Re: “WA appeals court says counties can sue state for public defense funding” (Aug. 4, Local News):
Nowhere is the need for more public defender resources more apparent than in our struggling behavioral-health system. Newly created hospital beds for the treatment of severe addiction and mental-health issues sit empty because we lack the legal resources to support involuntary commitment.
While our Washington State Attorney General’s Office employs nearly 800 attorneys, King County lacks the public defenders necessary to take those who are a threat to themselves and the community off the streets and into treatment.
In our state, suing the federal government takes priority over saving lives.
Bob Stevens, Seattle
