Twelve Washington mayors will join state lawmakers, political candidates, families and community leaders in Kent on Thursday, Oct. 8, for a public discussion about fentanyl, addiction, accountability and potential community responses.

Battlefield Addiction will present the free event, titled “Hey Bob! We Need Your Help,” at the Kent-Meridian High School Performing Arts Center (map below).

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and the program will begin at 7 p.m.

The confirmed mayors include:

Dana Ralph of Kent
Mohamed Egal of SeaTac
Thomas McLeod of Tukwila
Eric Zimmerman of Normandy Park
Mark Mullet of Issaquah
Terry Carter of Bonney Lake
Carla Bowman of Sumner
Vic Kave of Pacific
Armondo Pavone of Renton
John Adler of Black Diamond
Anthony Wright of Enumclaw
Mary Miller of North Bend

Art Dahlen, founder of Battlefield Addiction and a person in longterm recovery, will participate alongside families affected by addiction and members of the public.

State lawmakers scheduled to attend include:

Republican Rep. Jim Walsh of the 19th Legislative District
Rep. Travis Couture of the 35th District
Rep. Chris Corry of the 15th District
Rep. Brian Burnett of the 12th District

The announced candidates expected to attend include:

Dave Larson, candidate for Position 5 on the Washington Supreme Court
State House candidates Steve Ewing, Katy Cornell, Cobi Clark, Michelle Bennett and Tonya Stadlman.
Pierce County Councilmember Bettina Gese
Auburn Deputy Mayor Tracy Taylor-Turner

Battlefield Addiction said the discussion will address public drug use, fentanyl exposure involving children, the distribution of drug paraphernalia, accountability for drug possession and theft, diversion programs and penalties for fentanyl dealers.

The organization advocates enforcement alongside programs intended to help people with addiction enter recovery. It also opposes government distribution of foil and other supplies used to smoke fentanyl.

The event is free and open to the public, though registration is requested at battlefieldaddiction.com/heybob.

Battlefield Addiction is a nonprofit organization that teaches families and communities how to intervene and help loved ones pursue recovery and independence.