Last year, I lost a dear friend, Justine Ruszczyk, shot and killed by a police officer in Minneapolis while in her pajamas. Last Saturday, I lost another dear friend, Joyce Fienberg, shot and killed by a bigoted anti-Semite with an assault weapon while praying in her synagogue in Pittsburgh. Doubtless, many of you have suffered similar losses.
Justine and Joyce were the most gentle and generous of women. I will dedicate my “yes” votes on Initiative 940 (for better police training and accountability) and Initiative 1639 (for stricter control of assault weapons) to Justine’s and Joyce’s memories. If you believe in justice and decency and the safety of your loved ones, please join me.
Michael Perlman, Seattle