Dear Neighbors:

It has been a difficult time for many King County residents.

The recent wind storm and its effects has renewed our respect for nature, tested our patience, and reminded us to be prepared in the event of a disaster. Click here to learn more about how you and your family can best prepare for such events.

The storm’s aftermath also reminds us to use caution while heating our homes. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous and odorless gas that is produced whenever fuels such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal are burned indoors. Click here for more information about the dangers of carbon monoxide, or here for information in several languages to share with others.

You no doubt also read of a recent, significant loss to our county. King County Sheriff’s Deputy Steve Cox was killed while on patrol in his White Center community. A dedicated officer of the law and exceptionally caring member of his community, he will be missed. I had the honor of attending a memorial service for Deputy Cox, along with about 2,000 other mourners at the Christian Faith Center in Sea-Tac. Though Deputy Cox will be missed, his work will continue to inspire those who were lucky enough to know him.

I wish you all a safe and peaceful holiday season. Please call if I can be of any assistance.

King County Council Unanimously Adopts 2007 Budget that Spends Less, Saves More, Sticks to Priorities

Last month’s unanimous passage of the 2007 King County Budget gives us something to celebrate this season—not only did the Council slice $24 million off the initial budget proposed by Executive Ron Sims, but the final approved budget of $3.86 billion targets essential services.

As Chair of the Capital Budget Panel and member of the Council’s 2007 Budget Leadership Team, I saw the budget address my personal top priorities. One such priority was funding for the Sheriff’s Office of Law Enforcement Oversight, a new independent agency with four employees that will restore transparency to the resolution of complaints.

The budget is also providing funds to ensure the North and Northshore Public Health Centers stay open for all of 2007—a temporary victory for our community and the thousands of King Country residents who rely on these clinics.

Whether pertaining to public health or playfields, law enforcement or affordable housing, the 2007 Budget not only reflects our commitment to financial integrity and accountability but, in a larger sense, embraces “Priorities for People,” a set of guidelines the Council adopted in October by which to frame the final budget. These priorities—earning public trust, enhancing quality of life, and protecting public health and safety—steered our budget negotiations.

Next year, I will chair the Operating Budget Committee and lead the Council’s budget negotiations. I’m looking forward to this new challenge and hearing from you on the Council’s budget priorities.

New Idea about Old Furniture Saves County $1.6 Million

When King County Executive Ron Sims recently asked the Council for $6.8 million to furnish the new county office building scheduled to open next June in downtown Seattle, the Council struck a novel deal instead. As chair of the capital budget committee, I sponsored an amendment approving just $3 million initially and making the rest of the funds contingent on searching the used furniture market first.

As it turned out, Safeco was selling off a load of high-quality used office furniture, so the county snapped it up. As a result, we are saving $1.6 million.

In the news:

July 5, 2006-The Seattle Times
King County officials fight over furniture: new vs. used

November 16, 2006-The Seattle Times
County saves money with used furniture

November 21, 2006-King 5 News
King County saves big on used furniture

Council Waives Flood Disposal Fees

It the midst of the wettest month in our state’s history, the King County Council unanimously adopted legislation to help flood victims in their recovery. As part of this effort, King County waived fees for disposal of debris from the recent flooding and storms at its solid-waste disposal facilities. The Council also allowed the County to waive requirements on competitive bidding on flood-related repairs, which allowed the County to act quickly in awarding contracts to companies repairing local roads and other damaged public facilities.

Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council Brightens Up Winter Season

Adding color to this community since 1989, the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is boasting a varied and exciting line-up to get us through the winter months. I recommend you reserve your tickets now for Jazz It Up! With renowned jazz pianist George Cables as part of the Council’s Arts in Culture season.

Born in New York, Cables has proved himself a major player in modern jazz and has recorded with some of the best of our time including Joe Henderson, Sonny Rollins, and Dizzy Gillespie. Joined by the Shoreline School District’s Faculty & Friends Big Band, along with an ensemble of award-winning high school musicians, this night of contemporary and classic jazz will benefit the Shoreline Schools Arts Scholarship Fund.

Jazz It Up! with George Cables
Saturday, January 20, 7:30 PM
The Shorecrest Performing Arts Center is located at 15343 25th Ave NE in Shoreline. Tickets are $13/$15 and are available now by calling the Arts Council office at 206-417-4645 and online Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council

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Phone: (206) 296-1001 | Fax: (206) 296-0198 | TTY/TDD: (206) 296-1024 | Toll Free: (800) 325-6165
Mailing Address: King County Courthouse, 516 Third Avenue, Room 1200, Seattle, WA 98104-3272