June 23, 2008
Conservation and athletic fields in store for portion of Tollgate Farm
“With the transfer of Tollgate Farm Park to the City of North Bend, this 13.7-acre piece of the of 356-acre historic site will allow a wider variety of relaxation and recreational uses for Snoqualmie Valley residents. This is an excellent way to showcase this valuable resource as a regional recreational gem."

June 9, 2008
County Council approves grant plan for pedestrian improvements on Issaquah-Fall City Road
“Right now, students must walk on the narrow paved shoulder with no separation from traffic on the 45 mph roadway. These improvements will become even more urgent when the school is converted to a middle school in the fall of 2009, and students as young as 11 years old will be walking to school.”

June 2, 2008
Twelve amendments to County Charter put before King County Council for ballot consideration
“Many of the issues brought forth by the Commission continue to be debated, and then will be presented to the citizens. The charter is our constitution, and it needs to be updated to meet the growing needs of our county.”

May 27, 2008
Farm Pad project helps protect Snoqualmie Valley farms against flooding
“The Snoqualmie Valley is subjected to regular flooding that damages crops, drowns livestock and destroys farm equipment, hay, seeds, bulbs and farm supplies. If constructed under these specific standards, farm pads are proven protections against agricultural flood losses that do not exacerbate flooding.”

May 27, 2008
County Council confirms members of advisory committee on permitting
“It is important that citizen oversight occur to ensure DDES upholds fairness, consistency and reasonableness in its permitting policies and processes.”

May 12, 2008
Council places Skykomish Fire District annexation vote on August ballot
“I am pleased that this remote community within King County will have the opportunity to vote on better access to fire protection and medical services.”

May 5, 2008
Council preserves options for rail and trail in historic agreement with Port to bring Eastside Rail Corridor into public ownership
“For economic sustainability, we need to continue using this resource both for transportation and for freight traffic. It is exciting to see the bicycle, trail and transportation communities come together with a multimodal vision for this corridor.”

May 5, 2008
County Council calls for rebid of federal tanker contract
“Aircraft manufacturing is an important industry for our area. We need to be proactive in making sure we can keep these living-wage jobs in our area.”

March 24, 2008
More bus service on major routes throughout the county thanks to new transit partnerships
“I’m excited to have more bus hours coming to the Eastside. As gas prices increase, we need to expand the transportation options available.”

March 17, 2008
Council weighs future of County animal shelters after hearing a second disturbing report
“This scathing report should serve as a catalyst for reorganization of the service delivery system, and perhaps even a charter amendment providing the Council a role in holding department heads accountable, so that we can prevent this kind of failure from occurring again in the future.”

March 10, 2008
Sammamish park transfer meets growing need for Eastside playfields
“With this transfer of 30 acres to the City of Sammamish, King County lives up to its agreement to share this jewel of a park among diverse needs, and the City of Sammamish takes on responsibility for developing the county’s master planned area for active recreation needs.”

March 6, 2008
Technology innovations bring awards to King County Superior Court and District Court
“This project simplifies access to legal records, saves money, and serves the cause of justice. Computerized records are an important step in streamlining court procedures and making records available to all involved parties. This concept is exactly what technology should be used to accomplish.”

Feb. 25, 2008
Property owners have new avenue of appeal of County permit fees
“This new procedure will improve the county’s responsiveness to our customers and ensure that they have an important opportunity for their concerns to be heard.”

Jan. 28, 2008
Oversight panel will improve security at Courthouse and County agencies
“I am very concerned about reports of security-related incidents by people and employees using the King County Courthouse and other County offices in downtown Seattle.”

January 21, 2008
Lambert among those honored for protection of cultural resources -- Woodinville Weekly
The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation has announced the recipients of its third annual Landmark Deeds Award for Public Service.


Jan. 7, 2008
Human services, public health highlight King County’s 2008 State Legislative Agenda
“Housing production must catch up with population and job growth while also protecting our natural resources and open spaces. We can produce badly needed affordable housing if the state is willing to fully implement the balance between these goals directed by the Growth Management Act.”

November 19, 2007
King County Council adopts 2008 budget that respects property tax limits of I-747
“I am pleased that this budget improves public safety, the primary responsibility of local government. The funding for the Flood Control Zone District will allow us to be proactive in preventing our flooding problems, including eight federally declared flood disasters since 1990. Additional funding for the King County Sheriff’s Office aims to implement the critical recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Panel to improve oversight and training. We need to have adequate resources for maintaining deputy response times in the unincorporated areas of King County.”

November 19, 2007
County Council approves next step in DDES reform
“Simplifying these rules will go a long way towards helping people be in compliance with the law. People will now be given the information they need to comply with our very complex land use rules.”

November 19, 2007
County Council improves management of King County elections by creating separate Elections Division
“King County voters are very concerned about accountability and accuracy in elections, as they demonstrated earlier this month in passing Initiative 25 calling for an elected auditor. Good government requires that the conduct of elections be a focal point for one manager, whether elected or appointed, without the distraction of other unrelated agencies to supervise.”

November 14, 2007
Revenue votes unrelated to repeal of I-747
As the budget leadership team for the King County Council, we want to make clear that the revenue votes taken yesterday by Councilmembers have been in development for months and were in no way related to the unexpected ruling last week from the State Supreme Court on Initiative 747. The timing is strictly happenstance.

November 13, 2007
Flood Control Zone District adopts work plan and funding to prevent Katrina-like flood disasters
“The devastating floods of a year ago are a good reminder about the importance of our infrastructure. Our businesses, our farmers and our residents depend on the integrity of our levee system to prevent catastrophic damages and to keep our communities safe. When our river communities suffer, we all are affected. It is much more cost-effective to prevent flooding than to repair the damage afterward.”

November 13, 2007
Council to tighten security at King County Courthouse for safety of citizens and employees
“We are fortunate to have dedicated staff at the Courthouse, but they need support and assistance to ensure our government functions can continue unimpeded by safety concerns. This investment in added security equipment and action planning will help King County respond proactively and effectively to any threats and prevent any future tragedies.”

November 13, 2007
Three financial experts named for comprehensive review of King County Investment Pool
“Recent events in the commercial paper market have led to the sudden and unprecedented downgrade of three of the Investment Pool’s commercial paper holdings. The Advisory Panel’s review will help to ensure that the County’s investment practices are well-equipped to deal with these uncertainties and any future market disruptions.”

October 16, 2007
"Flood-control improvements protect all county residents"--Seattle Times OpEd with Councilmember Larry Philips
"We are all very concerned about tax burdens, but as we learned from Hurricane Katrina, making this reasonable commitment to repairing thelevees and implementing other recommendations identified in the Flood Hazard Management Plan ensures that we are doing all that can be done to protect our homes, businesses, roads and our economy."

October 15, 2007
County Council pledges fiscal discipline and oversight as it prepares 2008 King County Budget
“The County’s Charter provides 45 days to deal with our $4 billion budget. Since the Council has the power of the purse, we need to extend that process so elected Councilmember’s have time to prioritize how the taxpayers hard earned money is spent. Extending this 45 day period is one of several needed charter changes.”

October 8, 2007
Council accepts action plan to divert mentally ill and drug dependent from jails and emergency rooms
“This shift toward recovery instead of just punishment already is a proven successful model.Not only is it more humane, it also is less expensive to provide mental health and substance abuse treatment instead of funding beds in hospitals and jails, and increasing court hearings. Implementation of this plan will save taxpayer money now being spent on criminal justice and emergency medical services.”

October 8, 2007
County Council finds good homes for “retired” County vans
“This van donation program represents a great example of recycling. It is an excellent use of our resources to assist programs that serve disadvantaged youth, especially in the Snoqualmie Valley where transportation options are so limited. The reuse of these vans also eliminates the need for single-vehicle trips, which reduces traffic congestion and pollution, while also helping these youth programs to serve more young people.”

October 1, 2007
Council adopts sustainable operational and financing model for provision of public health services
“This is a huge step toward building a more stable and efficient public health system that will serve the needs of all our citizens, including the most vulnerable in our community.”

October 1, 2007
Council to emphasize oversight and fiscal policies in reviewing 2008 proposed budget
“We must continue tending to our regional infrastructure needs and keeping our communities safe, but we also need to focus on local government services for the 360,000 citizens who live in unincorporated areas.”

September 7, 2007
Council saves taxpayer dollars but delays vote on Elections Director
"This issue has been debated since the 2004 election. It now is time to move forward with a public vote. Although this two-step process delays the public’s final vote on whether or not to install a non-partisan Auditor to 2009, it is a major step towards giving the voters the chance to choose whether or not they want this office to be elected.”

September 7, 2007
Council adopts Initiative 24 to create volunteer “Citizen Councilor Networks”
"We are very much looking for ways to engage the citizens. I do believe this will be helpful as long as we are not using taxpayer dollars. I will look forward to working with our citizen volunteers to come up with topics for review and to ensure unincorporated areas are well represented."

September 5, 2007
Council united in expressing condolences on the passing of former Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn
“Her long service to the citizens of Washington State and her dedication to public service is legendary. I often sought her counsel and advice about bringing diverse groups together to reach consensus. Her passing is a huge loss and I personally will miss her greatly.”

September 4, 2007
Gang suppression unit proposed for King County Sheriff’s Office
"King County needs to dedicate the resources that will make it very clear to gangs that King County is not a gang-friendly place for them to operate. Enforcement is just one piece, but an important one, in our broader efforts to put a high value on education and succeeding in school while also supporting families and keeping young people from getting involved in gangs."

September 4, 2007
Councilmembers concerned about County taking full responsibility for potential losses in investment pool
“This is not just a local issue. Many municipalities across the country are also potentially facing this problem.We will continue to monitor and work together with other municipalities to make sure we have explored all possible methods to protect our investments.”

September 4, 2007
County Council authorizes statistical sampling method for verifying signatures on initiative petitions
“This method will make the verification process more streamlined, which will allow the Council more time to consider initiatives before the deadline for placing them on the ballot.The current verification process is burdensome, costly and lengthy. We can and should speed up the process and reduce costs, without sacrificing accuracy, to provide more time for review and deliberation on the issues.”

July 30, 2007
Snoqualmie Valley farmers get tools to protect against winter flooding
“The fertile Snoqualmie Valley has a rich and proud farming heritage, and these measures will help preserve that tradition as well as the Valley’s economic engine."

July 30, 2007
Council names King County’s Regional Justice Center after the late Norm Maleng
“In King County, Norm Maleng's name is synonymous with fairness and justice. It is most appropriate that his name be associated with this facility, where defendants can get a second chance through Drug Court, and where domestic violence victims can find safety and a new start. The Maleng Justice Center will serve as a constant reminder that we are not here only to mete out punishment, but to serve the best interests of justice.”

July 30, 2007
Council recognizes legacy of Kathryn Taylor by renaming equestrian park in her honor
“Kathryn was a tireless advocate for this region’s equestrian community, reminding everyone that King County should always celebrate its rural heritage, and that heritage includes horses. This park is just a small part of Kathryn’s legacy. Her enduring legacy is a trail system that guarantees that horses—and their riders—will always have a place to ride.”

July 9, 2007
Council appoints Dan Satterberg to fill vacancy of King County Prosecuting Attorney
“He has more than two decades of experience in the Prosecutor's Office and was trained by Norm himself. He has the knowledge base, knows the county well, and has the heart to put the human touch on justice.

June 25, 2007
Councilmember's ordinance enables rescue of boy with broken legs
In response to the November 2006 record flooding event, Councilmember Lambert flew over the Snoqualmie Valley in the Sheriff's Office helicopter and learned that it was not equipped with a rescue hoist in case any stranded residents needed evacuation. In the past, King County has had to rely on military helicopters for rescue missions. Councilmember Lambert submitted a budget amendment to purchase a hoist, install it, and train the helicopter crew. The funding was approved and the equipment was demonstrated and put into service earlier this spring. On June 23, the hoist was used for its first real emergency rescue.

June 25, 2007
King County Council approves regional “Roads and Transit” Plan for submittal to voters in November
“This package, which has been developed over six years with all three counties working together, gives the citizens the opportunity to decide the future of transportation in this region. Reducing traffic congestion so people can spend more time with their families is an important part of our quality of life.”

June 18, 2007
Sims proposes Eastside transit boost and announces changes when downtown Seattle tunnel reopens
“Transit Now will bring more frequent bus service to our area on the Eastside. It will help our communities get to work and back more quickly. These improvements mean we will have more time to be home with our families rather than time spent in traffic.”

June 5, 2007
Council approves five-point plan for emergency preparedness
“The scale of these storms was unprecedented, and District 3, which covers 1,043 square miles, still is recovering from the affects of the storms. But we learned much from the experiences and used citizen suggestions to compile this work plan for improving King County’s response and coordination efforts. I appreciate the participation and collaboration that went into this effort.”

May 30, 2007
Lambert’s kennel-free boarding ordinance gives pet owners options
“Pet owners have told me about the benefits of allowing dogs to socialize and play in a home-like setting that is less stressful and results in less barking and noise than a traditional kennel. This addition to King County’s land-use laws is most appropriate because rural areas are better suited for most animal services than densely populated urban areas.”

May 29, 2007
Council appoints Dan Satterberg to serve as Acting Prosecuting Attorney for King County
"I have no doubt that he will be able to carry on the legacy of justice with compassion that Norm Maleng established for King County . We are fortunate that Norm left us so well prepared, which was a hallmark of his incomparable service to King County."

May 25, 2007
Statement of mourning from Councilmember Kathy Lambert on the passing of Norm Maleng
"He was a man of integrity in all his dealings. He was a prayerful man who believed in all this county could be. His faith guided him always and was a source of strength for him in the decisions he had to make on the Ridgway case and many others. "

May 7, 2007
Dunn and Lambert: Open space purchases a secondary tax priority
“This is not the proper time to expand county land acquisition. We need to rely on our other non-profit partners who acquire open spaces while we focus on local, core government functions requiring our attention.”

April 24, 2007
Sheriff's Helicopter Rescue Hoist Now Mission-Ready!
The new rescue hoist for the Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit is now mission ready and the crew can be deployed to rescue persons from dangerous or hard to reach locations.

April 23, 2007
County residents cite public health clinics, alternatives to incarceration as their top budget priorities
“It is great to see so many citizens giving input on what services they value most and rating the level of customer service they receive. It is indeed valuable information. As our population and expenses continue to grow, it is more important than ever to make sure our spending is targeted carefully. These priorities now will go to the county Executive as he begins the process of developing the 2008 budget.”

March 26, 2007
Councilmember Lambert studies advanced waste disposal techniques
“It is very exciting to see what our friends across the ocean are doing with sustainable energy and reusing and conserving natural resources. I feel like a got a PhD in a week.”

March 12, 2007
County Council Authorizes Lease of Renton Site for Consolidated County Elections Facility
“Either site would allow consolidation of elections operations to improve speed and accuracy of counting ballots, especially for the implementation of all-mail voting. But the lower cost and faster timeline for getting the Renton site operational gives it the higher priority. I’ve heard from citizens that they want assurance that their votes are counted accurately. Also, the central location and connections to the transportation system should help improve accessibility.”

March 9, 2007
Councilmember Lambert Accepts National Award to Washington Counties for Efforts to End Homelessness
“The efforts to end homelessness have been bipartisan, with a broad spectrum of government, faith communities, non-profits, business and the general public agreeing that a lack of adequate shelter is an issue of human dignity, not a political question.”

February 26, 2007
Council Adopts Policy Framework for Public Health
"Our new Public Health Director, Dr. David Fleming, already has contributed a fresh set of eyes and added new focus to our policy framework with the concept of the three Ps – promotion, prevention and provision,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, chair of the Council’s Law, Justice and Human Services Committee.

February 23, 2007
Emergency Options Outlined at North Bend Town Hall Meeting
Councilmember Lambert congratulated residents and public officials in the Snoqualmie Valley for their teamwork in responding to emergency needs such as securing November election ballots, setting up an emergency triage and fire unit in Preston, and giving neighbor-to-neighbor assistance during the consecutive severe winter weather events.

February 20, 2007
Council Confirms Dr. David Fleming for Director of Public Health
“Last week’s hearing made it extra clear to all of us that Dr. Fleming is the right choice for the job,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, chair of the County Council’s Law, Justice and Human Services Committee. “He brings many assets from his work on state, national and international health issues. That, combined with his can-do attitude, makes him the ideal candidate to lead Public Health with vision, insight, and a broad perspective on how to most effectively promote the health of King County residents.”

February 15, 2007
Joint Panel Recommends Confirmation of Dr. David Fleming as Director of Public Health
“Dr. Fleming’s reach extends far beyond King County,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, chair of the County Council’s Law, Justice and Human Services Committee. “His work on state, national and international levels makes him the ideal candidate to lead Public Health with vision, insight, and a broad perspective on how to most effectively promote the health of King County residents.”

February 15, 2007
Policy Framework for Public Health Recommended for Adoption
“A coordinated public health framework will play a fundamental role in how our public health department prioritizes programs and how our Council and Executive make budget decisions,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, chair of the Council’s Law, Justice and Human Services Committee. “We can address many health concerns through public education, such as tobacco cessation and good nutrition. Other health challenges may require that we provide health services throughout the population, such as emergency care and immunization distribution. This framework ensures that our decisions are guided by principles that have been thoughtfully and collaboratively created.”

February 8, 2007
Lambert to Host Town Hall Meeting on Storm Response
“During the past few weeks, I have heard from hundreds of residents affected by this disaster about lessons learned. Effective communication about the status of the emergency response and resources available has been the top issue among my constituents. Their experiences will be very helpful in informing efforts to improve emergency response plans among government agencies, utilities and private businesses.”

January 16, 2007
Council Adopts New King County Flood Hazard Management Plan
“Under this plan, we will have the highest federal rating for flood protection in the nation, which translates into a 40-percent discount on flood insurance premiums for King County residents. It will allow for important maintenance on levee projects that originally were built in the 1960s and have experienced significant wear and tear over the past few flood seasons. When regular maintenance is put off, we need to catch up with some repair projects. This work will help protect the residents of King County, as well as those businesses and farms that depend on effective flood control to continue operating.”

January 16, 2007
Public Health, Emergency Response Highlight County’s 2007 State Legislative Agenda
“This agenda requests more help for children involved in the justice system through programs that currently are overwhelmed. We need more funding for Court-Appointed Special Advocates to assist abused and neglected children who are going through the court process. In addition, we want the state to pay for more of the state-mandated services for children who are deemed at-risk youth or truants under the Becca Bill.”

January 8, 2007
King County Council to Engage Citizens on Budget Priorities and Performance of Government
“I am encouraged by the addition of this tool to evaluate what services the public really wants government to provide, and not to provide.”