A thread about Tim Burgess since this former councilmember (and former cop) thinks he should be still dictating policing policy via op-eds like this. #DefundSPD #SeattleProtests
Conversation
Let's go back to the beginning of Tim Burgess' political life when he was a campaign volunteer for Barry Goldwater, who is known for opposing the 1964 Civil Rights Act and launching the conservative movement in the Republican party. #BlackLivesMatter
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In the 1970's, Burgess worked as a Seattle Police officer. After a couple years as a beat cop, SPD switched him to the Public Relations team. (Fun fact: Even today Tim continues to do PR for SPD from the sidelines.) #DefundSPD #SeattleProtests
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Burgess said he became a "born again progressive" at some point and left the Republican party. But as he opened an advertising agency that would make him rich, he felt no qualms taking contracts from conservative Christian groups opposing gay marriage and abortion.
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When Burgess ran for the City Council in 2007, adding more cops was one of his signature issues, though he didn't offer a plan how to pay for it.
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The very serious, tough on crime campaign worked and Burgess won. In 2010, he authored a bill outlawing panhandling, furthering criminalizing homelessness, and shepherded it thru council. Would have became law if not for veto.
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Burgess was held in high esteem by his colleagues who say he was friendly, worked hard, and honored his word. In fact, a much more moderate Council seemed ready to elect him mayor in 2012.
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Burgess ended up endorsing Ed Murray and dropping out, but he got to be mayor for 71 days in 2017 after Murray resigned due to his sexual abuse scandal.
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Burgess retired from the council, but not from politics. The former Mr. Nice Guy turned to running PAC smear campaigns against his former colleagues, targeting progressives. #DefundSPD #SeattleProtests
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So anyway, why should Tim Burgess be who we listen to about police accountability? Maybe he should try full-blown retirement for a change? #DefundSPD
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“It is, in a way, unfortunate, but it’s the system we have.” Burgess said after raising $100,000's from conservative rich people to run hit pieces. Quote encapsulates his moderate brand.
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