The Metropolitan King County Council today completed its reorganization by unanimously approving the reappointment of Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer as Vice-Chair of the Council and the appointment of six new committee chairs.

“Over the last two years, Councilmembers have worked hard to ensure that legislation coming out of our committees reflect the changing mission of King County government,” said Council Chair Larry Phillips. “The challenges facing the county are many, but the committee chairs—and all members of the council—are ready to work together to accomplish the goals we have set to continue delivering the best county services possible in the face of an ongoing budget crisis.”

Continuing the tradition established by former Council Chair Cynthia Sullivan, the leadership positions on the council will be split between the two parties, with Councilmember von Reichbauer remaining as Vice-Chair of the Council. Councilmembers also approved the appointment of Larry Gossett as chair of the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee, Kathy Lambert as chair of the Law, Justice and Human Services Committee, Dow Constantine becoming chair of the Growth Management and Unincorporated Areas Committee, and Julia Patterson replacing Constantine as chair of the Labor, Operations and Technology Committee.

The Council voted to combine the Natural Resources, Parks and Open Space Committee with the Utilities Committee to form the Natural Resource and Utilities Committee. Councilmember Carolyn Edmonds will chair the new committee.

“The issues that are part of the responsibility of the Utilities Committee—such as solid waste and wastewater treatment—directly impact the natural resources of King County,” said Phillips. “Combining the committees made sense.”

The Council’s two newest members will chair two of the Council’s three regional committees. Councilmember Steve Hammond will become the new chair of the Regional Water Quality Committee. Bob Ferguson will replace Julia Patterson as chair of the Regional Policy Committee.

“The people of King County should expect the best from County government and the people who work for them,” said Phillips. “These committees are a reflection of those expectations.”

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system at http://mkcclegisearch.metrokc.gov and type in “2004-0018”

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS CAN BE FOUND IN THE ATTACHMENT ACCOMPANYING THIS RELEASE (Word Document, 36KB)