Graffiti is a local matter

Alan Lancaster’s reaction (“Fed up with graffiti,” Feb. 8) to a letter I personally sent him points to the crux of the graffiti issue: It doesn’t make any difference how stiff the penalties are for creating graffiti if there isn’t adequate enforcement – or if cleanup doesn’t quickly follow. Unfortunately, his response didn’t completely characterize my letter to him, including its indicating that I believe everything to be just fine.

State law is clear on the subject. It’s malicious mischief to write, paint or draw on any public or private building unless you have the owner’s permission. Depending on the damage done, it’s third degree ($50 or less); second degree (more than $250); or first degree (more than $1,500). First- and second-degree malicious mischief are class B and class C felonies, respectively.

As public policy, I think these penalties are appropriate. What I believe the writer was commenting on was the delay in cleaning up the unsightly messes. In 1994, the City of Seattle adopted a graffiti nuisance ordinance that holds property owners accountable for removing graffiti to make the area more attractive and discourage its spread. In addition, the city publicizes tips on how to minimize the risk of graffiti and offers grants to those helping to rid the community of it.

Enforcement and cleanup are local – not state – matters. Having the best laws on the books won’t make a bit of difference if they aren’t enforced and if the graffiti isn’t promptly scrubbed. Property owners need to stay vigilant and report all cases of graffiti so that they can be documented and to increase the odds of catching the perpetrators. And they must also remove the graffiti.

As a resident of this beautiful community, I, too, am disturbed by graffiti. Although this issue was brought to my attention too late in this short legislative session for me to introduce legislation stiffening penalties, I will look at it over the interim to see if the Legislature needs to do more. In the meantime, I encourage anyone witnessing the defacement of property to call 911 immediately. To report graffiti on public property, call Seattle’s Graffiti Report Line at (206) 684-7587. Working together, we can put a stop to this scourge.

Jeanne Kohl-Welles
State Senator
36th Legislative District

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