The recent executive orders by President Donald Trump, particularly those related to immigrants and refugees, have been a source of concern and fear for many in the Kent community.
In response, Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke and City Council President Bill Boyce issued the following proclamation at Tuesday night’s council meeting:
Whereas, in 1890, six months after the state of Washington was founded, Kent, with a population of 793, was the second city to incorporate in King County, and was named after Kent County, England.
Since Kent’s founding 126 years ago, we have welcomed residents from all walks of life and from all around the world, people who have built this city into the sixth largest city in the state with over 125,000 residents speaking 138 languages.
Kent has adopted the brand, “Bringing the World Home,” and promotes policies and programs to foster inclusion for all, regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, religion, immigration status, age, mental or physical ability, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, parental status, or socio-economic status.
This city’s prosperity as the fourth largest distribution center in the United States is built on commerce with international ties; and Kent’s aerospace and manufacturing strength is led by scientists, engineers and trades people whose vision embraces not only connecting the world, but connecting people through outer space.
The Kent City Council adopted a vision for Kent as a safe, connected and beautiful city, culturally vibrant with richly diverse urban centers; and is dedicated to building a thriving, sustainable and inclusive community through innovative leadership, inspired teamwork and unwavering devotion to responsibly advancing our quality of life.
All residents, employees and visitors in Kent deserve a safe environment, free from hate, discrimination and harassment; however, if anyone feels personally threatened or unsafe, they should call 911 for immediate assistance; and anyone who witnesses someone being harassed or bullied, or a hate crime being committed, is also asked to call 911.
The safety of all of Kent’s residents is our city’s top priority; a person’s right to file a police report, participate in police-community activities, or otherwise benefit from police services is not contingent upon citizenship or immigration status; and no person should be afraid to call 911 for fear their residency will be questioned, because Kent’s police and public employees do not ask a person’s immigration status unless they’ve committed a crime that results in them being arrested and booked in jail, in which case officers follow procedures from the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.
Now, therefore, I, Suzette Cooke, Mayor of Kent, do hereby re-affirm Kent is a Welcoming City.
And encourage all residents, businesses, civic groups and others to express their support for our richly diverse community.
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