Metropolitan King County Councilmember Dow Constantine, Chair of the Budget Leadership Team that will direct the Council’s review of the 2007 King County Budget, invites the public to a hearing to examine details of the plan on Tuesday, October 24.

The public hearing will be held at the King County Regional Justice Center, Courtroom 3F, 401 Fourth Avenue N., Kent, starting at 7:00 p.m. Day-after coverage of the forum will be available both online and on King County Television, the county’s government cable channel on Comcast Cable 22.

The County Council this year established a set of 11 “Priorities for People” to guide its deliberations over the next five weeks prior to adoption of the 2007 King County Budget. These 11 principles represent priorities previously emphasized by constituents and are policy guidelines that the Executive’s budget will measured against. Among the Council’s highest priorities are fiscal integrity and accountability in the use of tax dollars with a focus on performance measures.

‘“Priorities for People’ is a roadmap of where the Council will lead the County budget,” said Councilmember Constantine, Chair of the Annual Budget Reconciliation and Adoption Committee. “As we begin to review the budget proposal, our focus will be on answering three questions: Will it help us continue to earn the public’s trust? Does it enhance the quality of life of the people of King County? Will it continue protecting the health of county residents while keeping them safe?”

The hearing—one of four special night meetings on the County budget—gives the citizens of South King County easy and direct access to their elected officials so they can discuss their budget priorities. The hearing will include a brief overview from County Budget Staff followed by public testimony.

PRIORITIES FOR PEOPLE
for the 2007 King County Budget

Citizens expect fiscal integrity and accountability in the use of their tax dollars. The Metropolitan King County Council meets that demand by setting priorities, funding programs consistent with those priorities, and measuring results.

Earning Public Trust
• Advance sound financial policies and prudently manage the public’s money
• Engage citizens in oversight of government services
• Strive for excellence in customer service
• Measure our performance and report back to the public

Enhancing Quality of Life
• Improve mobility for people, vehicles and freight
• Take good care of the environment and manage growth wisely
• Create and encourage vibrant cultural and recreational opportunities

Protecting Public Health and Safety
• Invest in prevention to reduce crime and the cost of detention
• Promote conditions for optimal physical and mental health
• Sustain critical health and human service programs
• Prepare our community for natural disasters and public health emergencies

For more information on the 2007 King County Budget,
visit the King County Council’s Budget Web site