Larry Phillips’ three-year tenure as chair of the Metropolitan King County Council was marked by steady leadership through the difficult transition from thirteen to nine members and the highly politicized focus on King County during the close 2004 gubernatorial election. Despite these challenges, under Phillips, the County Council exercised strong oversight, increased citizen involvement in government, acted as responsible stewards of tax dollars, and enacted bipartisan measures to improve the quality of life for citizens of King County.

“King County government provides such an incredible array of services that citizens depend on in their everyday life—everything from the bus they ride to work to the sheriff’s deputies keeping their communities safe,” said Phillips. “I have enjoyed working with my colleagues during my time as chair to ensure King County’s services are measuring up to the public’s expectations.”

“Larry Phillips has been an excellent chair. He is more than a colleague, he is a friend,” said County Executive Ron Sims. “I have always admired his experience, his work ethic, and his attention to detail. And I took comfort knowing that while Larry was Chair that there was a steady hand at the helm guiding the Council through difficult shoals. I look forward to enjoying the same kind of collaborative relationship with incoming Chair Larry Gossett.”

Strong Oversight
Under Phillips’ leadership, the council exercised strong oversight to improve the performance of the King County’s Elections Office, Department of Development and Environmental Services (DDES), and Sheriff’s Office. As a result, King County elections are more accurate and secure, DDES has more predictable permitting fees and is more customer service oriented, and Sheriff’s deputies will have better training and supervision and will be more accountable to the public.

“I am very grateful to Larry Phillips for his leadership and support of the Sheriff's Office over the past two years,” said King County Sheriff Sue Rahr. “From the Blue Ribbon panel to Air Support and the Sheriff's budget, Larry has been instrumental in helping us to obtain the resources and momentum necessary to chart a new course for this organization.”

Increased Citizen Involvement
Phillips returned to the council’s tradition of conducting numerous town hall meetings throughout the county to bring government to the people. The Council also increased citizen involvement by forming new advisory groups and commissions such as the Citizen’s Elections Oversight Committee.

Responsible Stewardship
As King County’s budget health improved during Phillips’ tenure as chair, the council exercised strong fiscal restraint, resisting the temptation to increase spending to unsustainable levels and maintaining healthy financial reserves. These practices resulted in outstanding bond ratings and protected citizens from tax increases.

Improved Quality of Life
During Phillips’ time as chair, the council enacted many bipartisan measures to improve the quality of life for King County citizens. Some of the highlights include preparing King County for pandemic flu, improving civil rights protections, committing to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, protecting Boeing Field neighbors from commercial airline traffic, improving flood control planning, and increasing bus service.

“I’m proud of everything the council has accomplished these past three years,” said Phillips, “I look forward to handing over the reins to the very competent and capable hands of Larry Gossett, and I look forward to focusing more of my attention on work outside the courthouse in the neighborhoods of King County.”