E-mail news from Larry Phillips, Metropolitan King County Council

Chairing the Budget and Water Quality Committees in ‘08

The King County Council adopted committee assignments for 2008. I am pleased to be stewarding the public’s tax dollars and the environment as chair of the Capital Budget Committee and the Regional Water Quality Committee. Read more. I was also reappointed to a second term on the Sound Transit Board. Read more.

King County Delays All Mail Voting

King County will delay the transition to all mail voting because new tabulation equipment needed to make the transition was not federally certified in time to allow the county to complete the necessary testing, training, and security review prior to the November 2008 election. I am disappointed, but I believe this is the responsible course of action to take. Read more. Read my letter to Executive Sims.

Blue Ribbon Panel Reports Progress in Implementing Changes to Sheriff’s Office

The King County Sheriff’s Blue Ribbon Panel, established to make recommendations for improving the operations and accountability of the King County Sheriff’s Office, reported on progress made by King County in implementing their recommendations. Read more.

Sound Transit Gets $100 Million Boost for University Link Light Rail

The President included $100 million for University Link light rail in his 2009 budget, moving Sound Transit closer to breaking ground on the project later this year. University Link will connect the University of Washington and Capitol Hill to the light rail system from Downtown to Sea-Tac Airport. It is projected to nearly triple the system’s ridership to more than 114,000 a day by 2030. Read more. Learn more about University Link.

Celebrating the Legacy of Rev. Dr. King

I celebrated the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at King County’s annual ceremony and by joining community members in a march.

Learn more about King County’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration.

Council Ensures Public Ownership of BNSF Eastside Rail Corridor

The Metropolitan King County Council unanimously approved the framework of an historic agreement with the Port of Seattle and BNSF Railway Company, which ensures public ownership of the Eastside rail corridor and preserves future opportunities for dual use of the corridor for both a recreational trail and transportation. Read more. Read my guest column in the Seattle P.I.

Bond Refinancing Saves County Ratepayers Millions

The Metropolitan King County Council took advantage of the county’s strong bond rating and lower interest rates by refinancing $237 million in sewer revenue bonds, saving ratepayers $13 million dollars. Read more.

Floors in County’s New Chinook Building Named for Bernice Stern and Bernie Whitebear

I join Whitebear’s brother Lawnie Reyes in commemorating Bernie Whitebear at the Chinook Building dedication.

I was honored to celebrate the life and works of Bernice Stern and Bernie Whitebear by naming two floors of the county’s Chinook Building in their memories. Bernice Stern, former District 4 representative, was the first woman to serve on the King County Council. Bernie Whitebear was a leading advocate for Native Americans and played a vital role in securing Discovery Park and the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center. Read more.

Council Funds Programs to Improve Children’s Access to Healthcare

The Metropolitan King County Council approved $443,000 for public health pilot programs that are part of the Children’s Health Initiative, the County’s effort to ensure children have access to comprehensive, preventive-focused healthcare. Read more.

King County Awards $3000 for Ballard Non-Violent Communication Program

I present a “big check” to the students and teachers at Casa Maria Montessori.

I awarded $3000 to Casa Maria Montessori Language and Cultural Center at Ballard High School for the launch of their non-violent communication program. Learn more about Casa Maria Montessori Language and Cultural Center.

Council Adopts 2008 Legislative Agenda

The King County Council adopted specific requests for state and federal governments that reflect the priorities of the citizens of King County—better transportation, a clean environment, affordable housing, and healthy and safe communities. Read more.

South Lake Union Streetcar Opens

I helped celebrate the opening of the South Lake Union Streetcar by speaking about the economic and transportation benefits of the line and by taking a ride on the first streetcar. Learn more.

Local leaders shape federal climate change policy

On the eve of a major debate on federal climate change legislation in the U.S. Senate, I met with local government leaders from across the U.S. in Washington, DC, to identify how the federal government can help support King County’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Read more. Learn more about Climate Communities.

Fremont Peak Park Opens

I attended the grand opening of Fremont Peak Park in Fremont. The park was made possible thanks to contributions from King County, the City of Seattle, private donors, and the colossal volunteer efforts of Friends of Fremont Peak Park. Learn more about Fremont Peak Park.

Council Reinvests Pandemic Flu Drug Savings in Prevention

The ability to purchase influenza medication at a lower price allowed the Metropolitan King County Council to approve legislation reinvesting the savings into reducing the spread of a potential influenza pandemic through outreach and prevention campaigns. Read more.

Celebrating Hero of the Homeless

I attended Operation Nightwatch’s annual luncheon raising money and awareness for the homeless and celebrating the “Heroes of the Homeless.” Learn more about Operation Nightwatch.

Council Calls for “Green Fleet” of County Vehicles

The King County Council called for development and adoption of regional green fleet standards and establishment of a regional clean vehicle certification program. Read more.

Airport Link Construction On Track

As Chair of Sound Transit’s Central Link Oversight Committee, I led a tour of construction of Airport Link light rail between Tukwila and Sea-Tac Airport. Construction is proceeding on-schedule with the line set to open in December 2009. Learn more about Airport Link.

Audit Gives Sound Transit High Marks for Accountability and Transparency

The Washington State Auditor’s Office issued an accountability audit of Sound Transit that gives the agency a clean report on our compliance with a broad array of state laws and regulations regarding handling of public dollars and maintaining public transparency. Read more.

For more information about my work in King County, visit my website www.kingcounty.gov/phillips

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If you have any questions or comments, please email me, larry.phillips@kingcounty.gov.