Kick Seattle Out? Sumner Senator Wants To, Cites 'Craziness'

SUMNER, WA - A state Senator who represents parts of King County and northern Pierce County wants Seattle to become its own county. Why? Sen. Phil Fortunato says Seattle's progressive "craziness" is costing the rest of the county.

Sen. Phil Fortunato, who was appointed in January to replace Pam Roach (she joined the Pierce County Council), has introduced SB 5932, which creates a way for new counties to be formed. Fortunato's bill doesn't specifically mention Seattle, but he gave an interview to Seattle's KING 5 about the intent behind the bill.

"So my dream is Seattle could be King County, and they could do whatever the heck they want," he told the station. "They could have a $25 minimum wage. They could give away free needles. They can do whatever the heck they want, they just can't do it with my money."

While Seattle has passed a law that would raise minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2021, it does not apply outside the city limits. Seattle and King County are also working on a plan to create safe-injection sites to provide opioid users with resources to prevent overdoses and other injuries.

Fortunato introduced the bill on Monday in the Senate and has been referred to the committee on state government. The bill is co-sponsored by state Sen. Dino Rossi, R-Woodinville, and state Sen. Mark Miloscia, R-Federal Way.

The Legislature is currently in a 30-day special session because of an impasse over creating a state budget that fairly funds public education.

Fortunato lives in Auburn, according to his campaign website.

Image via state Sen. Phil Fortunato