Coalition Calls On Rep. David Sawyer Not To Seek Re-Election

Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Sawyer Letter

Rep. David Sawyer

PO Box 98469

Lakewood, WA 98496

 

Representative Sawyer,

We are writing to you today regarding the accusations against you by several women.


As individual organizations, we work in many ways to better our communities for the issues we each care about. Despite these individual priorities, there are values we all share together. Among those shared values is ensuring safe, inclusive work environments, free from coercion or the appearance that its inherent power imbalance will be used for such purposes. This means treating all people with dignity and respect inside and outside of the workplace.

The women who have come forward were reluctant to do so in part because they were concerned how people would react, wondering if they would be believed, and if they were, who would stand with them. More disturbing is the concern there might be repercussions to their careers and personal lives.

If our organizations remain silent, waiting for you to do the right thing, we would confirm the social message that women are not taken seriously when they speak up.  We also have a duty to the communities and employees we serve. Your actions have significantly compromised your ability to adequately represent our shared communities.

We not only believe the women who have shared their stories, but today we are standing with them. It is therefore our obligation to tell you that we cannot support you in another run for the Legislature. We ask that you take responsibility for your actions and not seek reelection.

Sincerely,

 

Tiffany Hankins

Executive Director

NARAL Pro-Choice Washington

 

Renee Hopkins

CEO

Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility

 

Brenda Wiest

Legislative Affairs Director

Teamsters 117

 

Treasure Mackley

Interim CEO/ Political & Organizing Director 

Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii

 

Aaron Ostrom

Executive Director

Fuse Washington

 

Adam Glickman

Secretary Treasurer

SEIU 775 NW

 

Sarah Cherin

Community and Political Allies Director

UFCW 21

 

Shannon Murphy

President

Washington Conservation Voters