Dear Neighbor,

I hope you were able to get outside and celebrate Earth Day this past weekend.  We are fortunate to live in an area full of natural beauty and opportunities to recreate, whether in the mountains, along a trail or on the Sound.

Recently, the King County Council took a major action to ensure that our natural areas are protected from major storms and rain events, like those we experienced this winter.  Through a unanimous vote, we created a county wide flood plan to tackle our most vulnerable levies and protect land, families and habitat. You can read more about this plan below.

Below you will also find information about legislation I am writing to strengthen animal protection in King County, as well as information on my upcoming open house with King County Councilmember Dow Constantine, and a recap of the Council’s recent Budget Priorities Town Hall.

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I appreciate hearing your input and opinions.

Julia Patterson
King County Councilmember - District 5

Working to Improve Animal Welfare

After a series of tragic cases of animal cruelty over the past few months, it became clear that we must re-examine how we are dealing with animal cruelty.

I will introduce legislation this week to strengthen protection of animals in King County.

The legislation will create a blueprint for how our animal shelters can institute a ‘no-kill’ policy. This would result in the euthanasia of only extremely aggressive and dangerous animals or very sick animals. This would ensure that 85 - 90% of animals that enter the shelter are adopted. Currently just under 50% are adopted.

The legislation will also require a review of the treatment of animals in shelters to determine whether or not they are properly fed, caged, and treated if ill.

The legislation also creates a team of dedicated animal cruelty workers who will track, report and work with prosecutors to protect animals from cruelty.

We must make sure that our neglected animals are properly cared for and rehabilitated so they can be welcomed into the hearts and homes of families in King County.

You can view all of the animals available for adoption at King County and other animal shelters through PetFinder.com

King County Council Creates Countywide Flood Plan

The sad events following Hurricane Katrina  illustrated the importance of well maintained levees. 

King County is home to over 500 levees and hardened embankments that protect residents, businesses, regional economic centers, public infrastructure and roads from potentially catastrophic flooding.  The anticipated effects of global climate change may result in our flood control system experiencing increasing stress.  Unfortunately, many of these levees are in need of substantial repair and upgrades. 

The Flood Control Plan identifies a range of $179 million to $335 million in priority repairs and upgrades over the next decade.

Currently flood control is handled by 12 separate districts that address areas of localized flooding. For example, in South King County the Green River Flood Control Zone operates, maintains and repairs important river flood protection facilities and pump stations.

This legislation consolidates our flood planning into one central body. The existing Flood Control Zones will be incorporated into the new Countywide Flood Control Zone, which will have the funding and authority to maintain our entire system of levees, embankments, pumps, and other flood control systems. This will make the system more efficient and ensure that tax dollars are well spent.

Learn more about King County's Flood Plan.

Budget Town Hall was a Success

On April 16^th over 100 King County residents attended our Budget Priorities Town Hall.  The meeting included the polling expert Stuart Elway, who presented the results of our series of focus groups and meetings designed to gauge the budget priorities of King County citizens. 

Read the report and get more information about the King County Budget. 

Upcoming Town Hall Meeting: Cleaning Up the Puget Sound
Tuesday, May 29
9:30 a.m. - Public Reception
10:00am-noon - Program
Olympic Sculpture Park
PACCAR Pavilion
2901 Western Avenue,
Seattle, WA 98121

Meet your King County Councilmembers

One of my priorities as your King County Councilmember is to get out in the community to hear from the people I represent.  On April 25^th, King County Councilmember Dow Constantine and I will host an informal open house at the SeaTac Park Community Center.  This event will give you an opportunity to meet us and have your questions answered, and it will give us the opportunity to hear directly from you about your concerns.  I hope that you will join us!

SeaTac Open House
Wednesday, April 25th
6:00pm – 7:30pm
SeaTac Park Community Center
13735 24th Avenue South
SeaTac, Washington 98168

Upcoming Speaking Engagements

April 24^th  King County Democrats, Carpenters Hall, 7:30pm

May 7^th  Burien City Council, Burien City Hall, 7pm

May 9^th  Tukwila Fellowship, Tukwila Community Center Social Hall, 12pm

May 30^th  Des Moines Rotary, Highline C.C. Student Union Building, 12pm

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If you have any questions or comments, please email me, julia.patterson@metrokc.gov.

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