No more nasty Novembers in Seattle if laws pass to enforce minimum temperatures in every building.
(prHWY.com) September 26, 2012 - Seattle, WA -- No more nasty Novembers in Seattle if laws pass to enforce minimum temperatures in every building.
A proposal is set to come before the city council recently arguing for every building, public and residential, in Seattle to be kept at above a minimum temperature of 75°F all year round. To enforce this, logs will be kept by
heating companies for each account they have, which can be accessed by city officials at any time.
Martin Nock, frontman for the bill, explained the possible benefits if the bill passes. "Seattle is a glum and dreary city almost every day of the year. Its citizens should be able to walk into any building in the city and be met with a warm atmosphere. Physical and mental wellness will increase greatly. Warm temperatures can help combat illness, joint problems, depression, and many other inflictions. The people of Seattle deserve the chance to come in out of the rain and warm their bodies and spirits."
While Nock is passionate about the possibilities the bill offers, others aren't so hot on it. Seattle resident Jackie Siler sees issues with the proposal. "This is clearly overstepping boundaries into people's personal lives. The city has no right to say what temperature we keep our homes. What are families supposed to do if they can't pay to keep their home heated? Are they supposed to pay a fine for that? And how is the city even expecting to keep track of every home and building?"
Supporters of the bill say this is a chance for families who cannot keep their homes heated to get help. If this bill is passed, local welfare offices are expecting an increase in clients looking for help to pay their heating bills. Employee for the Department of Social and Health Services Jerry Blackford explains, "if people qualify for help, we can help them, not only with paying their heating bills but getting other services like food or child care. Many people are resistant to ask for help if they need it. If heating becomes a requirement in the city, more people will look at getting our services than before."
The proposed bill will be voted on this Saturday. If it is passed, the city will be ready to survey and enforce the minimum temperature law in building as we move out of summer and into the fall and winter months. This bill is currently turning up the heat on the city council, and could be turning up the heat on the city if it is passed.
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