The Odessa Record - Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!

Various surveys over the last year continue to show public safety is high on the list of concerns for the average Washingtonian. It doesn't matter if it's someone living in Bellevue or s the 9th Legislative District. People are feeling less safe and less secure.

According to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, crime numbers support the feeling of unease. Violent crime increased by 12.3% in 2021, murder by 6%, and aggravated assaults by nearly 17%.

I believe much of the blame can be directed at Olympia institutions.

In 2021, the state Supreme Court issued the Blake deci...