A   ERITREAN ASSOCIATION IN GREATER SEATTLE
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1528 Valentine Pl. South, Seattle, WA 98144
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Since 1994

September 8, 2015
Honorable Port of Seattle Commissioners:
I write to explain the vital role that Yellow Cab has played in providing a living income to
members ofour community. We have three board members that own and drive airport taxicabs
for Yellow Cab and countless members that have driven for Yellow Cab. The overwhelming
majority ofour community came to this country as refugees, ill equipped to apply for jobs that
produce a living wages. The taxicab industry, and Yellow Cab in particular, has always provided
an opportunity to our members to make enough income to raise a family with respect and
integrity. Countless children in our community have been raised on taxicab incomes and have
gone on to college and to wonderful careers.
As stated above, several members ofour community and board own taxicab businesses. Many
have large proportions oftheir family wealth in these businesses to which they hope to leave to
their children during these tough economic times. Several other members have taken out loans to
pay for an opportunity to own a taxicab business whereby they can control their own destiny.
Undermining the taxicab industry at the airpoti could wipe out a generation ofhard earned
wealth and investment.
Finally, it is nonsensical to assert that the Poti ofSeattle is promoting racism against the East
African community by allowing Yellow Cab to continue to operate at the airpmi for any period
oftime. This language is divisive and just not true. Our cotmlmnity is pati ofseveral coalitions
ofimmigrant organizations including those involving the Ethiopian communities and Somali
communities. My decades ofvolunteering and activism in the community confirm that the
taxicab industry has also been one ofthe primary sources ofincome for the general East African
community in Seattle. I ask that you wholeheartedly reject any assertion ofracism.
I respectfully ask that the Poti ofSeattle take this under due consideration before making any
decision regarding the airpoti contract.

Respectfully,
~~~