November, 2007
In this newsletter:
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Sales Tax
• Budget update
• Flood and Ferry Districts
• Adoption Awareness Month
• Fall City clearing project
• Introducing – The Chinook Building
• Congratulations Salmon Days Festival
Dear District 3 residents,
As the King County Council prepares to finalize the 2008 county budget this month, I have a number of important updates to share with you.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Sales Tax
As many of you know, I have been a strong supporter of King County’s new Mental Health and Substance Abuse Action Plan, designed to divert people suffering from mental illnesses and chemical dependency away from jails and emergency rooms and get them into proper treatment. The funding mechanism for this plan, a sales tax of one penny on a $10.00 purchase, was approved this week by the Council’s Operating Budget Committee. I was put in the position of having to cast a no vote on this legislation because of the wording of this bill, which is unlike what the other counties approved. While I believe that this $48 million annual investment in mental health and drug dependency treatment will change people’s lives and save money in the long run, I cannot support the strings attached to this plan. The conditions for receiving this funding are determined by a labor union agreement. Then the completed agreement will be sent to the executive, who after four months will release the money to help the mentally ill. King County should not be dictating the employment terms for private, contracted employees. In two editorials this week, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer editorial board agreed with me:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/338714_taxed.html
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/337884_mented.html
This issue now will come before the full Council for a public hearing and a vote on Tuesday, Nov. 13, beginning at 1:30 p.m. You are welcome to attend, or to view the proceedings live on KCTV Channel 22. For more information about the plan, please go to www.metrokc.gov/council/mentalhealth/index.htm.
Budget update
The King County Council will conduct a budget hearing for all fee and tax proposals on Tuesday, Nov. 13, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Final budget adoption is scheduled for Monday afternoon, Nov. 19. For more information about the budget process, please go to www.kingcounty.gov/council/Budget.aspx.
Ferry and Flood Districts
Earlier this fall, the King County Council established the governing bodies for these countywide services. The Flood Control Zone District will coordinate flood control projects. With the floods of a year ago causing $35 million in damage, it is important that the flood district establish a time frame for completing projects to protect our community from flooding. The Ferry District will focus on providing passenger-only waterborne transportation services. Both will be operated by the King County Council sitting as the Board of Directors for each district. Tax levies for both districts will be considered and approved at meetings scheduled for the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 13. More information is available at:
www.kingcounty.gov/council/flood_district.aspx
www.kingcounty.gov/council/ferry_district.aspx
Adoption Awareness Month
As chair of the Council’s Law, Justice and Human Services Committee, it is my honor to present a proclamation in recognition of November 16 as Adoption Day, which is in conjunction with National Adoption Awareness Month proclaimed by President Bush for the month of November. The proclamation will be presented at a special adoption ceremony in King County Superior Court on Nov. 16. The number of adoptions is increasing in Washington State, but hundreds of children still wait for a permanent home. I am committed to raising awareness about the importance of adoption. For more information, please visit www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/nam/index.cfm.
Fall City clearing project
This month, in preparation for winter storms, Puget Sound Energy is working to improve the reliability of its electrical system with a vegetation management project in Fall City. Beginning Nov. 1, PSE’s subcontactor, Asplundh Tree Expert Co., began removing trees deemed to be a threat to the Fall City substation site at 4015 Fall City-Carnation Road SE. The work will continue Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, and should be completed by Nov. 30. Any questions or concerns can be directed to (425) 235-7628, or toll-free 1-888-225-5773, select option 3, then option 4, then dial Ext. 81-7628.
Introducing – The Chinook Building
On Oct. 22, the Council selected a name for its new office building that opened recently next to the King County Administration Building on Fifth Avenue in Seattle. The new name – The Chinook Building – was suggested by a Kirkland student. The Council also agreed that each Councilmember would select a name for one floor of the 13-story building, while the Executive also will name four floors. I would like to invite you to submit your nominations for a name for the District 3 floor to me, by mail or e-mail. Please include your name and contact information so we can notify you if your suggestion is selected. I hope the name of the floor will reflect the unique attributes of our community. I look forward to hearing your ideas.
Congratulations Salmon Days Festival!
In September, the Issaquah Salmon Days Festival was recognized with top honors at the International Festivals and Events annual awards in Atlanta, GA. Issaquah’s 2006 festival with the theme “Born to Be Wild” was named the second-best overall festival for events in the $250,000-$749,999 budget category. In addition, the festival won the Best Overall Merchandising Program and Best Commemorative Poster awards, and received second place for Best Pin or Button. Congratulations to long-time festival Director Robin Kelley and her team for a great festival!
Please visit my web page at www.kingcounty.gov/lambert, or feel free to contact me directly at kathy.lambert@kingcounty.gov or at (206) 296-1003. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks!
This month remains busy with budget negotiations. Then comes the holidays close behind. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Kathy Lambert
District 3