[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Mayor John Marchione Denounces MAPS Vandalism
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
November 22, 2016
CONTACT
Lisa Maher, Communications & Marketing Manager
lmaher@redmond.gov
425-556-2427
REDMOND, WA – On Monday, November 21, 2016, the Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS) was vandalized. The granite sign in front of their facility was smashed. This took place following an additional form of vandalism last weekend.
“Acts like this aren’t representative of the Redmond community, and will not be tolerated,” stated Mayor John Marchione. “The City works closely with MAPS leadership and our Islamic community to ensure that they and all residents feel safe in their homes, at their place of business, and where they worship.”
“I am confident that this act does not represent the feelings of Redmond residents. Our community will continue to stand strongly in favor of diversity and inclusion, and not allow an individual act of vandalism to define us.”
MAPS has increased its security efforts but will not cancel any activities or events. A Thanksgiving dinner celebration for the residents of Tent City 4 will take place on Wednesday, as planned.
For questions and more information contact Lisa Maher, Communications & Marketing Manager, at lmaher@redmond.gov or 425-556-2427. This press release is available on www.redmond.gov.
From: Pramila Jayapal PRESS <press@pramilaforcongress.com>
Subject: CONGRESSWOMAN-ELECT PRAMILA JAYAPAL’S STATEMENT ON REDMOND MOSQUE VANDALISM
Date: November 23, 2016 at 4:28:17 PM PST
To: Pramila Jayapal <pjayapal@me.com>
Reply-To: danielle@pramilaforcongress.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 23, 2016
Congresswoman-Elect Pramila Jayapal’s Statement on the Vandalism of Redmond Mosque
SEATTLE, WA –
Nov 23, 2016 Press Release
Seattle – Congresswoman-Elect Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) today condemned the vandalism of a Redmond mosque; Muslim Association of the Puget Sound (MAPS).
“I strongly condemn this hateful act of vandalism of a place of worship. Hate has no place in our community, and we all stand united rejecting these actions in unequivocal terms. I am deeply troubled that hate crimes against Muslims and minorities are on the rise, in particular at places of worship and schools. After 9/11, I was proud to stand strong with our many communities who came together to ensure that we denounce hate in our state. Today, we stand just as strong to make sure that all of our public places of worship, of learning, of community and of government are supportive to all people and free of hate against any community.”
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Danielle Fulfs
425-442-7101
danielle@pramilaforcongress.com
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Sound Cities Association
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]2016 Board of Directors
President
Nancy Backus Mayor
City of Auburn
Vice President David Baker Mayor
City of Kenmore
Treasurer Amy Walen
Mayor
City of Kirkland
Member-at-Large
Bill Allison
Councilmember
City of Maple Valley
Past President Matt Larson Mayor
City of Snoqualmie
Members
Jim Ferrell
Mayor
City of Federal Way
Leanne Guier Mayor
City of Pacific
Bob Harrison
City Administrator
City of Issaquah
Will Ibershof
Mayor City of Duvall
Hank Margeson
Council President City of Redmond
Marlla Mhoon Councilmember
City of Covington
Dana Ralph
Councilmember
City of Kent
Catherine Stanford
Deputy Mayor
City of Lake Forest Park
Executive Director
Deanna Dawson
Sound Cities Association
6300 Southcenter Boulevard
Suite 206 Tukwila, WA 98188
(206) 433-7168 SCA@SoundCities.org www.SoundCities.org [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]November 23, 2016
Mr. Mahmood Khadeer, President
Muslim Association of Puget Sound
17550 NE 67th Ct
Redmond, WA 98052
Dear Mr. Mahmood Khadeer,
On behalf of 37 member cities of the Sound Cities Association, we are deeply saddened by the vandalism of your mosque and the fear and intimidation your members have faced.
We serve as the Executive Board for the Sound Cities Association (SCA), which represents 37 cities of King County and provides a voice for over one million people. As a voice for those we represent, we will be clear that we reject such messages of hate.
SCA’s mission is to provide leadership through advocacy, education, mutual support and networking to cities as they act locally and partner regionally to create livable vital communities. The livable vital communities we seek to foster are diverse, they safeguard the rights of residents to worship, and they work to ensure the safety of all residents. This act of vandalism is at odds with the values of our communities, and does not reflect the strong threads of inclusiveness and respect that more accurately define our region.
We condemn the recent vandalism of the Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS) mosque and stand in support of MAPS as you open your mosque this Thanksgiving week to strengthen our region with a community meal.
Please do not hesitate to contact our Executive Director Deanna Dawson at (206) 495-3265 or at Deanna@SoundCities.org to discuss how we can work together to foster an inclusive region and support the safety and rights of all our residents.
Sincerely,
Nancy Backus David Baker
President, Sound Cities Association Vice President, Sound Cities Association
Mayor, City of Auburn Mayor, Kenmore
| Amy Walen | Matt Larson | |
| Treasurer, Sound Cities Association | Past President, Sound Cities Association | |
| Mayor, Kirkland | Mayor, Snoqualmie |
cc: SCA Board of Directors
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