Violence has no place in Olympia
Speech to Olympia School Board on the Appointment of Talauna Reed
I am Candace Mercer. I am an independent journalist who just published a long form investigative report on Talauna Reed’s past.
I have reported on Reed since 2018 when her aunt died under suspicious circumstances.
I have reviewed hundreds of pages of police reports, internal City of Olympia documents and a 90 page WSP background check. I have also viewed video recordings, social media posts and interviews with Ms. Reed.
I do not believe Reed is an appropriate choice for the board due to her record. Either the Board did not do due diligence, or they did, and ignored it.
I am not sure which is worse.
Her actions are not isolated in the past that could be excused by life challenges, it is a pattern of behavior that follows her to the present.
I have watched Reed frequently and consistently misrepresent the circumstances around her aunt’s death.
This disinformation has led to increased racial tensions in Olympia with real world consequences.
Reed concocted a conspiracy theory about the deat of Yvonne McDonald that includes City of Olympia employees, OPD, the Council, TWO City Managers, Medic One EMTs, the Coroner and the Prosecutor.
Furthermore, Reed and her followers have bullied all of the above. They have released names and fomented harassment campaigns, including at their homes.
She demanded investigation after investigations, never satisfied. This cost more than 100K.
Truth to Power is a principle Reed should appreciate, that is why I am here today.
Reed is a public figure and should expect scrutiny, especially given her outrageous and false claims.
This is not about racism, an easy excuse, this is about character and being a role model.
Who Reed associates with reflects her values. Her connections with Antifa are well documented.
Several parents haver reported they are being threatened by her people, including her close friend Kevin Hazlett, and her former campaign manager, Darek Ball.
The messages are abusive and obscene.
Hazlett wrote to me: “I will die and kill to protect my friends and family. Your lies are the reason and you will be responsible if something happens to her. Fucking cunt.”
He wrote to a friend of mine: “Although I would die and kill to protect my friends and family, I certainly hope it does not come to that.
Unfortunately, it might.
If Candace feels unsafe, oh well.”
Are you OK with this?
I challenge Talauna Reed to publicly denounce the abuse being done in her name by her friends and associates.
Violence has no place in Olympia.
I am not done reporting.
Find my work on Substack, Candace Mercer
Thank you.
the person that responded to your speech with extreme profanity and support for Reed goes to show what kind of person she is by the type of people who follow her and support her. that person did not help Ms. Reeds case.