Dear Neighbors:

Earlier this year, I mailed a District 1 survey asking for your feedback on a number of critical regional issues. We asked, you answered! So far, you have returned over 5,000 surveys to us, and some are still coming in. Thanks to everyone who participated and took the time to provide me feedback. To see the survey results please visit my web page. I also submitted an OpEd to the Shoreline Enterprise on the survey results which you can read on my website: What Shoreline and Lake Forest Park Residents Say They Value.

I look forward to a continuing dialogue with you on these and other issues.

Primary Election on August 21st

There will be an early primary election taking place on Tuesday, August 21st. In recent months our County’s voting system has been a hot topic. While the County is still in the process of deciding how best to transition to an all mail voting system, I wanted to extend a friendly reminder that the local polling locations will be open for the August 21st primary. Add Voting to Your Schedule This Month.

Vote by Mail

The King County Council recently reiterated its support for countywide vote-by-mail elections in 2008 and established a dual preparation track for the King County Elections Section. The vote-by-mail link above will provide you with more information about vote-by-mail. Recently published articles on the Council’s action can also be viewed from the Seattle Times and Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

Residents Share Concerns about Linden Avenue

I recently met with citizens from Seattle’s Greenwood and Bitter Lake neighborhoods - organized as GAIN (Greenwood Aurora Involved Neighbors) to walk down Linden Avenue and discuss their concerns about crime and other issues. The walk illustrated the need for improvements on Linden Avenue between North 125th and North 145th streets. A beautiful interurban trail extends northward at the Shoreline border of North 145th and Linden, but the Seattle side lacks a trail and appears blighted in many areas. Thoughtful renovation of Linden Avenue could provide a pedestrian and bicycle path. If you would like to learn more about this group and the projects they are working on, visit their website http://www.gainseattle.com/.

Trans Fat and Menu Labeling

The King County/City of Seattle Board of Health recently took action regarding health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and chronic illness.

First, King County became the second jurisdiction in the country to require menu labeling in restaurants. This new law will require chain restaurants with more than ten national locations to display nutrition information (i.e., calories, grams of fat and carbohydrates) on their menus and menu boards. Restaurants will have until August 1, 2008, to conduct the nutritional analysis and provide the information. Menu labeling, which I supported, enables citizens to make informed choices about the food they consume in order to live healthier lives.

Second, the Board voted to eliminate artificial trans fats from all King County restaurants. I offered an amendment to require all restaurants to identify which items contain trans fat with a warning, but the Board rejected that alternative to the ban. Fry oils and shortenings with artificial trans fats will not be permissible after April 1, 2008. Effective February 1, 2009, all King County restaurants will be required to find alternatives for margarine and all other products containing artificial trans fats. Read more in the Seattle Times or the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

Thanks to Officer "Cookie" Bouldin

Recently, I joined Rourke O’Brien, President of America’s Foundation for Chess, to present an Award of Appreciation to Officer Denise “Cookie” Bouldin for her involvement with the Urban Youth Chess Club. Motivated by the kids’ misconception of not being smart enough to play chess and a desire to create positive change in the community, Officer Cookie instills both motivation and a sense of self-confidence within these youngsters.

The members of the chess club eagerly wish to extend club hours in order to learn and progress. Because of her schedule, Officer Cookie is only available to attend on Saturdays. Due to a lack of funding, the program is taking a break for two months. I want to extend my congratulations to both Officer Cookie and the members of the Urban Youth Chess Club. Read more about Officer Cookie's Chess Club.

Maple Leaf Neighborhood Social

My wife Colleen and I attended Maple Leaf’s 12th Annual Summer Social held on a sunny evening in Maple Leaf Park in Seattle. Hundreds of Maple Leaf residents attended and enjoyed ice cream bars, a steel drum band and activities for the kids. As Maple Leaf residents, Colleen and I never miss the Social and the chance to mingle with friends and neighbors. Congratulations to the Maple Leaf Community Council for sponsoring such a terrific neighborhood gathering.

District 1 Dates:

Celebrate Shoreline: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, August 17 - 19. Help celebrate Shoreline’s 12th birthday! Festivities include a teen skateboard competition at Connie King Skate Park, a 5k walk/run and 10k run, parade, festival at Ridgecrest Elementary, a car show and a sandcastle contest at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. The theme for 2007 is "Celebrating Shoreline's Cultural Diversity". Details and more information: (206) 546-5041.

Bothell RiverFest: Sunday, August 26, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. This annual community event celebrates the end of summer with fun, food, and entertainment. Festivities include a car show, a City of Bothell Show & Tell, a craft & merchants market, inflatable toys and other activities for kids, hobby & volunteer expo, and a concert. Located between Main Street and N.E. 185th Street in downtown Bothell. For more information, visit www.ci.bothell.wa.us or call (425) 486-3256.

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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