King County 2009 Budget: Focusing on the priorities

This year, the 2009 projected general fund shortfall of approximately $90 million presents a sobering prospect.  Before last month's recess, the council adopted public safety, health, and quality of life for King County residents as the top priorities for the council's budget deliberations.  In October, the County Executive will transmit his proposed budget to the council for consideration.  At that time, the council will comprehensively examine the proposal and make appropriate changes to ensure that the budget reflects these priorities for King County citizens.  The council will host public hearings on the County Executive's proposed budget, and I encourage your involvement.  Learn More... 

Transit Update

A projected loss in sales tax revenue, combined with increasing fuel costs, has prompted King County to take a closer look at Metro’s original $0.25 fare increase that was proposed this summer.  Because of these developments, county officials are working to analyze a variety of funding options.  Learn More...

In a past eNewsletter, I mentioned that I was working with Metro and Sound Transit officials to obtain additional transit service along Bothell Way/Lake City Way (SR 522). I am pleased to report that beginning September 22, Sound Transit will provide additional trips to its Route 522.  Learn More...

Mental Illness and Drug Dependency Action Plan Update

Last year, I sponsored legislation that the council passed for a mental health sales tax to fund an expansion of mental health and drug dependency services in in King County.  To ensure that these public tax dollars are spent wisely, the council required the development of three plans to guide the distribution of funds: 1) an oversight plan, 2) an implementation plan that lays out how the funds will be spent, and 3) an evaluation plan for monitoring the success of funded programs and services.  The council is currently considering the implementation and evaluation plans and intends to take action on them in October.  Learn More...   

City of Seattle Municipal Jail Site Selection

In my June and July eNewsletters, I wrote about the City of Seattle’s site selection process for its municipal jail. One of the proposed sites is located in North Seattle at 11762 Aurora Avenue North.

The city has started the site selection process because the contract it has with King County to house its misdemeanor jail population in the King County Jail was set to expire in 2012. However, legislation I co-sponsored was adopted by the Council on July 7, directing the reopening of negotiations to extend that contract two years, to 2014. Though an extension of the contract may not eliminate the need for a new jail facility, it would provide officials with more time to complete a thorough site selection process. Additionally, the legislation examines how an integrated regional criminal justice system could improve public safety, help contain jail costs, and potentially foster additional improvements in the larger criminal justice system.