Colleen White’s house.  We all know how to do a potluck (more details will follow).  If you want to go home with a pie, please bring a pie (store bought is acceptable).  We will draw numbers to select a pie that appeals to you.  A great meal at a fun location and you bring home a pie – you cannot say no to that.  Spouses and significant others are invited.  Let’s all have a great time.

December 5^th – All Club Christmas Party with Santa Claus.  Children welcome and encouraged.  More information about location and what to bring will be forthcoming.  We will also be collecting Toys for Tots.  Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for a tot or consider making a $20 donation.

Still in the works:

Tiny Parks Project – Still need to clear up permission with the University of Washington

Dictionary Project – Ron Espiritu may need help delivering dictionaries by the end of October.  Currently we cannot make in person presentations. 

In the new year, we will try to recreate projects that have worked for us:  Teen Feed, Tiny Houses, Food Drive, Outdoors for All

For the new year, the social committee is thinking up new and fun events.  If you have any suggestions, contact Colleen White at cjnurse@uw.edu

Suggestions for new service projects:  blood drive, adopt a highway or street (Rotaract has already adopted Roosevelt Ave. so maybe we can continue with that project), a Christmas project with Mercy Housing and Solid Ground, and finally a major project creating a permanent rotary structure at a local park.  Any other suggestions contact David Mushen at david.mushen@gmail.com

The University Sunrise Rotary Club made gifts recently to the Rotary Haiti Relief Fund and to Solid Ground. Both organizations were kind enough to send us thank you notes which can be found here:

The Club donated $1750 to Solid Ground to help purchase school supplies and sent $2000 to the Haiti Relief Fund to support recovery efforts.

Bruce Harrell served as a member of the Seattle City Council from District 2. He was first elected to the city council in 2007 and was re-elected in 2011 and 2015, and did not run again in 2019. In 2016, he was chosen as president of the city council. He also briefly served as acting Mayor of Seattle from September 13 to September 18, 2017.

Harrell was born in 1958 in Seattle, to an African American father who worked for Seattle City Light and a Japanese American mother who had been interned at Minidoka and worked for the Seattle Public Library. The Harrell family lived in the Central District and Bruce graduated from Garfield High School in 1976 as valedictorian of his class.

Harrell played as a linebacker at Garfield High School, where he was named to the all-Metro team. He went on to attend the University of Washington on a football scholarship, rejecting a spot at Harvard University, and played linebacker for the Washington Huskies football team from 1976 to 1979 (he is still ranked in the top ten all-time in tackles). At the University of Washington, Harrell earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 1980 and made the national Academic All-American First Team in football. Harrell earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Washington School of Law in 1984. In 1994, Harrell earned a master’s degree in organizational design and improvement from City University of Seattle.

In 2007, Harrell received the University of Washington Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2012, Harrell won the University of Washington’s Timeless Award Winner, and in 2013 he was inducted into the NW Football Hall of Fame.

After attending law school, Harrell joined US West, now CenturyLink, in 1987. Harrell was chief legal advisor to the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund, chief legal advisor to the First A.M.E. Church and First A.M.E. Housing Corporation, Chief Counsel to US West, and general counsel to the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Zeta Pi Lambda chapter.

In addition to his legislative responsibilities, Harrell serves as Chair of the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Performance First Committee: a business development strategy of PSRC’s Prosperity Partnership; Advisory Board Chair for CASASTART; a focused strategy for youth with behavioral challenges at Seattle Public Schools; and, member of the Social Action Committee for First A.M.E. Church.

It is the policy of the University Sunrise Rotary Club to invite both of the primary winners of selected election races to speak to the club as independent programs. Mr. Harrell’s general election opponent has declined.

Here are the speaker notes from Club Member Scott Jamieson, Jim Miller, and Merrill Mayer:

Mayoral Candidate Bruce Harrell presented at today’s meeting. Bruce is a Seattle native, a University of Washington graduate and a lawyer who’s professional interest centered on telecom issues. Bruce was a member of the Seattle City Council for 3 terms, 2007-2019. He chose not to run in 2019 but decided to enter the race for mayor as he became increasingly troubled by what he saw happening in Seattle. He vows to help Seattle to return to the values that made us a great city by fighting to get Seattle “back to the basics” with his agenda. 

Bruce told us that “what we are seeing in Seattle is Intolerable.” People are living in tents and on the street.  We have to come up with a “human way to get people into housing.” Seattle currently spends a billion dollars  to solve the homelessness problem.  Seattle can find  better ways to resolve the situation.

Bruce does not support the defunding of the police. He supports a “case management” model in order to provide improved response services. He supports improved training for 911 dispatchers, public safety officers and the traditional “gun and badge” police officers. 

Bruce answered questions regarding a variety of issues. Paramount issues included the homelessness crisis in Seattle, where he stated that it is inhumane to have people sleeping on our streets and in tents and assured us that he will work with local/regional authorities to come up with a comprehensive plan to mitigate this problem. He asserted that we have the resources but have lacked the will to tackle this problem. He also made it clear that he intends to protect Seattle’s parks, making them a “safe place for kids to play.” He pointed out that the issue of affordable housing is a secondary yet related problem, resulting in “housing insecurity.” He supports the city’s partnership with various faith community programs regarding the homelessness crisis.. 

Bruce also addressed the decline into “tribal politics” and promised to work towards a collaborative system approach, especially when dealing with the City Council, who he termed a “thin resume council.” He vowed to work with the council yet promised to be a strong leader. “Parks, police and potholes” was an alliterative term used. He supports having Seattle’s districts have their issues addressed by their district’s elected council member.

Bruce also addressed the (recently extended) eviction moratorium and reviewed the desire of landlords to work with the city, yet noted that they are not being listened to by Seattle’s current administration. He pointed out that he is endorsed by the Rental Housing Authority and that the current situation will result in worse housing availability and affordability issues.

Bruce also favors promoting a healthy business environment in Seattle, resulting in more jobs. He does call for businesses to be good corporate citizens.