Dear Neighbors:

When sitting in my local coffee shop chatting with neighbors, I appreciate their interest in County issues. Recently, the proposed closure of Public Health centers in my District has been a topic of those conversations.

Yesterday, I joined King County Executive Ron Sims in a press conference to announce funding to keep their doors open through June, 2007. I am committed to finding sustainable funding for these centers that serve tens of thousands of King County residents each year.

I will be attending a rally on Saturday to support our public health system:

Saturday, September 30, 10:00 a.m. – Noon
North Public Health Center, north parking lot
10501 Meridian Avenue North, Seattle

Finally, I invite you to attend my town meeting with Seattle City Council President Nick Licata. This will be an “open floor” meeting where you can raise issues or ask questions about any City or County issue:

Thursday, October 12, 7:00-8:30 pm
Olympic View Elementary
504 NE 95th Street in North Seattle

Hope to see you there!

Public Health Centers to Remain Open

Bob, along with County Executive Ron Sims and Councilmember Julia Patterson, celebrates with constituents at the Public Health press conference.

A public health crisis has been prevented—for now.

Yesterday, I joined Executive Ron Sims and Councilmember Julia Patterson in a press conference to announce short-term funding in the 2007 County Budget to keep three Public Health facilities open until at least June.

North and Northshore Public Health Centers and the North Public Health Dental Clinic were slated for closure due to budget deficits. By working with the Executive, concerned citizens and clients, we are keeping these centers and clinics open while searching for a permanent funding solution. This is a “temporary victory”.

These centers and clinics provide essential care to tens of thousands of King County residents each year. While we can now keep the doors open through June we must face the realities of mounting public health care costs that will continue to threaten the existence of public health care centers.

I am committed to this issue and will devote my energies to finding a sustainable funding solution for our health care centers and clinics. This includes working to ensure that the State will step up to a partnership with the County and others to maintain their continued existence.

In the news:

September 29, 2006 – Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Once facing closure, 2 public health clinics get a booster shot

Ferguson/Patterson Civilian Oversight Legislation
Passed by Committee

Yesterday, King County took a giant step toward creating independent oversight of the King County Sheriff’s Department as the Law, Justice and Human Services Committee, which I chair, unanimously adopted the Ferguson/Patterson civilian oversight legislation.

Several months ago, County Councilmember Patterson and I crafted legislation designed to ensure independent and transparent investigations into allegations of misconduct by Sheriff Deputies. The legislation includes recommendations suggested to the Council during hours of public testimony, advice from experts in oversight, and, most recently, from the Blue Ribbon Panel examining the Sheriff’s Department. Councilmember Patterson and I recently traveled to Los Angeles and met with their heralded investigative unit.

The Ferguson/Patterson legislation is now on its way to the full King County Council for consideration. The essence of the legislation is as follows:

• Establish an independent office to investigate allegations of misconduct and to track, monitor and critique the Sheriff’s investigations of allegations.
• Establish a permanent and ongoing law enforcement audit process to analyze and recommend policy improvements for the Sheriff’s Department.
• Ensure that independent investigators have access to critical incident scenes.
• Provide for voluntary deputy and citizen mediation to resolve disputes.
• Empanel a county-wide citizen panel to provide input to the director of the new oversight office on policies, procedures, and practices relating to the Sheriff’s Department.

I will keep you posted as this important reform moves to the full Council.

In the news:

September 29, 2006 – Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Agency to watch Sheriff’s Office approved

January 15, 2006 – Seattle Post-Intelligencer
King County Sheriff – Enforcing Reform

January 29, 2006 – Seattle Post-Intelligencer
King County Sheriff – Wasting no time

September 1, 2006 – Seattle Post-Intelligencer
L.A. offers model for review panel

In the Community: Bob Teaches Chess at the International District Community Center

Long ago, Bob used to be a professional chess player. A very busy Council schedule now limits his playing to the times when he has the opportunity to teach future chess masters. Bob recently had the opportunity to head down to the International District Community Center to help them kick off their new Kid’s Chess Program.

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Mailing Address: King County Courthouse, 516 Third Avenue, Room 1200, Seattle, WA 98104-3272