Dear Neighbors:

In May, I proposed using surplus county funds to create transitional housing for the homeless. My proposal was modeled after transitional housing at the Aloha Inn, an Aurora Avenue motel that the city of Seattle purchased to replace the first homeless encampment in 1991.

The Council recently approved my proposal. $3.8 million will be used by King County to acquire and renovate approximately five closed motels to create housing for the homeless with on-site support services. As a former director of an emergency services office, I am committed to increasing funding for social services in King County.

It is an honor to serve you on the King County Council. Please contact me with any questions or comments. To unsubscribe, please see directions at the end of this newsletter. Happy Holidays!

Preparation for Pandemic Flu Underway

Bob and his wife, Colleen shop for supplies for their emergency kit. To learn how to build your own emergency kit, be sure to attend the town meeting on January 31st at Meridian Park Elementary!

My first town meeting of 2006 and next newsletter will focus on emergency preparedness and pandemic flu. Eric Holdeman, Director of King County’s Office of Emergency Management, will be my guest.

Save the Date!
Town Meeting on Emergency Preparedness and Pandemic Flu
Tuesday, January 31
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Meridian Park Elementary School Cafeteria
17077 Meridian Ave North, Shoreline

A major flu pandemic could infect 1.2 million King County residents within the first six weeks of the pandemic. Of particular concern is the Asian bird flu that health experts believe could mutate into a strain that would be spread from human to human, infecting millions. This is particularly worrisome for the Puget Sound region with our close connections to Asia.

I recently supported $5.9 million to undertake a major County-wide effort to prepare for pandemic flu. The proposal includes expanded outreach, planning, and funding to purchase 119,000 courses of antiviral medicine, enough to cover 62,000 first line responders and 57,000 high risk individuals.

While there is a vaccine for seasonal flu, it takes at least six months after the pandemic flu begins for a vaccine to be developed. Anti-viral drugs can be used to treat severe cases, but are limited in supply. To slow the spread of the flu outbreak, schools, restaurants, sports arenas, and public facilities may temporarily close.

I am committed to taking proactive measures to prepare our community for emergencies such as pandemic flu. King County has a responsibility to our region to provide leadership in a crisis. It is essential that our region is equipped to handle any emergency that many come our way, be it natural disaster, terrorism, or a public health crisis.

In the news:

Not Business as Usual
The Seattle Times – December 1, 2005

Bird Flu: Preparation is Key
The Seattle P.I. – December 3, 2005

Ahoy! - Maritime Heritage Task Force Sets Course

Bob addressed the media at a press conference where the Maritime Heritage Task Force released their findings earlier this month.

It has been my honor to serve on the Maritime Heritage Taskforce. The taskforce, comprised of representatives from maritime groups, historical organizations, and elected officials, examined how our region can ensure a maritime presence for generations to come. Our region is home to many historically significant vessels such as the schooner Wawona, the lightship Swiftsure and the fireboat Duwamish. I am committed to preserving our maritime heritage.

The Task Force recently released a report recommending that two non-profit organizations—Historic Seattle and The Coastal Heritage Alliance— work together to create a maritime hub on Lake Union, utilizing both the North and South sides of the lake. I will keep you updated as recommendations from the report are implemented.

In the news:

Seattle’s Maritime Past Adrift, Critics Say
The Seattle P.I. – December 6, 2005

Retired Metro Van Donations— New Use for Non-Profits

Bob donated a retired Metro van to Community Psychiatric Clinic to provide greater mental health access.

I recently distributed retired surplus vans from the King County Vanpool Program to two non-profit organizations in North Seattle. The vans will benefit the Wallingford Boys and Girls Club and Community Psychiatric Clinic.

The Wallingford Boys and Girls Club will use its van to transport youth on field trips, educational activities, and to and from school. The club serves more than 1,000 youth per year, providing after -school care, teen programs, summer camps, and a variety of other activities for youth ages 5-18.

Community Psychiatric Clinic will use its van to transport clients to medical appointments and community support agencies, as well as provide transportation for activities and outings. Community Psychiatric Clinic serves nearly 5,000 residents of Seattle and King County each year.

Waste-Free Holidays

Did you know that Americans throw away an average of 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day than during any other time of the year? This year, when celebrating with friends and family, I hope you will join me in trying to be mindful of the amount of waste we create. Please join me in giving waste-free gifts this year!

Waste Free Holidays is a partnership between King and Pierce Counties and the cities of Seattle and Tacoma. The goal is to encourage citizens to give “experience gifts” to reduce the amount of holiday trash. Experience gifts include everything from art performances and sporting event tickets to restaurant gift certificates.
One “experience gift” I am giving this year is tickets to the 5th Avenue Theatre for my parents – but don’t tell them!

A total of 125 organizations in the Puget Sound region are participating in Waste Free Holidays by offering discounts on their services. For a complete list of participating businesses, please visit the Waste Free Holidays website at: www.wastefreeholidays.com.

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Phone: (206) 296-1002 | 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