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Dear Neighbor, King County recently experienced a great loss with the passing of King County Prosecuting Attorney Norm Maleng. Norm was one of our finest public servants and he will be missed. I am pleased to announce that last week King County adopted my comprehensive plan to improve animal welfare in our county. This legislation will bring needed changes to improve animal welfare and prevent cruelty. Last week also brought welcome progress regarding the upcoming plan to improve roads and transit in our region. This plan is on track to be before the voters this November and will represent the single biggest commitment ever to our transportation network. In this E-news you will also find information about the King County Charter and a beautiful South County park for you and your dog. There is also a recap of our last Town Hall and an invitation to the next one. I hope that the beginning of summer finds you well.
Julia
Patterson |
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King County Prosecuting Attorney Norm Maleng
On May 24th King County lost one of our most distinguished public servants. Norm Maleng served King County with honor and integrity and he will be deeply missed. Norm was a friend, a mentor, and an inspiration to me. He served King County for 29 years protecting citizens and exercising fair and impartial justice. During his tenure as Prosecuting Attorney Norm worked tirelessly on behalf of King County citizens. He established a nationally recognized sexual assault prosecution unit and a comprehensive domestic violence prosecution unit. Norm also established Kids' Court, which helps child victims of sexual abuse understand the courtroom, and Drug Court, which offers first-time offenders an opportunity for a strict drug treatment program. Norm also helped get important legislation passed including the Becca Bill, which re-enforced truancy laws, and the 1997 Juvenile Justice Act, which helped improved programs for troubled youth. Norm
was a consummate public servant and an impeccable human
being. He will be missed.
Read
more about Norm’s life and accomplishments. Animal Welfare Legislation Adopted!
On May 29th the King County Council passed my legislation to improve animal welfare in King County. This comprehensive legislation reflects our values about care and treatment of animals, while further engaging the community to reduce the number of unwanted, mistreated pets. By engaging citizens and representatives from animal organizations, King County can become a leader in how we care for animals, how we punish animal abusers, and how we ensure that every healthy animal has the opportunity to become part of a happy, loving family. This legislation will begin our move to a "no-kill" policy (except for very ill or dangerous animals), add dedicated animal cruelty officers, and reinstate the Animal Control and Care Citizen’s Advisory Committee. Additionally, we will begin studying how we can further improve our animal welfare services including: cruelty prevention, partnerships with individuals, volunteers, rescue groups and non-profit organizations and improving our outreach regarding adoption. Read about all the changes. I was also proud to support Councilmember Lambert’s legislation, allowing the licensing of kennel free boarding in King County, which passed unanimously. This will provide more opportunities for this exciting alternative to transitional pet boarding. Read more about this legislation. If you would like to welcome a pet into your home, please view the animals available from King County Animal Services. Find all them through Pet Finder.
Roads and Transit Plan Moves Forward Last Friday I voted to approve a plan for major road and bridge improvements in the most congested corridors in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. If approved by voters in November, the Roads & Transit plan would make the most significant regional transportation investments since the freeway system was built 50 years ago. For years the citizens of this region have asked for one thing when it comes to transportation: They have said ‘show us a plan that is integrated, to make getting around this region easier, and tell us how much it will cost and what the benefits are.’ They have said ‘we are tired of band aids and quick fixes, we want a vision for how the Puget Sound region is going to make real improvements to its transportation system.’ The Roads and Transit plan is a comprehensive approach to transportation that will make it easier for millions of people to move around this region whether you are in a bus, a train, a car pool, on a bike or driving alone. This is the plan voters have been demanding. Last Wednesday I joined my colleague Councilmember Reagan Dunn on KUOW’s The Conversation to discuss this plan. For more information on the plan go to: www.roadsandtransit.org Read my full statement on the adoption of the plan. Have your Voice Heard on Improving the King County Charter Do you have an idea for improving King County government? Every 10 years, a citizen commission reviews the county charter, the constitution for our county, and suggests changes that should be made. Now is your chance to tell the commission what you would change about how our county does business. Please join us for an informal public hearing: Thursday,
June 28, 6:30-8pm The Commission will use public comments to formulate recommendations for amending the charter, which will go to the Council next spring. The Council will decide on placing amendments on the November 2008 General Election ballot. Comments can be submitted in person at the public hearing, or go to http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/charter/default.aspx for more information and to submit comments in writing. Here are additional public hearing opportunities:
Did you know that our region is blessed with an abundance of off-leash parks for our canine friends? One of my favorites is Grandview Park in the City of SeaTac. This wonderful dog park was developed through a partnership of King County and a number of South King County cities. The park boasts a fully fenced area for dogs, with grass, hills, trails, and plenty of new friends for you dog. Summer is a great time to get out doors with your dog. Head over to Grandview and let your dog run free. Just remember this list of Doggie Do’s courtesy of the City of SeaTac:
If
you want to help keep our off-leash areas clean and well maintained
head over to SODA’s(Serve
our Dog Areas) website at www.soda.org and see what you can
do to help! Puget Sound Town Hall was a Success On May 29th many King County residents turned out to hear about the Puget Sound Partnership and what we need to do to make Puget Sound as clean and beautiful underwater as it appears on the surface. At the meeting we heard from:
Learn more about the Puget Sound Partnership. Our
next Town Hall is on the Mental
Illness and Drug Dependency Action Plan
Highway package for region closer to ballot. Seattle PI May 31, 2007 Highways package readied for ballot. The Seattle Times Friday, June 1, 2007 Patterson introduces animal cruelty legislation, The Federal Way News May 29, 2007 Cruelty to animals will limit ownership. The Seattle Times May 31, 2007 Water taxi may dock in Des Moines, The Highline Times, May 29, 2007 Ferry district created to increase Des Moines options, The Federal Way News, May 29, 2007 Transit plan includes study of light rail between Renton, Burien, The Renton Reporter, June 4, 2007 Satterberg
to fill Maleng's post, The Seattle Times, May 30, 2007 |
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