Dear Neighbors:

The King County Council is working on the 2007 Budget. As Chair of the Council’s Capital Budget Committee and a member of the Council’s Budget Leadership Team, it’s been a busy fall as we try to bring the $3.9 billion budget to closure.

The Council is applying 11 guiding principles - "Priorities for People” - to our budget deliberations. One of my priorities is seeking a long-term plan to protect access to public health. Earlier this year, I worked with Executive Sims to keep the North and Northshore Public Health Centers, both located in my District, open through June. This is my recent editorial in the North Seattle Herald on the subject.

We expect to approve the County Budget on the Monday before Thanksgiving. For more information, the Council website is full of great information. I also invite you to send your budget thoughts to me.

Town Meetings in North Seattle and Shoreline

As many of you know, I frequently hold town meetings to stay in touch. Recently, these meetings have drawn between 150 and 225 attendees. On October 12th, I teamed up with Seattle City Council President Nick Licata at Olympic View Elementary School for another well-attended Town Hall.

Nick and I listened to comments and fielded questions on a variety of issues including support for the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness, the Viaduct, expansion of bus routes, increased transit security, and preserving access to public health clinics.

I also had an opportunity to hear directly from constituents in late October when I brought the King County Council to Shoreline for a public hearing on the County budget. Dozens of citizens testified regarding their budget priorities and many carried a message to save our public health clinics.

I appreciate the time people spend to come out to these meetings and share their thoughts.

King County’s Response to Global Warming

King County is responding to global warming. The County Council recently approved legislation, which I co-sponsored, to join the Chicago Climate Exchange, North America's premier program for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through binding goals and the trading of “carbon credits.”

King County’s membership requires annual targets leading to a 6 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2010. Reduction targets will be based on the County’s emissions from, for example, transit, other county vehicles, and use of natural gas and electricity. The County can receive credit for a variety of activities that sequester carbon, such as reforestation.

I also co-introduced legislation with Councilmember Dow Constantine making aggressive, specific commitments to reduce King County’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The proposal calls for (among other things):

• Increasing the use of biodiesel fuel in county buses to 20 percent.

• Committing King County to the creation of a Climate Change Mitigation and Preparedness Plan.

• Calling for the County to encourage transit use, to facilitate the creation of walkable communities through its land use policies, and to update flood hazard and emergency plans to deal with climate change impacts.
  

District 1: Engaging to Fight Global Warming

District 1 is the focus of exciting festivals and programs dedicated to combating global warming.

For example, the Shoreline Solar Project hosted the 3rd Annual Shoreline Solar Festival. Over 65 information booths were dedicated to renewable energy, alternative fuels and the conservation of resources. I addressed the audience, spoke of County actions and applauded those who are working on these issues.

In October, Shoreline Community College hosted Odyssey Days. I was proud to speak at this two-day biennial event which increases awareness about the importance of using advanced technology vehicles and alternative fuels to move toward cleaner air, as well as greater energy freedom and economic security.

I recently hosted a County Council meeting in Shoreline on global warming. Nearly 200 people attended as a panel of experts discussed the physical, economic and scientific impacts of global warming.

District 1 residents and organizations are on the forefront of important changes in our daily life.

In the news:

Shoreline Enterprise
Green day

Concern Over Future of University Heights Center and Farmers Market

I frequently send information about the many wonderful Farmers Markets that we can enjoy. The University District Farmers Market, located at the University Heights Center (UHC), is one of my favorites and is one of the largest direct-sale sites for farmers in the State of Washington.

The property is owned by the School District. The District could increase the lease price or sell the property. Either option could likely put an end to the Market and the community use of the Center.

My understanding is that UHC is trying to buy the facility located at the corner of University Way Northeast and Northeast 50th Street. Over the years I have participated in many community events at the Center, and even held a Town Hall meeting there.

UHC is working with the Cascade Land Conservancy as well as the City and the County to develop options to buy the land. For more information, contact Richard Sorenson, Executive Director of UHC, at 206-527-4278 or director@uhcaa.org.

I will stay on top of this issue and keep you updated.

People in the Community: Jenny Faubion

Congratulations to District 1 resident Jenny Faubion. Governor Christine Gregoire recently named Jenny a Student Regent for the University of Washington. Jenny is a third year law student at the University of Washington and past recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow award by Rotary International for community service.

Congratulations, Jenny!

In the Community: Grace Cole Nature Park Dedication

My wife Colleen and I recently participated in the dedication of the Grace Cole Nature Park in Lake Forest Park. Grace Cole was a beloved figure in our community and served as an elected official for many years. The park consists of over 14 acres of wetlands, woods, and ponds and preserves the headwaters of Brookside Creek.

In the news:
Shoreline Enterprise: November 3rd, 2006
Grace Cole Park: a dream come true

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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