lAST AFRICAN                      (
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GROUP \'h
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Sep~ember 4, 2015

Hon. Port of Seattle Commissioners
Port of Seattle
P.O. Box 68727
Seattle, WA 98168
RE: Port Support for Taxis and Other Minority Business Owners

Dear Honorable Commissions,
We, the leaders ofthe King County East African Community Business Associations,
write to the members ofthe Seattle Port Commission and Port ofSeattle staffabout our
support for the hard working migrant and minority owned business community members
wh~ service the traveling public at SeaTac Airport.
Over the last ten years, elected officials and King County regulators have heard
frequently from the East African community regarding area taxi services and diversity
needs ofthese unique migrant businesses.
As our elected leaders, we want to remind you that we are at the frontline and
ambassadors ofthe travelers at SeaTac; and we value the job oppmtunities provided at
our airport. Our organization'sleaders support all ofour community member's
representation and diversity, including the hard working owner operators who have made
significant investment at the airport and supporting the state'seconomy.
As you know, our community members hold a variety ofjobs at the established
businesses at the Port; and, SeaTac creates much needed jobs that feed our families and
keep us healthy and active members ofthis community. We thank you for providing
these opportunities for our community and for listening to us.
Owning a small business like a taxi can provide stability and opportunity for
immigrant/minority business and their families. These hard working drivers are often
sustaining other families by provide economic means for driving additional shifts using
their county provided licenses and vehicles.
Taxi owner/operators can earn a good living, but need drivers to work long hard hours
and significant upfront investments needed to be repaid. Additionally, taxi fees and
maintenance costs, require owners to make sure their taxis are in operation at 24/7.

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Indeed, it is a tough business that requires continues support and understanding ofthe
impact and the unique characteristics pertaining to the employment needs ofthese
minorities. There isn'tany other way that these folks can partake ofthe economic
prosperity that our ports generate.
In light ofthis, we once again would like to thank you for your continues understanding
ofour concerns and herby request our participation in upcoming meetings and decision
making processes that members ofother communities are going to be heard; and to
fmding a better ways to empower for those who supported and worked hard to making
the pmt of Seattle a world-class airport.

Thank you in advance for your kind understanding ofthis matter.
~& ~~rina
JamaMusse
Founder/Executive Director        Liaison, Transpmtation & Business Associations
EAST AFRICANCOMMUNITY







Addr ess: 7101 Martin Luther King Jr. Way South Suite 214-A Seattle, Washington 98118
Tel/Fax: (206) 355-6343
Email: eastafricancounci l@ comcast.net