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December
2005
December 20, 2005
Patterson
and Ferguson join Executive in Calling for All-Mail Elections
"Adopting one voting system for King County will increase
voter turnout, save taxpayer dollars, restore the integrity of the voting
process, and help make our elections department more efficient."
December 15, 2005
"Integrity
missing from Vance project"--Seattle PI OpEd from Council Chair
Larry Phillips
"Let's be clear -- keeping voter rolls clean is vital to elections
integrity. But of paramount importance are the rights of individual voters
who make up those rolls. County and state election offices, along with
prosecutors, elected leaders and citizens, should continue efforts to
improve procedures for voter roll maintenance. But those efforts must
have a high regard for the rights of voters, and not be for political
gain."
December
12, 2005
Council
Considers Making Image of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. the Official Logo
of King County
“Replacing our current logo would give future generations
a visible reminder of Dr. King the man. It would become a living symbol
of the county that strives towards achieving the goals for which he gave
his life.”
December 12, 2005
Preparing for
a Pandemic: Council Approves Funding for Flu Preparedness Plan
“This funding will be used to purchase the medication that can help
slow the spread of a pandemic. The preparedness plan and information campaign
will help individuals and businesses organize their response to an outbreak.”
December 7, 2005
Budget Committee
Approves $5.9 Million for Pandemic Flu Preparedness
“We
must be prepared for the unprecedented impact of a pandemic flu outbreak
on our health care delivery system.”
December 5, 2005
Council
Funds Ferguson’s Housing for Homeless Proposal
“Tent city residents are struggling to get off the street. The ‘Jumpstart
Initiative’ starts implementing the Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness
to help our most vulnerable residents.”
November
2005
November 22, 2005
Phillips:
Safety, Health and Privacy of Women Protected in 2006 King County Budget
“The level of support in this budget for programs to help women
in need of shelter, sexual assault resources, protection from domestic
violence, health advice or childcare is unprecedented. But it’s
a precedent I’m committed to continuing.”
November 22, 2005
Dunn and Ferguson
Call Rural Ombudsman Victory for Unincorporated and Rural Land Owners
“Rural residents deserve a seat at the table. The rural ombudsman
will provide rural residents an advocate to voice their concerns in an
objective and fair manner.”
November 21, 2005
Council Unanimously
Adopts Balanced 2006 Budget That Continues Fiscal Responsibility, Renews
Commitment to Regional Human Services
The Metropolitan King County Council today unanimously adopted
a $3.46 billion King County budget for 2006 that tightens oversight and
controls on spending through scrutiny of agency business plans and use
of performance measures to ensure savings and efficiencies. The final
12-0 vote marks the third straight year that the King County budget has
been adopted unanimously.
November 21, 2005
Phillips:
McCaw Hall, Pacific Science Center and Seattle Aquarium Receive Funding
From King County
“These three facilities draw citizens from next door and around
the world. Investing in them is not only an investment in cultural enrichment
for local citizens, but also an investment in the tourism economy that
helps keep our region prosperous.”
November 17, 2005
Newby
in “Meth Watch” Spotlight
Kimberly K. Newby is wanted by the King County Sheriff’s
Office for possession of methamphetamine. She has failed to appear for
court, and there is currently a warrant for her arrest for Violation of
the Uniformed Controlled Substances Act. Newby’s most recent known
location was in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle.
November 16, 2005
Phillips
Calls Orca Listing a Wake up Call to Clean up Puget Sound
“The health of the Orca population tells us about the health of
our most important body of water—Puget Sound, which is also an indicator
of the health of the region’s other waterways and entire ecosystem.”
November 14, 2005
Council Approval
of County-City Trolley Barn Plan “Opens View of Olympics for Decades
to Come”
“Just like the sculpture park, the new trolley barn will be a community
asset, acknowledging the past even as we focus on the future.”
November 9, 2005
Voters Approve
Veterans and Human Services Levy
“The Veterans and Families Levy is the result of city and county
officials, religious leaders, human services providers, veterans and community
leaders coming together for a common goal: providing a safety net for
our veterans, their families and our most vulnerable in King County.”
November 9, 2005
King
County Voters Reject “Do Nothing” Approach on Transportation
“King County voters sent a clear message that improvements to our
roads and unsafe bridges can no longer be delayed.”
November 9, 2005
Phillips
asks Prosecutor to Investigate Possible Perjury in Republican Voter Challenges
Phillips said several County Councilmembers have been contacted by challenged
voters who are correctly registered to their own address and “have
no prior contact or relationship with Ms. Sotelo. Thus Ms. Sotelo’s
basis for ‘personal knowledge and belief’ of falsified voter
registrations is highly questionable, and her voter challenges should
be investigated for possible perjury.”
November 4, 2005
Councilmembers
outraged at Republican intimidation of voters on eve of election
“After a week of this kind of behavior on the part of King County
Republicans, let’s finally call it for what it is. This is not election
reform, this is voter intimidation and voter suppression.”
November 4, 2005
Patterson
urges voters to contact elections office with concerns about incorrect
GOP challenges
“As a representative of an area with substantial amount of multi
family housing, I have strong concerns regarding the impacts of erroneous
voter challenges and the barriers they create for legitimate registered
voters.”
November 3, 2005
Councilmembers
Concerned about Elections Credibility
“After the numerous tabulation errors documented in last year’s
election, and the county’s expenditure of great amounts of time
and money to fix them, this discrepancy is not acceptable.”
November 3, 2005
Lack of Medicaid Resources
Put Squeeze on County’s Mentally Ill and Uninsured
“King County is forced to rely more and more on local general taxes
to pick up the tab that has been left by lack of Medicaid and other funding
to cover health care services.”
November 3, 2005
Meth
Watch Spotlight “too Bright”
“That’s one less person endangering the lives of people by
making and selling meth.”
November 2, 2005
A
`skewed' vision of election audit--King County Journal
OpEd by Council Chair Larry Phillips
"But in their effort to create yet another 'long way to regain voter
trust' column, they waited until the last paragraph to mention the improvement
that has taken place to strengthen the King County election system in
the last year."
November 1, 2005
Budget Figures Gloomier
than Forecast
“This selective budget information from the Executive is detrimental
to our efforts to pass a responsible, balanced budget. We need to see
the county’s whole financial picture, and we don’t need Enron-style
accounting that blurs and distorts the picture.”
October
2005
October 31, 2005
Council Calls for Dedication
of the Front Seat in all Metro Transit Buses in Honor of Rosa Parks
“It is appropriate that we honor her on the buses owned & operated
by Martin Luther King, Jr. County. A new generation of bus riders will
see a reminder of how a simple act can change the world.”
Ocotber 31, 2005
Phillips:
County Bearing the Burden of National Health Care Crisis
“People who don’t have access to medical care eventually
will need medical assistance, and that help usually comes in the form
of an emergency visit to Harborview Medical Center, King County’s
public hospital. In the end, that means prices go up for those who can
afford to pay, and the price of health care stretches further out of reach.”
October 28, 2005
Council to Host
Evening Public Hearing on 2006 King County Budget at County Courthouse
The Metropolitan King County Council’s Budget and Fiscal
Management Committee will hold its last evening public hearing on the
2006 King County Budget on Wednesday, November 2.
October 25, 2005
Pelz:
Honor Rosa Parks by Placing her at the “Front of the Bus”
“Given Mrs. Parks' use of public transit as a symbol of social inequality,
I think it would be fitting if the front seats of Metro buses recognized
her act of heroism.”
October 24, 2005
Council Urges
Congress to Grant Full Benefit Status to Filipino WWII Veterans
“These men, who were recognized by General Douglas MacArthur for
their role in winning the war in the Pacific, are still fighting. Now
their fight is to receive the same benefits as the soldiers they fought
next to.”
October 21, 2005
Strong
Bond Rating Reflection of “Being Smart with the People’s Money”
“The County Council is justifiably proud of its role in
helping achieve those ratings, even as the County had to strip $137 million
out of our general fund budget over the last four years.”
October 20, 2005
Next Felon Placed
in the “Meth Watch” Spotlight
Eric R. Lewellen, whose last known location was in the White
Center area, is wanted by the Sheriff for possession of both cocaine and
methamphetamine. Lewellen failed to appear for court, and there is currently
a warrant for his arrest for two counts of violation of the Uniformed
Controlled Substances Act.
October 18, 2005
Phillips
Asks Sound Transit to Study Ballard Rail Connection
“Now that it’s clear that the Green Line won’t reach
Ballard, the time is right for Sound Transit to explore the potential
of a rail connection between Ballard and Downtown Seattle.”
October 17, 2005
Council Ready to See
if Fiscal Policies, Tough Choices, Have Closed Spending Gap
“This budget and the positive news that we received from the Executive
is a reflection of the hard work done by both the Legislative and Executive
branches over the last four years.”
October 17, 2005
Hague
Leads Effort for Expert Observation of 2005 General Election
“The Election Center did great work in its recent independent
elections audit report. This additional consultant work would augment
this report and provide a solid foundation for an elections turnaround
team.”
October 17, 2005
Council
Approves Funds to Complete Snoqualmie Forest Purchase
“It took creativity and teamwork to come up with a way to fund this
project. The Council’s action today is fulfilling the County’s
obligation to ensure this purchase is made in a fiscally responsible way.”
October 17, 2005
“Being Proactive:”
Council Approves Motion to Request Federal Flu Drill Funding
“If there is an outbreak, we have a responsibility to
both county residents and passengers traveling to our region to be prepared.”
Ocotber 16, 2005
Commitment
to reform must continue--King County Journal OpEd
from Councilmembers Julia Patterson and Kathy Lambert
"The eye of the storm may have passed, but our commitment
to reforming King County government must continue." October
13, 2005
Phillips
wants Study of Ballard Commuter Rail Station
“The Ballard commuter rail station was considered in Sound
Move, but lost out to other priorities. It’s time to revisit the
project to see if it makes sense this time around.”
October 11, 2005
County’s Rejection
of Southwest and Alaska Airlines “Victory for Seattle Neighborhoods”
“Common sense has prevailed. Expanding our cargo and light-plane
airport into ‘SeaTac North’ was the wrong way to go. Seattle
residents knew that, and King County listened. The thousands of letters,
emails and phone calls that people took the time to make really made a
difference.”
October 10, 2005
Council
Approves Increase in Accountability for Elections Data and Processing
Procedures
“These steps continue to bring the elections department closer to
implementing best practices so we can restore greater trust and confidence
in the system.”
October 10, 2005
Progress Report
Highlights Fiscal Responsibility
“We met the challenge of reducing government while reforming the
agencies that consume the bulk of our General Fund budget. The result:
a major change in King County’s criminal justice system and a leaner,
more efficient county government.”
October 10, 2005
Independent Review
Finds Progress on Reform of King County Government
“When we proposed the creation of the bipartisan Governance Commission,
we committed to ensuring that the recommendations were acted upon. We
didn’t want the report to simply become ‘shelf art’
and gather dust. We wanted the citizens of King County to know what we
are doing to reform their government.”
October 7, 2005
“Report
Card” on Government Reform to be Released Monday at Council Committee-of-the-Whole
The “King County Governance Reform Progress Report,”
an independent review documenting the county’s response to recommendations
made by the King County Commission on Governance and the Executive’s
Budget Advisory Task Force, will be released on Monday, October
10 as part of a briefing before the Council’s Committee-of-the-Whole.
October 6, 2005
Hague
Urges Congress to Fund a Preparatory Drill for a Potential Pandemic Flu
Outbreak
“In order to contain the infection rates and the loss of lives,
our communication and action plans must be clearly established and coordinated.
This is especially true for our front-line health care physicians and
nurses who are on the front lines for providing care to those who contract
the flu and who may be the first to be incapacitated.”
October 6, 2005
On
the Lookout for the Newest “Meth Watch” Suspect
Hansen Liu of Everett is wanted by the Sheriff for possession of methamphetamines
and cocaine with intent to deliver, and failure to appear for court.
October 3, 2005
Council Honors
Filipino WWII Veterans, Urge Efforts to Grant Full Benefit Status
“These men were also promised that they would receive the same benefits
as the soldiers they fought next to. Today, these men are still fighting
to receive the benefits they earned through their blood and bravery.”
October 3, 2005
Council Management
Audit Recommends Separate Elections Division, Improved Ballot Security
A County Council management audit of the King County Elections operation
released today contains 24 findings and 25 recommendations to help restore
voter confidence, among them elevation of the Elections Section to its
own division within county government, better documentation of ballot-handling
procedures, and tighter security for stored ballots.
September
2005
September 30, 2005
2006 Budget Deliberations
Begin with Public Review of 2005 Budget
“Our last budget reflected our work to control spending in our criminal
justice agencies and reinvest those savings in human services that encourage
prevention, intervention, and alternatives to incarceration. We need to
measure the performance of that budget in meeting the needs of the people
of Martin Luther King County, as we embark on writing our plan for next
year.”
September 30, 2005
Council
to Recognize Filipino WWII Veterans,
Urge U.S. to Grant Full Status
“These men, who grew up while the Philippines were considered a
colony of the U.S., fought side-by-side with American soldiers to defeat
Japan. They were rewarded for their bravery and sacrifice by being relegated
to second-class status when it came to veteran’s benefits.”
September 27, 2005
Meth
Watch “Spotlight” Too Bright: Suspect Turns Himself In
“During his court appearance Ingram and his attorney specifically
mentioned the pressure created by being featured in Meth Watch profile.”
September 26, 2005
Lambert and
Hague Seek Specific Changes to Restore Voter Confidence in Election Section
“Elections has made some positive changes towards regaining the
trust of the people of King County, and now we are ready for some additional
protections.”
September 21, 2005
Council’s Ballard
Town Hall to Tackle Effort to Ensure “Clean Water from Mountain
to Sound”
“The regional cooperation that helped clean up Lake Washington now
faces the challenge of protecting the Puget Sound and the streams, rivers
and lakes of this region to ensure that our children and grandchildren
will not have to go on the internet to see what a salmon looked like.”
September 19, 2005
Council Adopts Strategies
to Implement “Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness”
“This
is the map that will guide the most comprehensive plan to end homelessness
ever put together for this region.”
September 16, 2005
Council
Committee to Receive Briefing on Emergency Preparedness
The Metropolitan King County Council’s
Committee-of-the-Whole will receive a briefing on
the region’s emergency preparedness planning on Monday,
September 19.
September 15, 2005
Edmonds Leads Innovative
Agreement to Protect 2500 Acres of Open Space near Black Diamond
Councilmember Carolyn Edmonds today moved forward legislation that would
forever protect from development 2500 acres of rural area and forestland
in the Black Diamond area and expand regional trails, while enabling the
city of Black Diamond to grow in a way consistent with the state Growth
Management Act.
September 15, 2005
Dunn: “Meth Watch
Spotlight Shines Again”
"The last Meth Watch profile was a great success. A citizen tip helped
law enforcement locate and apprehend the criminal within 48 hours,said
Dunn. "If Shawn Ingram is still in King County, I am hoping that
we'll have him out of our neighborhoods and in the County jail before
the weekend. We need the citizens to get involved and tell the Sheriff
where Ingram is hiding."
September
14, 2005
Councilmember
exasperated by lack of progress on elections leadership
Inadequate
and unclear requirements for a turnaround team to lead the troubled King
County Elections Office prevented several applicants from submitting applications,
elections officials revealed today. This lack of qualified applicants
delays the process of improving elections oversight and further threatens
public confidence in King County’s ability to run elections accurately,
said Councilmember David Irons.
September 12, 2005
Council
Places Veterans and Human Services Levy on November Ballot
The ballot measure,
adopted by a vote of 12-to-1, seeks voter approval for a King County property
tax levy of 5 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation for six years, which
is estimated to raise about $13.3 million per year. If approved by voters
in November, half of the revenue raised by the levy would fund services
for veterans, military personnel and their families, including services
specific to veterans’ needs such as treatment for post-traumatic
stress disorder and specialized employment assistance. The other half
would fund regional health and human services, including housing assistance,
homelessness prevention, mental health counseling, substance abuse prevention
and treatment, and employment assistance.
September 9, 2005
Council Committee
to Discuss Southwest Airlines Proposal
The Metropolitan King County Council will meet
at the Museum of Flight’s William M. Allen Theater, 9404
East Marginal Way South, on Monday, September 12 to
receive its first briefing on Southwest Airlines proposed moved to King
County International Airport (KCIA)—better known as Boeing Field.
September 8, 2005
Hammond
Introduces Proposal to Reduce Disaster Related Crime
“By making the arrest of looters and other disaster-related crimes
a top priority of law enforcement during the next natural disaster or
man-made conflict, we will force local emergency administrators to timely
coordinate evacuation assistance with the federal government and we will
protect our citizens from the dangers of anarchy.”
September 7, 2005
Human Service
Levy Introduced by Budget Leadership Team
“This measure is an acknowledgment that all human service programs—regardless
of their focus—are in need of a dedicated funding source.”
September 7, 2005
Pelz
Calls for Study of West Seattle Streetcar
“If the Seattle Monorail Project disbands we must be prepared to
address the critical transit needs of West Seattle residents. By using
technology currently in operation by Sound Transit in Tacoma, we can avoid
creating a new agency, avoid collecting new taxes, and move quickly toward
the goal of serving the people of Seattle.”
September 6, 2005
Council Motion Encourages
Sending County Emergency Management Teams to Assist Hurricane Survivors
The leadership of the Metropolitan King County Council’s
Budget and Fiscal Management Committee today introduced a motion encouraging
the County Executive to send King County emergency management crews to
the hurricane damaged regions of the Southeast U.S. to assist in the disaster
relief efforts.
September 6, 2005
Council Approves
Employee Donations to Katrina Survivors
“Once again, we’re giving the people who work for King County—some
of the most dedicated and generous people around—the opportunity
to help people in need. Converting donated vacation time to dollars will
help rebuild lives throughout the hurricane zone.”
September 6, 2005
Dunn:
“Meth Watch Gets its Man”
“We issued Bradley’s Meth Watch profile September 1, and with
the help of a tip generated by the profile, Bradley was in jail by Saturday
evening. Meth Watch is off to a good start.”
September 6, 2005
Dunn
Announces “Property Owners’ Bill of Rights”
“With the Critical Areas Ordinance, the burden of environmental
protection is greater on rural landowners – this package is about
fairness and bringing balance back into the equation.”
September 2, 2005
New
Ballot Errors Highlight Need for New Leadership at King County Elections
“Once again, we are going into an election with insufficient
safeguards to ensure the integrity of the election. I think this only
highlights the need for change at the top at King County Records and Elections.”
September 2, 2005
Councilmember
Hammond Applauds Action of Attorney General
“Rob McKenna is to be applauded for taking an important
step to curb the erosion of citizen referenda rights. Where earlier courts
were careful to only curb citizen referenda that were in direct conflict
with the Growth Management Act, later courts have expanded this prohibition
to any referenda concerning land development issues.”
September 2, 2005
Regional
Policy Committee to be Briefed on Disaster Preparedness Planning
“We owe it to the people of King County to keep them informed on
the plans in place and the preparations being made to respond to a disaster
of the magnitude of Katrina.”
September 1, 2005
Committee
Adopts Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness
“Everyday, vulnerable populations slip through the cracks and our
current level of services are unable to meet their needs. Never before
has such a broad group of leaders come together to tackle homelessness
in our community in a comprehensive manner.”
September 1, 2005
Meth
Watch “Spotlight” Shines on First Suspect
“We hope that by shining a bright media spotlight on particular
criminals we can get them off the street and send a message to others.
We want this suspect and the other meth dealers who prey on our community
behind bars.”
August 2005
August 31, 2005
Overwhelming
Crowd Turns out to Oppose Special Levy
Veterans, religious leaders, social service advocates, representatives
of suburban cities and concerned citizens all expressed strong opposition
today to a proposal that would provide funding only for military veterans
and their families, and leave behind the vast majority of those in need
of human services.
August 31, 2005
Broad Support Expressed
for Veterans and Families
“We heard clearly from all parties about the need for additional
funding to assist our growing population of military veterans returning
from service in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
August 29, 2005
Hague Leads
Effort to Provide Transportation Options for Disabled
“I am proud to help lead an effort that provides a transportation
alternative for the disabled, enabling them to be even more active in
their communities. Wheelchair-bound citizens, in particular, need an option
for attending events outside of typical transit routes or schedules.”
August 29, 2005
Budget
Committee to Hold Hearing on Veterans’ Levy
“This is an opportunity for both proponents and opponents of the
proposed levy increase to evaluate the information that members of the
Budget Committee, as well as all members of the Council, will use in making
their final decision on whether or not to go forward with placing this
measure on the November ballot.”
August 25, 2005
Sound Transit
to Explore Less Risky Rail Connection to First Hill
“First Hill is a dense urban neighborhood and important regional
employment center. It must be effectively linked to our regional transportation
system, but the risk and expense of a deep mined station at First Hill
would have jeopardized the entire system. It’s too early to know
whether the rail spur proposal is feasible, but it could prove to be a
lower risk, more affordable way to connect to First Hill. I support looking
at it along with the other proposals put forth by my colleagues.”
August 24, 2005
Transportation
Committee Gives it Support Towards Continued Operation of Spirit of Washington
“When I started the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train I wanted to
accomplish something of permanence that would become a King County landmark.
This motion shows that we have come close to accomplishing that goal.”
August 22, 2005
Councilmembers Call
for “Turn-Around” Team to Manage November Election
In a letter sent today
to King County Executive Ron Sims, the Republican Caucus of the Metropolitan
King County Council is asking the Executive to place the Election “Turn-Around”
Team recommended by his Independent Task Force on Elections in charge
of the November General Election.
August 22, 2005
Election
Response Inadequate to Safeguard Primary Vote
“Even though the Executive has introduced some process improvements,
today’s briefing confirmed that the Executive intends to conduct
business as usual with the same management for our primary election in
just four weeks. I am seriously concerned that this leaves us open to
the possibility of human error and the reoccurrence of last year’s
ballot-counting errors. The Executive has had nine months to implement
meaningful management changes, but all we are seeing is more excuses and
more delays.”
August 19, 2005
Waterborne
Transit Study: Water Taxi at Head of Class
“The study results confirm that waterborne transit options have
value as one element of our public transportation toolbox.The numbers
also show that the Water Taxi’s West Seattle-to-downtown route was
a well-chosen pilot program to gauge the appeal of waterborne transit
in this region.”
August 18, 2005
Dunn:
“Empowering Communities to Combat Meth”
“Meth Watch will empower communities and help law enforcement capture
individuals wanted in connection with methamphetamine crimes. Working
together we can stop those responsible for the spread of this very dangerous
and addictive drug.”
August 17, 2005
Council Town
Hall to Focus on Economic Development in East King County
Gauging the economic health of King County no longer means looking
solely at the economic health of Seattle. The communities of East King
County are home to a diverse and thriving economic corridor. The Metropolitan
King County Council will highlight eastside economic growth at its next
Town Hall Meeting, Monday, August 29.
August 16, 2005
Constantine
Joins Canvassing Board
“I look forward to helping provide our citizens with prompt, accurate
election results. Election integrity is indispensable to our democracy
and I am honored to participate in this process.”
August 15, 2005
Councilmember
Critical of Delays in Election Reform
“We have been waiting nine months now since the disastrous 2004
general election for some improvements to be made. The Executive’s
timeline for implementing changes is entirely inadequate to address the
enormous need for better oversight of the 2005 elections. We cannot afford
any more delays and another election failure.”
August 15, 2005
Phillips:
Election Oversight Efforts in High Gear
“The immediate focus should be on the September primary and November
general election, but they realize the changes taking place are vital
in restoring confidence in the system, for both voters and for the employees
of the Elections Division. Their recommendations are a positive step,
and a step away from the rhetoric that is an obstacle to reform.”
August 12, 2005
Regional
Transit Committee to Address Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel Closure
“Those who have enjoyed stress-free commutes from our suburban
communities into Seattle for work, shopping and entertainment deserve
to know Metro’s blueprint for reducing the potential for gridlock
on some of the busiest streets in King County.”
August 5, 2005
Councilmembers
Call for State to Run Election
Following this week’s revelation that King County has been unable
to recruit a new Elections Superintendent, several King County Councilmembers
are calling for Secretary of State Sam Reed to step in and run the September
20 primary election.
August 4, 2005
Dunn
Calls for a Non-Partisan Canvassing Board
“The least we can do is assure the Canvassing Board is fair, independent
and nonpartisan before this year’s election. Dean Logan, who works
for Ron Sims, should not be in a position to sit in judgment on his own
department’s actions, in an election where his boss is on the ballot.”
August 2, 2005
Irons
protests delay of election reform
Today’s proposal to embrace some recommendations of the
King County Independent Task Force on Elections does not go far enough,
said Councilmember David Irons.
July
2005
July 27, 2005
Councilmembers
urge implementation of most elections reform recommendations
To restore public
confidence in the elections system, King County Councilmembers David Irons,
Jane Hague and Reagan Dunn today urged the Council and the county Executive
to implement most of the recommendations made by the Executive’s
Independent Task Force on Elections.
July 27, 2005
Veterans and Families Levy
Proposed
The Veterans and Families Levy would fund regional health and human services
for veterans, military personnel, and their families. The levy will fund
health and human services such as treatment for Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder, specialized employment assistance, housing assistance, homelessness
prevention, mental health counseling, and substance abuse prevention and
treatment. This range of health and human services will be available during
times of deployment, post-deployment, and after being discharged from
the military.
July 25, 2005
Council Initiates County-wide
Search for Building to Consolidate Elections Operations
The Council today embarked on a county-wide search for a building
that could potentially consolidate the county’s two elections operations
into one facility.
July 25, 2005
Council
Adopts 2005 Update to the King County Comprehensive Plan
Encouraging private redevelopment in conjunction with White Center's Greenbridge
project is among the major provisions of a package of Comprehensive Plan
amendments approved today by the Metropolitan King County Council.
July 25, 2005
Free Technical Assistance Program
To Be Extended To Rural Residents of Northeast and Southeast King County
The Council today expressed support for the continuation and
expansion of a pilot program to provide rural residents with free assistance
in developing Rural Stewardship Plans and Forest Stewardship Plans.
July 21, 2005
Councilmembers
Skeptical About Southwest Offer
In response to Southwest Airlines’ offer today to invest $130 million
for improvements to the King County International Airport, several King
County Councilmembers were skeptical about the associated costs for taxpayers
and the inflated claims of economic benefits.
July 20, 2005
Councilmember
Irons Congratulates Mirrormont Neighbors on Park Groundbreaking
“It is exciting to see how the community has partnered with King
County on a design for the park, and how this effort has brought the community
together and inspired so many volunteer contributions.”
July 19, 2005
Councilmembers
Vow Taxpayers Should Not Pay for Cost to Provide Any Commercial Passenger
Service at King County International Airport
“King County taxpayers and the businesses that work out of Boeing
Field are not going to pay for Southwest to set up shop there.”
July 18, 2005
Council
Sets Goal of “Parity” for Public Defenders
“The work Public Defenders do for their clients
supports our legal justice system, so it makes sense for them to receive
a salary equal to their experience—and to the salary received by
the prosecuting attorney. This model urges us to achieve parity as it
increases the transparency of how we calculate the cost of public defense.”
July 18, 2005
Council
Approves Plans to Ensure County Keeps “Measuring Up” “From
a business standpoint, performance measurements make sense. They set clear
goals that allow everyone to see if agencies are performing or in need
of change. It has been good county policy and expanding and encouraging
their use can only increase efficiency—which is a direct benefit
to the taxpayer.”
July 18, 2005
Brightwater
Project Labor Agreement Paves Way for Construction of Treatment Facility
“The path is now clear for construction to begin on this needed
facility.”
July 15, 2005
Drug
Death Increases Follow Law Enforcement Cuts
“We need to be devoting more attention and dollars to enforcement
before meth addiction overwhelms the capacity of our jails and our social
and health services here in King County.”
July 13, 2005
Committee
Approves Funding Model for Public Defense
“Those who cannot afford an attorney should be assured that the
individual defending them is receiving a salary commensurate with their
experience and comparable to the salary received by the prosecuting attorney.
This plan helps level the playing field while increasing the transparency
in how we calculate the cost of public defense.”
July 11, 2005
Hague
Amendments Require Economic Impact Analysis Prior to Railway Purchase
Decision
“The County is moving down an exciting and innovative path with
the Burlington Northern opportunity and the amendments offered today.
But, we should have a tight set of controls over the economic opportunities
that accrue to this region.”
July 11, 2005
Hammond
Amendment Provides for Analysis of Proposed Burlington Northern Rail Purchase
“This is an exciting opportunity, but I don’t want the purchase
to add to the growing gridlock taking place in east King County. And I
definitely don’t want the trail to become a tragedy waiting to happen.
The analysis should give us an idea of what awaits if we buy the corridor.”
July 11, 2005
Irons
Amendment Ensures Corridor Integrity for Passenger Rail
“We are extremely fortunate to have this
opportunity to preserve a vital transportation corridor that can be used
for multiple purposes, such as a regional pedestrian trail and passenger
and freight rail. This provision keeps all options on the table and removes
one roadblock to establishing and maintaining corridor connections throughout
the region.”
July 11, 2005
Dunn
and Patterson Work to Save the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train
“We need to do whatever possible to preserve it. This motion makes
it clear that the Dinner Train should remain operating as an important
business in King County.”
July 11, 2005
County Puts
Down Deposit for Burlington Northern Rail Corridor
Under the terms of the agreement, the County would place
$3.5 million from the County’s current expense fund on deposit with
BNSF. These funds will be placed in escrow and invested. The County has
until August 31 to complete negotiations to purchase the property from
BNSF. If no agreement is reached and the negotiation period is not mutually
extended, the deposit would be refunded to the County.
July 8, 2005
London
tragedy reminds us we could be better prepared for threat--King County
Journal OpEd by Councilmember Reagan Dunn
"As elected leaders, we need to listen. This doesn't mean
unnecessary, uncontrolled spending. It means providing the tools that
the first responders and emergency managers need to get the job done --
whether that job is dealing with the aftermath of a flood or the effects
of a bombing. We need to ensure that all of our responders think about
the worst long before it happens."
July 7, 2005
Regional
Transit Committee to Discuss Transit Safety
“The public's safety and security continues to be our highest
priority. It’s common sense to inform our riders how we will react
to an emergency.”
June
2005
June 30, 2005
Irons applauds recognition
of elected auditor option
A proposal to reform the King County Elections operation with
the installation of an elected auditor got new traction today as an option
suggested by the King County Independent Task Force on Elections.
June 30, 2005
Dunn: Proposals of
Independent Task Force Show “It’s Time for Dean Logan to Go”
“The language of the report makes clear what’s needed, even
if the language is bureaucratic: ‘Cultural change,’ ‘turnaround,’
‘accountability’ and ‘accuracy’ are used time
and again in the report,” said Dunn.
June 28, 2005
"Making
positive election changes," Seattle P-I OpEd by Council Chair
Larry Phillips
"When Chelan County Superior Court Judge John Bridges ruled
in the recent gubernatorial election lawsuit, he established a new catchphrase
in the conversation about King County elections: 'workplace culture.'
What he didn't know is that the King County Council already is taking
action to change that culture and ensure accuracy and accountability in
the future."
June 27, 2005
Pelz Calls Monorail Financial
Proposal "Unacceptable"
"The current proposal by the SMP to build the Monorail Green
Line at a total cost of $11 billion to taxpayers is unacceptable,”
said Pelz, who chairs the County Council’s Transportation Committee,
and a member of the Sound Transit Board. “The SMP has made a valiant
attempt to bring this project in at a level promised the voters but they
have fallen short. They must put forth an affordable plan, or go back
to the voters for approval to shorten the line or ask for additional revenues."
June 27, 2005
Council Endorses Regional Chinook
Salmon Conservation Plan
Councilmembers Larry Phillips and David Irons hailed the Council’s
endorsement today of the Proposed Lake Washington / Cedar / Sammamish
Watershed Chinook Salmon Conservation Plan as a significant milestone
on the long road to salmon recovery.
June 27, 2005
Council Authorizes $6.85
Million Loan For Greenbridge
Money Will Fund Infrastructure For Mixed-Income Development in White Center
The Council today unanimously authorized the county executive to contract
for a $6.85 million loan to help fund Greenbridge, a mixed-income community
to be developed on the site of the former Park Lake Homes public housing
complex in White Center.
June 23, 2005
"County's
blue-collar airport is too important to 'gentrify'"--Seattle
Times OpEd by Councilmember Dwight Pelz
"Opening up Boeing Field to passenger service could "gentrify"
our blue-collar airport. It will destabilize the air industry in King
County, all under the promise that new jobs will be created and consumers
will benefit."
June 21, 2005
Patterson Proposes
Rails with Trails for Burlington Northern Rail Corridor
“This exciting opportunity will require extensive cooperation
among counties, cities, businesses and residents with an interest in this
corridor. The county should not move forward without the input of these
key interests.”
June 20, 2005
Brightwater
Labor Agreement Shuts Out Some Minority and Small Contractors
Citing the likelihood that most independent and minority-owned
contractors will be shut out of bidding, several members of the Metropolitan
King County Council expressed opposition today to a project labor agreement
on the Brightwater sewage treatment plant.
June 20, 2005
Irons
Opposes Passenger Service at Boeing Field
“It is not King County’s role to provide government subsidies
to allow one private business to profit at the expense of others. Allowing
one airline to operate at a discounted cost bestows an unfair advantage
that undermines competing airlines. This is irresponsible public policy,
and this proposal circumvents the Council’s role as the policy-setting
body for King County.”
June 20, 2005
Brightwater
Project Labor Agreement Benefits Workers, Community
“The Brightwater conveyance system will be built in my district
and it is of great importance to me that the construction goes as smoothly
as possible. I appreciate the efforts of the building trades and the King
County Executive to negotiate terms that will not only provide family
wage jobs and benefits for those who live on our region but provide for
safe and timely construction of this project in our neighborhoods.”
June 20, 2005
Phillips:
New County-City Trolley Barn Plan Clears Way for Olympic Sculpture Park
“By moving the trolley barn from the site of Olympic Sculpture Park,
we are opening up the view of the Olympics and access to Elliott Bay to
citizens for decades to come. Our region will keep waterfront trolley
service and gain a new park to treasure.”
June 17, 2005
Irons
Amendment Provides School Fee Relief
Public schools were exempted from public health fee increases approved
this morning at the monthly Board of Health meeting, under an amendment
introduced by Councilmember David Irons.
June 17, 2005
Irons Appalled
by “Culture of Fear” in Elections Office
Today’s report from the King County Task Force on Elections
is appallingly vivid in its description of failed management that led
to multiple ballot errors and created a “culture of fear”
in the Elections Office, said councilmember David Irons.
June 17, 2005
County Looks at New
Ways to Use Sheriff’s Helicopters
King County Sheriff Sue Rahr and King County Councilmember Julia Patterson
today announced plans to expand the use of the county’s fleet of
helicopters beyond traditional crime fighting and search and rescue missions
to fight terrorism and environmental threats.
June 14, 2005
Irons
Questions Need for Commercial Service at Boeing Field
“The residents in Georgetown and other communities
near Boeing Field already have suffered from the impacts of airport noise,
and I question the need for the additional roar of commercial flights
in this area. In addition, we have received no information about whether
the residents of Magnolia and other areas in the Boeing Field flight path
have been consulted about the ramifications of this major change. This
is a poor way to carry out public policy, but an excellent way to alienate
King County residents.”
June 14, 2005
Pelz
Blasts Proposal to Allow Southwest Airlines at Boeing Field
“There’s no way in hell that I want Boeing Field to turn into
another Sea-Tac Airport. We already have too much air traffic over Seattle.
We are not going to allow this unchecked escalation of airline noise in
Seattle.”
May 2005
May 31, 2005
Council
Approves Plan for the “District Court of the Future”
“This master plan calls for improved efficiency and better delivery
of services, while emphasizing problem-solving over process. These are
plans and policies that will benefit both the County and our regional
partners.”
May 31, 2005
Sewer
Rate and Capacity Charge Remain Stable for 2006
“We made a commitment last year to keep rates stable and ensure
that ‘growth pays for growth’ when it comes to construction
of additional wastewater treatment capacity. Today’s vote is a reflection
of that commitment and the continuing effort by our wastewater employees
to find efficiencies and savings in their division.
May 31, 2005
Council
Moves Forward With Health Reform Initiative
“At a
time when high costs are driving many employers to move away from paying
for their employees’ health care, King County is saying ‘let’s
think of a better idea.’”
May 31, 2005
Irons
Calls for New Direction in Health Department
“We need a qualified manager who can provide leadership in the Public
Health Department, especially the Environmental Health Division, and rebuild
the department’s focus on customer needs and service. I urge the
King County Executive to cast a wide net in the search for the best management
skills in a candidate to lead one of the country’s largest public
health agencies.”
May 31, 2005
King
County takes first step to purchase rail corridor
The earnest money would go toward the cost of acquisition if an agreement
on a fair price can be reached. If an agreement cannot be reached, nearly
all of the money would be returned to the county.
May 25, 2005
County Council
Town Hall to Explore Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
On Monday, June 6, the next Town Hall meeting
of the Metropolitan King County Council will focus on an issue that transcends
jurisdictions and boundaries, the regional response to an emergency situation—natural
or man made—and the need to remain vigilant in our efforts to prepare
for such an incident.
May 23, 2005
County Council
Selects Team of The Elections Center and Strategica to Conduct Independent
Management Audit of Elections Division
The Metropolitan King County Council today voted unanimously to hire the
combined team of The Election
Center of Houston, Texas, and Strategica
of Issaquah to conduct a thorough management audit of the King County
Elections Division.
May 16, 2005
Council
Appoints “Familiar Faces” to Reactivated Election Oversight
Committee
Nearly two-thirds of the members responsible for the 2004 recommendations
to improve the King County Elections Division will return to the reactivated
13-member King County Citizens’ Election Oversight Committee, under
a unanimous vote today by the Metropolitan King County Council.
May 16, 2005
Councilmembers
Cite Mishandled Ballots in Calling for New Election
Citing the numerous instances of mishandled ballots revealed in court
depositions, Republican members of the Metropolitan King County Council
said the true winner of the governor’s election cannot be determined
and a new vote is necessary.
May 13, 2005
Bids
in for Council’s Management Audit of Elections
The Metropolitan
King County Council today received four bids in response to its request
for proposals for a management audit of the County’s Elections Division.
May 13, 2005
Ferguson
Proposes Tent City Alternative
“The solution to homelessness is not tent city. Tent city residents
are struggling to get off the street. The county must do more to lend
a helping hand.”
May 5, 2005
County Council
Town Hall to Examine Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness
“The individuals and agencies that make up the Committee to End
Homelessness are determined to find permanent answers to the challenge
of homelessness. So much of the work that has been done so far has been
behind the scenes. This Town Hall will allow the public and the councilmembers
to meet with the people whose single goal is to ensure that everyone in
King County has a place they can call ‘home’.”
May 4, 2005
Regional Policy Committee
Recommends Levy to Support Veterans and their Families
“Many returning veterans will need our help with housing
assistance, trauma and mental health counseling, and emergency financial
assistance for food, transportation, and medical care. Our veterans and
their families earned and deserve our support.”
May 4, 2005
Chair's
Statement on Proposed Motion of “No Confidence”
in King County Elections Director
"This motion is part of an orchestrated, thinly-veiled attempt to
dishonor the Elections Director just before trial on the election lawsuit
in Chelan. What King County elections needs now is stability."
May 4, 2005
Dunn
Moves for a County Council Vote of “No Confidence” in Elections
Director Dean Logan
“Whether we’re talking about terrible accounting errors, repeated
incidents of finding piles of mystery ballots, or Director Logan’s
blatant refusal to implement many of the Citizens’ Election Oversight
Committee’s recommendations, I am led to one conclusion –
King County Elections needs a new leader.”
May 3, 2005
Dunn
Calls Moratorium an Opportunity to Create “Permanent Solutions to
Homelessness”
“This is a year to stop talking about parks and park-and-rides and
to start talking about how we will make tent cities obsolete.”
May 2, 2005
Churches Speak in Support
as Council Sets Standards for Homeless Encampments on Private Land
Backed by community churches throughout King County, the Council adopted
standards and procedures for the issuance of temporary use permits for
temporary homeless encampments on private land in unincorporated King
County.
April 2005
April 25, 2005
Bipartisan
Support Fuels Unanimous Council Action to Reactivate Citizens’ Elections
Oversight Committee
“Last year, razor-thin margins exposed some weaknesses
in our election system that must be repaired. Citizen oversight will ensure
those repairs are conducted openly, with full public scrutiny, and ‘citizen-to-citizen’
communication. Our goal is to ensure King County elections will work,
that residents will actively participate in future elections and, most
importantly, vote.”
April 25, 2005
Elections
Oversight Committee Revived to “Regain the Trust” in Elections
Division
“Once again, we are asking this Committee to act as the eyes and
ears of the public and take the first steps toward regaining the trust
of county voters.”
April 25, 2005
Constantine:
Citizens Have Right to Safety in Court Facilities
“Whether you're in the state's biggest jurisdiction or whether you're
in a county courthouse in a county of 3,000 people, you are entitled to
be safe.”
April 25, 2005
Harborview
Groundbreaking Reaffirms Council Commitment to Center of Regional Public
Health System
“We on the King County Council have kept this quarter-billion
dollar project under our microscope to make sure the people of King County
get what they paid for.”
April 18, 2005
Council Votes to
Conduct Independent Management Audit of Elections Division
The Council today voted unanimously to hire an independent, outside consulting
firm to conduct a thorough management audit of the King County Elections
Division.
April 18, 2005
Council
Approves Legislation to Enhance Emergency Management Planning on Vashon
and Maury Islands
“This interlocal agreement is the result of islanders taking
charge of their ability to communicate, coordinate, and assist each other
in the case of a catastrophic event.”
April 11, 2005
Independent
Audit Supported over Sims’ Election Review Panel
An independent audit by an outside firm will be the most
timely and objective way to review and improve King County’s Elections
Office procedures, said several members of the Metropolitan King County
Council.
April 11, 2005
County
Council Funds North Highline Incorporation Study
“We want the citizens of North Highline to get all the information
they need to make an informed decision about the future of their community.”
April 11, 2005
Dunn Calls on Legislature
Not to Revive Estate Tax
“A forward-looking state is one that encourages prosperity. The
death tax does just the opposite.”
April 8, 2005
County
Looking for Legislative Assist in Meth Battle
“Families are destroyed and the locations used to cook this drug
become toxic waste sites. The bill before the Senate is a common sense
effort to cut off a pipeline for producing meth at the source.”
April 7, 2005
Councilmembers
call for Secretary of State Election Review
Metropolitan King County Councilmembers Steve Hammond and Kathy
Lambert sent a letter to Secretary
of State Sam Reed today asking that he conduct a review of King County’s
election procedures pursuant to a state law which provides for such reviews.
April 7, 2005
Hammond
Asks for Update to Mail Ballot Report
Metropolitan King County Councilmember Steve Hammond delivered a letter
to Records, Elections and Licensing Services Division (REALS) Director
Dean Logan asking for an updated reconciliation of absentee ballots received
with those counted and rejected by King County.
April 6, 2005
Council
Republicans Call Upon Sims to Answer for Elections Errors
In a letter to Sims,
the six Councilmembers requested him to “appear before the Council
as soon as possible to explain your confidence in Elections Director Dean
Logan’s ability to reform the Elections office and rebuild the public’s
trust in the integrity of the elections process.”
April 6, 2005
Patterson
Calls for Swift Action to Address Election Workers Errors
In a letter
sent today to King County Executive Ron Sims, Metropolitan King County
Councilmember Julia Patterson called for all appropriate actions necessary
to address certain staff issues that seem to continue to plague the Records,
Election and Licensing Services Division.
April 5, 2005
Councilmember
Hammond Requests Names of
Uncounted Voters
“These are not ballots from felons, improper provisional ballots
users, or persons whose signatures do not match their registration. These
are people who appear to have done everything right and yet King County
failed to count their votes. These people deserve the chance to ask a
court to invalidate an election where their vote was suppressed and the
votes of so many unlawful voters allowed.”
April 4, 2005
Council
Acts on Election Reform
The comprehensive reforms call for needed safeguards for tabulating
votes, the consolidation of election facilities and operations, and increased
funding for election worker training.
April 4, 2005
Councilmembers Call
for Independent Audit of Elections Division
The motion under consideration for introduction at a later date would
direct the Executive to hire the services of a major accounting firm,
management consulting firm, or an agency that has supervised similar audits
to look into the operation of the Elections Division and the processes
used to carry out elections in King County. The proposed audit would be
independent of any other agency looking into the Elections Division, so
that it would not interfere with reconstitution of a King County Election
Oversight Committee.
April 4, 2005
Councilmembers
Send Letter to U.S. Attorney General Requesting Federal Investigation
of Election Scandal
Metropolitan King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn, a formal federal
prosecutor, authored a
letter
to U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales today requesting a federal
investigation of the 2004 general election.
April
4, 2005
Irons
Calls for Charter Amendment and Answers from Executive and Elections Director
“The attempts to cover up and diffuse the significance of
this error, nearly five months after the election, indicate a disturbing
level of deception in the division. This further erodes the public’s
trust in the integrity of King County’s elections process, which
already has been compromised severely. Because of incompetence or mismanagement,
these 93 voters were disenfranchised, and their votes likely never will
be counted.”
April 4, 2005
Dunn
Calls on Logan to “Do the Right Thing” and Resign
“I am asking that you resign your post and give over the operation
of your department to someone who will be better able to manage it, who
will be more forthright in admitting mistakes, and who will have the trust
and confidence of the people.”
April 4, 2005
Hammond
Calls for Resignation of King County Records and Elections Director
“It is in King County's best interest to use this summer to search
for a director with prior experience operating elections in a large county
as we prepare to head into November's election.”
March 2005
March 28,
2005
Council
to Legislature: Move the Primary
In the wake of the closest gubernatorial election in state history, the
Metropolitan King County Council today requested the Washington state
Legislature to act on essential electoral reforms at the state level.
March 23, 2005
Dwight
Pelz’s Statement on the Port of Seattle’s Offer of Land for
the Waterfront Trolley Maintenance Barn
“Protecting transit investments--including the waterfront
trolley-- is truly a shared responsibility of the Port, the City of Seattle,
and Metro. I look forward to helping solve this problem, and will continue
working with all parties involved to craft a solution.”
March 21, 2005
Statement
From Council Chair Larry Phillips on Executive's State of the County Address
“The Executive has laid out a clear vision of the future
of King County and county government’s role in achieving the goals
he has set. His vision is to put King County in the forefront of finding
solutions to the many challenges facing our region in this new century.”
March 21, 2005
Republicans
respond to Sims’ State of the County Speech
The facts don’t substantiate Sims’ proclamation that
King County is in “excellent” shape.
March 21, 2005
Statement
From Budget Chair Larry Gossett, on Executive Sims' State of the County
Address
"The Executive’s road map for King County does
not ignore his vow to be fiscally responsible."
March 21, 2005
Statement
From Councilmember Carolyn Edmonds on Executive Sims's State of the County
Address
" For the past several years, the county has been wrestling
with the dilemma of homelessness. The Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness
is an ambitious effort to transform how we approach the issue and how
public and private partnerships can provide services. The Executive’s
leadership will go a long way towards ensuring King County’s involvement
and commitment to this project."
March 21, 2005
Council
Motion Would Oppose Federal Plans for BPA
“Both the state and King County are just starting to climb out of
an economic trough in which manipulation of west coast energy markets
played a significant role. The current federal budget proposal would push
us back into that trough and we’re not going to just watch that
happen.”
March
21, 2005
Dunn,
Ferguson Propose Rural Ombudsman
“This Council has said time and time again that it is committed
to rural landowners. Creating this position would clearly demonstrate
that the Council is committed to a long-term, open and constructive relationship
with our rural constituents.”
March
14, 2005
Council
Approves Legislation Increasing Participation in Open Space Program
“This legislation rewards property owners for being
good stewards of their land, encourages preservation of environmentally
sensitive areas and open space, and helps keep King County a great place
to work and live”
March 14, 2005
Edmonds:
Election Reforms “Work in Progress”
“It is time for everyone to take a step back, take a deep breath
and allow Mr. Logan to complete the good work taking place in the elections
office to ensure that elections are as open, accurate and complete as
possible.”
February 2005
February
24, 2005
Pelz
Introduces Measure to Pay for Transportation Improvements
“We simply do not have the money we need to fix or maintain our
aging local streets, roads, and bridges. It’s time to see if the
people of this region are willing to pay what’s necessary to ensure
that our transportation lifelines remain strong, because the longer we
delay, the more our infrastructure will decay.”
February 14, 2005
County Council Reappoints
Chair and Vice Chair
The Metropolitan King County Council today completed its reorganization
by unanimously reappointing Councilmember Larry Phillips and Councilmember
Pete von Reichbauer as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Council and naming
three new committee chairs.
February 14, 2005
Pete von
Reichbauer Named Chair of the King County Council Regional Transit Committee
“As a representative of a suburban and rural district, and current
Sound Transit Board member, I thought this was a good opportunity to focus
on regional transportation issues, and I am honored to have been selected
by my colleagues on the County Council.”
February 14, 2005
Hague to
Chair Labor, Operations & Technology
“This is a key position for following-up on problems from the 2004
general election and also to ensure future changes in the Elections Division.”
February 14, 2005
Dunn
Receives Committee Assignments
“My assignment to these top committees will help me to provide a
strong voice for the people of the Sixth District.”
February
10, 2005
Sensible
election safeguards are needed--King County Journal
OpEd by Councilmembers Julia
Patterson, Kathy
Lambert and Bob
Ferguson
"Efforts to improve the election system should move forward
in a bipartisan manner. Together we can achieve real election reform."
February
9, 2005
Council
Republicans Call for Reformation of Elections Oversight Committee
The 2004 general election and its impact on the closest governor’s
race in state history exposed many systems and issues that need changing.
Council Republicans believe it is time to bring this committee back to
life for added, public accountability.
February 7, 2005
Council Appoints Reagan
Dunn to Succeed Rob McKenna in Council District 6
“As a third generation resident of Council District 6,
I am honored to become the Councilmember for the district. I look forward
to working across the aisle to help shape the future of King County and
this region.”
February 5, 2005
King
County, state DNR join Vashon community to celebrate conservation of 237
acres of open space
A unique collaboration involving King County, Washington State
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and half a dozen Vashon and Maury
Island community groups has resulted in the conservation of 237 acres
of forestland as open space.
February 1, 2005
King County efforts
to protect water quality recognized
Constantine and Sims Accept Award for Habitat Recovery
King County Executive Ron Sims and Councilmember Dow Constantine recently
accepted an award honoring the county’s regulatory efforts to protect
and restore salmon runs.
January 2005
January
31, 2005
Patterson
and Lambert Propose Bipartisan Election Improvements for King County
King County Councilmembers Julia Patterson and Kathy Lambert today introduced
a package of legislative
measures aimed at improving King County’s election procedures.
The comprehensive reforms call for sensible safeguards for tabulating
votes, the consolidation of election facilities and operations, increased
funding for election worker training and advocates for changes in state
law.
January 27, 2005
Councilmembers
Applaud Decision Placing North Link on 12th Avenue
Metropolitan King County Councilmembers Dwight
Pelz and Larry Phillips call
today’s unanimous decision by the Sound
Transit Board of Directors to place the Link light rail station in
Roosevelt on 12th Avenue a choice that will help accomplish the goal of
building density around the light rail line.
January 18, 2005
Council Confirms
Appointment of Susan Rahr as King County Sheriff
“Chief Rahr has spent her entire law enforcement career
with the King County Sheriff’s Office, dedicating her life to public
safety, especially the security of citizens living in King County. She
is an excellent choice as the new Sheriff.”
January 15, 2005
Districting
Committee Unanimously Approves Final Districting Plan
The independent citizen Districting Committee charged with
redrawing the boundaries of the Metropolitan King County Council districts
today adopted the final districting plan with a unanimous vote, reducing
the number of Council districts from 13 to nine.
January 14, 2005
County
Council to Hold Town Hall Meeting on Affordable Housing at NewHolly Complex
The Metropolitan King County Council will focus on the challenge
of developing and maintaining affordable housing in King County when they
hold their first Town Hall meeting of 2005 on Monday, January
31. The NewHolly Gathering Hall, 7054 32nd Ave S, Seattle,
will host the Committee-of-the-Whole meeting.
January
14, 2005
Irons
Introduces Election Reform Measure
Councilmember David Irons today announced his introduction of a charter
amendment to return the County Auditor to an elected position with responsibility
for supervising and running elections.
January 10, 2005
Council Approves Employee
Donations to Tsunami Victims
“The people who work for King County are some of
the most dedicated and generous people around, and we want to give employees
another avenue to help the tsunami victims. Converting donated vacation
time to dollars will help rebuild lives throughout the disaster zone,
which stretches across the Indian Ocean.”
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