November 12, 2004
EMP to Host County Council Town Hall Meeting on Regional Arts and Cultural Programs
The Metropolitan King County Council’s last Town Hall meeting of 2004 will take place on Monday, December 6. The Experience Music Project’s [EMP] Sky Church, 325 5th Ave N, Seattle, will host the Town Hall, which will be a celebration of the region’s arts and heritage programs.

Novermber 10, 2004
County Residents Take Advantage of On-Line Payment System
Purchasing your pet license or paying your King County property tax bill no longer requires a stamp or a trip in your car. King County is now implementing an on-line program that allows you to make those payments via the County’s new eCommerce payment service.

November 8, 2004
Council Moves to Make Critical Areas Standards Accountable, Accessible and Easy to Use
The Metropolitan King County Council today unanimously approved three motions that call for actions to provide for accountability, accessibility and ease of use in the implementation of the county’s new Critical Areas standards.

November 8, 2004
Council Helps Residents “Take Back Their Neighborhoods” from Street Crime
“Our goal is to protect those men, women and children who call these diverse communities home, and deter those who would treat these neighborhoods as convenient marketplaces for illegal trade.”

November 8, 2004
Edmonds Introduces Legislation to Ensure Community Input in Siting of Homeless Encampments
The proposed ordinance draws from the recommendations of the Citizen Advisory Commission on Homeless Encampment (CACHE) in establishing the policies and procedures that must be followed before a permit is granted. Included in the ordinance is a requirement for open public meetings, proximity to public transportation and a limit on the length of stay and the number of residents.

November 4, 2004
King County to Explore All Legal Options for Upholding Its Denial of Permits for Barging Facility on Maury Island
"If we are serious about restoring our salmon and protecting our orcas, then the County’s decision to deny these shoreline permits must stand."

November 4, 2004
Council to follow process for filling vacancies
in Council District 6 and the office of King County Sheriff
As a result of the outcome of the general election, the Metropolitan King County Council will follow the process outlined in the King County Charter and state law for filling anticipated vacancies in Council District 6 and the office of King County Sheriff.

November 3, 2004
Statement on Passage of King County Charter Amendment One
"The voters have spoken, and we will carry out our part of the redistricting of the Council in a fair, reasonable and equitable manner, as called for by the King County Charter and state law. By law the redistricting process may not begin until the general election is certified on November 17. Once that occurs, we can begin the process of implementation."

November 3, 2004
Councilmembers hail transportation mandate from voters
Overwhelming support for an advisory ballot measure on funding transportation improvements amounts to a mandate from voters to move forward, said Councilmembers who sponsored the legislation.

October 2004

October 25, 2004
Accountability, Efficiency and Ease of Use Added to Critical Areas Package
Landmark legislation that will protect the county’s unincorporated critical areas, steep slopes and wetlands from the impacts of new development was adopted tonight by the Metropolitan King County Council, whose members also introduced companion legislation that responds to citizen calls for improved incentives, outreach and accountability in the implementation of critical areas standards.

October 25, 2004
Critical Areas Ordinance Moves County In Wrong Direction
Today’s deeply divided vote to implement the new Critical Areas Ordinance sets a bad precedent for establishing land-use law and takes King County’s growth management efforts in the wrong direction, said six members of the Metropolitan King County Council.

October 25, 2004
King County Council Opposes Passage of Initiative 892
The Council today unanimously passed a motion declaring the County Council’s opposition to Initiative 892, a state-wide ballot measure which would authorize licensed gambling establishments to operate electronic scratch ticket machines.

October 21, 2004
Growth Report Proves CAO Not Needed
Members of the Metropolitan King County Council hailed the release of the county’s annual Growth Report as proof that stricter land-use laws currently under review are not needed and should be shelved.

October 18, 2004
Pelz Proposes Changing Name Of Bus Tunnel Station To "International District/Chinatown"
“This name change recognizes both the multiethnic character of the International District and the importance and familiarity of Chinatown.”

October 11, 2004
Council’s Budget Initiatives Appear to Have Helped Reduce County’s Structural Gap
Shortly after hearing the 2005 King County Budget proposal delivered by County Executive Ron Sims, leaders of the King County Council’s budget review team credited several of the Council’s past initiatives for helping contain costs and close the structural gap between revenues and expenditures in the County’s General Fund.

October 11, 2004
Hammond Urges “Sticking to the Basics” as Council Begins Review of 2005 King County Budget
“We have budget leadership that advocates a paradigm shift, said Hammond. “Let’s face it, what they mean is that we need to ‘pare a dime.’”

October 11, 2004
Council Approves Leases for Site of New County Office Building
The Metropolitan King County Council today voted to approve the lease documents and development agreement for the proposed new King County Office Building, the final step in the decade-long effort by the Council to save money on office space by owning instead of leasing.

October 11, 2004
Sale of Building near former Kingdome site to Aid Youth Sports
The Council voted unanimously to approve the sale of the Johnson Buildling, one of the last remaining parcels on the former Kingdome site, with the proceeds to support youth sports in King County.

October 11, 2004
Council Applauds Return of “Tax Equity” to King County Taxpayers
Councilmembers say county taxpayers will see real tax relief because Congress today approved, and sent to President Bush for his signature, a tax bill restoring the IRS deduction that allows taxpayers to deduct state and local sales taxes from their federal income tax return.

October 11, 2004
Pelz and Lambert Introduce Motion Opposing Passage of Initiative 892
Metropolitan King County Councilmembers Dwight Pelz and Kathy Lambert introduced today a motion declaring the County Council’s opposition to Initiative 892, a state-wide ballot measure which would authorize licensed gambling establishments to operate electronic scratch ticket machines.

October 8, 2004
Council Budget Leader for 2005 Vows “Accountability to the People”
King County Councilmember Larry Gossett sees his leadership role on review of the 2005 King County Budget as an opportunity to pursue more cost savings in the county general fund and make the overall budget process more accessible and responsive to the needs of taxpayers.

September 2004

September 28, 2004
Constantine, Phillips Applaud Senator Murray for Securing Funding for Maury Island Conservation Initiative
Metropolitan King County Councilmember Dow Constantine and Council Chair Larry Phillips hailed today’s announcement by Senator Patty Murray of an additional $2 million in federal funds for preservation of critical habitat on Maury Island.

September 27, 2004
Council approves Comprehensive Plan Update that Protects Character of Rural Areas, Working Farms, and Forests
The Metropolitan King County Council tonight formally adopted its 2004 Update to the King County Comprehensive Plan, the guiding policy document for all land use and development regulations in unincorporated King County, and for regional services throughout the County including transit, sewers, parks, trails and open space.

September 27, 2004
Final Funding for Snoqualmie Forest Purchase Approved by Council
The Metropolitan King County Council today unanimously approved the last $7 million in funding needed to purchase the development rights for the Snoqualmie Forest, ensuring an area nearly twice the size of Seattle will remain free of residential, commercial or industrial development.

September 27, 2004
Pelz: Difficult for Metro Transit to meet Monorail Ridership Projections
“One of the basic financial assumptions the Seattle Monorail Project has made is that half of their ridership will reach monorail stations by Metro Bus. As Chair of the King County Council Transportation Committee I wanted solid numbers to assist in the analysis of this critical assumption.”

September 23, 2004
Irons Joins Fire Chiefs in Questioning Land Use Rules that Could Promote Wildfires
“The County has discussed this fuel-loading issue for much of the past decade, but these proposed clearing regulations still do not address specific concerns. We need clear and concise language that spells out what is allowed and prohibited, in order to prevent different interpretations of an ambiguous regulation.”

September 16, 2004
Constantine Proposes More Flexibility for Regulations Protecting Critical Areas in King County
After six months of extensive public comment and careful study, the Chair of the King County Council’s Growth Management and Unincorporated Areas Committee today offered amendments to proposed rural land-use regulations designed to protect critical areas. The Chair’s proposals would moderate forest clearing limits on small- and mid-sized parcels, eliminate a strict “ten percent” water runoff rule in favor of best management practices, and offer site-specific flexibility in the width of wetland buffers.

September 13, 2004
Committees appointed to write voters pamphlet statements on King County Alternative Charter Amendments 1A and 1B
On the November ballot King County voters will read the ballot titles for the two alternative charter amendments. They will be asked whether to accept or reject both measures, then regardless of their answer, they will be asked to choose between Amendment 1A, which would reduce the number of council districts for elections in 2005, or Amendment 1B, which would implement the change in 2007.

September 13, 2004
Council Amends Equal Benefits Ordinance
“This was a bipartisan effort that means we won’t lose access to organizations that are exceptional partners in meeting the human service needs of our most vulnerable county residents.”

September 7, 2004
Council receives briefing from homeless commission and takes next step to develop county policies
The Metropolitan King County Council today thanked members of the King County Citizens’ Advisory Commission on Homeless Encampments (CACHE) for their timely work in recommending policies and guidelines on homeless encampments, and then directed the County Executive to use the commission’s findings to develop King County policy on homeless encampments for Council consideration.

September 7, 2004
Transportation Measures to Appear on November Ballot
The first measure, Proposition One, asks whether voters support development of a plan for road and transit improvements in King County. The second measure, Proposition Two, asks voters to select the funding mechanism they would prefer be used to pay for those road and transit improvements. Both advisory measures will guide county elected officials as they work to develop a package of regional transportation improvements that could be placed on the ballot for voter approval in November 2005.

September 7, 2004
Council asks voters for their preference of tax source
for congestion relief transportation projects
The Metropolitan King County Council today unanimously voted to place an advisory measure on the November ballot that will ask voters how they would prefer to fund a transportation plan designed to relieve traffic congestion and increase safety through an as-yet unspecified mix of road and transit projects in King County.

September 7, 2004
Council Funds Purchase of Development Rights to Snoqualmie Forest
“This deal ensures that an area twice the size of Seattle will never turn into a sprawl of housing developments, highways and strip malls. I again congratulate the Cascade Land Conservancy and Hancock Timber for working with us to make this happen.”

September 7, 2004
County Council Honors Edgar Martinez
Seattle Mariners Designated Hitter Edgar Martinez was recognized today by the Metropolitan King County Council for his contributions to the community both on and off the field.

September 4, 2004
"Seeing the future for the trees," Seattle Times editorial
"This is a deal that involves a willing private property owner and government officials who see the bigger picture. Future generations will only marvel at the opportunity they seized."

September 3, 2004
"A second chance to preserve a nearby forest landscape," by Councilmember Larry Phillips, special to the Seattle Times
"I'm happy to report that yesterday King County and our partners renewed action to protect more than 90,000 acres of Cascade forestland — an area twice the size of Seattle — from ever turning into a sprawl of housing developments, highways and strip malls. This is not a patchwork of parcels with dozens of owners, but one huge chunk of land owned by one timber company."

September 3, 2004
Hammond Applauds Court Decision on Charter Amendment One
"I'm pleased that the version of Initiative 18 signed by 71,000 voters will remain on the ballot alongside any other version approved for the ballot. I believe it is important that we preserve the integrity of initiatives presented by the people."

September 2, 2004
Statement of the Council Chair on Snohomish County Ruling regarding King County Charter Amendment One
By “splitting the baby” as it were, and placing both measures on the ballot, the judge has unavoidably created a situation that most voters will find confusing, but one which they must ultimately decide. Voters will have the choice of rejecting both proposals or selecting one of the two.

September 2, 2004
Phillips Hails King County’s purchase of development rights to Snoqualmie Tree Farm
King County’s environmental legacy received a significant boost with today’s announcement that the county will purchase the development rights of the Snoqualmie Forest, guaranteeing that 90,000 acres, an area nearly twice the size of Seattle, will stay undeveloped and permanently conserved.

August 2004

August 30, 2004
Snoqualmie Preserviation Initiative Successfully Implemented [pdf]
"People visit Snoqualmie Falls to see that magnificent river plunge over the edge, not to check out driveways and front lawns," said Councilmember Phillips.

August 26, 2004
"Port of Seattle, Eastside Chapter?"--Seattle PI OpEd by Councilmember Jane Hague and Mike Creighton
"Investment in Meydenbauer Center by the Port of Seattle would be a boost to regional economic development."

August 17, 2004
King County Council Comes to Bellevue to Discuss Eastside Arts and Heritage Programs
A celebration of the artistic diversity of east King County and the rich heritage of Eastside communities will bring the Metropolitan King County Council to the Bellevue Art Museum on Monday, August 30.

August 12, 2004
"When it comes to voting, there's no place like home"--Seattle Times OpEd By Councilmember Bob Ferguson
"With the county budget in crisis and facing $20 million in cuts this year alone, it becomes harder to justify the expense of poll voting for a dwindling number of citizens."

July 2004

July 30, 2004
Hammond Seeks National Rugby Facility in King County
In a part of Kent accustomed to the sounds of engines from Pacific Raceways, Councilmember Steve Hammond wants to create a new sound: the voices of rugby players from around the nation practicing and playing at the first designated rugby facility in the United States.

July 26, 2004
Council Approves Framework for Solid Waste Export System
The Council continued preparations for the eventual closure of the Cedar Hills Landfill with their approval today of guidelines for development of the county’s solid waste export plan.

July 22, 2004
Councilmembers Ferguson and Irons Introduce Amendment to Equal Benefits Ordinance
“Even as we ensure that the rights of all our citizens are protected, we must understand the challenges facing the faith-based contractors who play a vital role in providing services to some of the county’s most vulnerable residents.”

July 22, 2004
Pelz Requests Metro Analysis of Seattle Monorail Project Ridership
“The City Council is set to commission an independent financial review of the Seattle Monorail Project. One of the basic financial assumptions SMP has made is that half of their ridership will reach monorail stations by Metro Bus. As Chair of the King County Council Transportation Committee I am asking the leadership at Metro to analyze this critical assumption. Their response and data will be available for review by the City Council's financial review team.”

July 21, 2004
Councilmembers Introduce Regional Transportation Advisory Measure
An advisory ballot measure on improving transportation across the region was introduced today by Metropolitan King County Councilmembers Julia Patterson, Rob McKenna, David Irons and Bob Ferguson. The councilmembers proposed the measure to gain input from King County voters on the need for increased funding for easing traffic congestion in the Puget Sound region.

July 20, 2004
Proposed Amendments to Comprehensive Plan Update Protect Character of Rural Areas, Working Farms, and Forests
After four and a half months of review and public testimony, the King County Council’s Growth Management and Unincorporated Areas Committee has given a “do pass” recommendation and sent to the full Council a package of proposed amendments to the 2004 Updates to the King County Comprehensive Plan.

July 20, 2004
Irons Protests Comp Plan Assault on Rural Landowners
“Property owners in the rural area are the people who care the most about the environment, and they have chosen to live there as hands-on stewards of the fish, the streams, the meadows and the forests. This legislation will tie their hands and leave them at the mercy of people who live in an asphalt jungle and envision the rural area as their own private park. The rural area is not a museum that cannot be touched. People live and work there, too. This attempt to bulldoze over rural property rights in the name of the environment is misguided and wrong.”

July 19, 2004
Council Approves Technical Fix on Proposed Charter Amendment on Council Redistricting
The Metropolitan King County Council today approved the creation of a more reasonable timeline to implement a proposed King County Charter amendment and resolve internal inconsistencies that would be created in the Council’s regional committees. The final vote was 9-4.

July 14, 2004
Patterson Commends Elections Office response to Independent Recommendations
Metropolitan King County Councilmember Julia Patterson commended County Elections Director Dean Logan Tuesday for the Department’s response to several independent reviews of the county’s election’s procedures. Logan briefed members of the council’s Labor, Operations and Technology Committee, which Patterson chairs.

July 13, 2004
Regional Policy Committee Approves Solid Waste Plan
“It is a blueprint that ensures that any decision on how we will handle solid waste is a regional decision, involving all of the stakeholders who will be affected.”

July, 12, 2004
Technical Fix Needed for Proposed
Charter Amendment on Council Redistricting
A series of procedural flaws in a proposed King County Charter amendment set to appear on the November ballot has prompted nine Councilmembers to introduce legislation that would create a more reasonable timeline for implementation and resolve internal inconsistencies that would be created in the Council’s regional committees.

July 12, 2004
Council Honors Work of County Auditor to Identify Cost-Savings in Criminal Justice System
“Cheryle Broom and her staff have played an important role in the transformation of our criminal justice system by showing us just where we can contain spiraling costs and even save some money. It’s gratifying to see that their efforts have been recognized nationally.”

July 6, 2004
Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Bring
King County Council Town Hall to Marymoor Park
King County’s regional parks system and county-owned public lands attract visitors from around the world. The Metropolitan King County Council will go to King County's Marymoor Park to discuss these regional treasures and how the recreational opportunities available there enhance the lives of county residents. The Council’s next Town Hall Meeting is Monday, July 26 at 9:30 a.m. at the historic Clise Mansion Garden at Marymoor Park, 6046 W. Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE, Redmond.

July 6, 2004
"Wild Sky proposal can be a reality"--King County Journal OpEd By Councilmember Kathy Lambert and Snohomish County Councilmembers Gary Nelson and Jeff Sax
"With all of the flaws in the proposal duly noted, it is not wholly impossible to revise the legislation so that it can meet the requirements of federal law and gain true bipartisan support."

June 2004

June 30, 2004
Lambert works to restore funding to widen Novelty Hill Road
“It took long negotiations to restore these much-needed funds in the roads package, but that work will pay off next year as construction is allowed to proceed to improve transportation flow on Novelty Hill for the entire valley.”

June 29, 2004
Pelz Restores Funding for Work on Improvements to Renton Avenue
“If King County wants to make the West Hill area attractive for annexation, completion of this project is essential.”

June 29, 2004
Public invited to Snoqualmie Valley “Teabag Party” to organize over Novelty Hill road closure and other issues
“Like the Boston Tea Party, we’re following the example of our founding fathers to get the attention of a large urban-based government that often appears to be distant and unhearing.”

June 28, 2004
Council restores widening of Novelty Hill Road and other congestion relief projects to county Road Fund list
The Council responded to the loss of millions of dollars to the county Roads Fund due to passage of state Initiative 776 by unanimously adopting a revised project list for the Roads Capital Improvement Program that restores funding for critical congestion relief projects in unincorporated King County – among them the widening of Novelty Hill Road near Redmond.

June 28, 2004
Hague supports restoration of funding for roads
Councilmember Hague today joined her colleagues to unanimously adopt a revised Roads budget that restores near-term funding for much needed road improvements in unincorporated King County and keeps faith with Eastside urban planned developments (UPD’s) that were depending on the widening of roads in order to move forward.

June 24, 2004
Committee to hold special meeting and horseback tour in Ravensdale
The Natural Resources & Utilities Committee, chaired by Councilmember Carolyn Edmonds, will learn first-hand about community interest in equestrian facilities, expansion of land holdings, and protection of the natural character of the lands in question over the course of a briefing at the Gracie Hansen Community Center and a horseback tour of Ravensdale Park, the Ravensdale Retreat Open Space, and the King County Sports Park, on July 1st at 2:00 p.m.

June 23, 2004
Budget Committee restores widening of Novelty Hill Road and other congestion relief projects to county Road Fund list
“We are designating dollars for congestion relief,” said Budget Committee Chair Larry Gossett, who led Council negotiations on the revised roads project list. “This is a solution that keeps our traffic moving while signaling to the cities that we want to make these roads attractive for our long-term goal of having them annex pockets of unincorporated urban areas.”

June 14, 2004
Council Sets Sewer Rate and Stabilizes Capacity Charge for New Hook-ups
The Council voted 12-1 to set a sewer rate for the next two years and a capacity charge that will stabilize rates for new hook-ups over the next three years – thanks to a commitment by the county’s wastewater utility to find $70 million in savings in the construction of Brightwater and other wastewater projects.

June 14, 2004
Ferguson, Hammond Lead Bi-Partisan Revision to Sewer Capacity Charge
Councilmembers Bob Ferguson and Steve Hammond today led the way for a significant revision to the county’s sewer capacity charge that will protect buyers of new homes from unexpected hikes in the charge over the next three years.

June 14, 2004
Council Appoints 22 Members to Citizens’ Advisory Commission on Homeless Encampments
“We are taking a big step today toward sensible public involvement in how to provide temporary housing,” said Councilmember Carolyn Edmonds, prime sponsor of the legislation. “With this citizen commission we now have in place a process by which citizens throughout the region can be heard and policies can be developed in a deliberative, thoughtful manner."

June 14, 2004
Irons amendment relieves overburdensome requirements for drive-through espresso stands
The Metropolitan King County Council took action today to make it easier for drive-through espresso stands to operate in unincorporated areas of the county. With a unanimous vote, the Council approved an amendment to the county development code that reduces the number of “stacking” spaces required for vehicles lining up to order espresso.

June 7, 2004
Council Approves Site for New County Office Building
The Metropolitan King County Council today unanimously voted to locate construction of a new King County Office Building on the site of the county garage adjacent to the King County Courthouse, bringing to implementation a decade-long effort by the Council to save money on office space by owning instead of leasing.

June 7, 2004
Council Approves Irons Proposal for New County Office Building
A proposal to dedicate some of the increased revenue from improved efficiency in a new King County parking garage to paying off debt service earned the support of the Metropolitan King County Council today. The legislation allows the county to go forward with construction of a new office building on the site of the current parking garage at Fourth and Jefferson, while building a new, expanded garage with public parking across the street

June 2, 2004
Budget Committee Approves Proposed Site for New County Office Building
“Over the long term, it’s simply more cost-effective to own rather than to lease office space. It’s the difference between renting a home and owning one,” said Council Budget Chair Larry Gossett. “By building our own space we will break even on the cash flow after about four years."

June 2, 2004
Irons Marshals Support for Troops
“It is an honor for me to take this opportunity to call for public recognition and gratitude for the service of our citizens and employees in the military.”

June 2, 2004
Lambert Chosen as Delegate to Republican National Convention
“Like others, I’ve watched the national political conventions on TV for many years dreaming of this opportunity to take part in this important part of our American democracy. I’m looking forward to this chance to represent my fellow citizens and help set the direction for our country.”

June 1, 2004
Council Creates Citizen Commission to Advise on Policy for Homelessness and Homeless Encampments
The 22-member commission will make recommendations on an evaluation of homelessness; policy and procedural guidelines for determining the location of any potential future encampments; and options for locating such encampments on public or private land in King County.

June 1, 2004
Hague applauds new group to review major construction and real estate projects
The Council today approved the formation of a real estate and major capital project review joint advisory committee to facilitate coordination and early communication between the executive and legislative branches on significant county projects, including capital projects of more than $10 million.

May 2004

May 28, 2004
Phillips encouraged by federal announcement regarding salmon ESA listings, hatchery policy
King County Executive Ron Sims and County Council Chair Larry Phillips said today they are “encouraged" that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is acknowledging that hatchery fish are not replacements for those spawning in the wild and that salmon protections and habitat restoration should continue.

May 28, 2004
"County Council talks to locals about state public health care system," Shoreline Enterprise
"Council member Carolyn Edmonds, who chairs the Public Health Board and represents District 1, which includes Lake Forest Park, said when the public health system works effectively people often do not notice."

May 26, 2004
"Safeguarding county elections"--King County Journal OpEd By Councilmember Jane Hague
"The right to vote is fundamental to being a citizen of the United States. What could be more important? The King County Council understands the importance of this issue. As the legislative body empowered with oversight of county management and operations, it has taken action on several levels to ensure accountability and to restore public faith in county elections."

May 21, 2004
Lambert and McKenna: People Deserve Opportunity to Have Say on RTID Plan
“The people within the three-county Regional Transportation Investment District deserve more than ‘wait until next year,’” says Councilmember Kathy Lambert.

May 20, 2004
Phillips Praises Sound Transit Decision on Route for North Link Extension
Council Chair Larry Phillips praised Sound Transit’s selection today of an alignment for the North Link extension of Central Link light rail, allowing for design work to begin on the North link route, including two possible alignments in Seattle’s Roosevelt neighborhood.

May 19, 2004
Councilmember Patterson’s Statement on Recent Transportation Research
"While recent research exposes the challenges of gaining voter approval on a transportation measure this November, the Puget Sound’s transportation needs remain extensive – as does the challenge to raise the funding to jumpstart the mega projects in King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties."

May 17, 2004
Edmonds Introduces Ordinance to Create Citizens’ Advisory Commission on Homeless Encampments
"People who might find themselves living near one of these encampments deserve to have plenty of notice and a chance for their concerns to be heard. This commission will hold public hearings and advise the Council on what public notification policies and procedures should be used."

May 14, 2004
Tent City4 to open at St. Brendan's Catholic Church
"I wish to not only thank Father Lawrence Minder of St. Brendan's, but also to thank the overwhelming outpouring of support from the faith-based community in Bothell throughout this process and for the wonderful individuals in Bothell who stepped forward to help or share support and kind words."

May 13, 2004
Edmonds Calls for Citizens Commission to Advise on Use of Public Land for Homeless Encampments
"In our oversight role as the legislative branch of government, I want to ensure that proper procedures and policies have been determined prior to siting any tent city locations on county property."

May 12, 2004
Personal Stories at Budget Forum Highlight Success of Criminal Justice Paradigm Shift
"We tend to talk about these programs on an abstract level. This was a chance for members to see the impact these programs have had on improving the lives of some of our most marginalized citizens."

May 12, 2004
Hammond Calls on County Executive to Rescind Agreement with Tent City Organizers
"I believe Tent City organizers should accept the church offers and that Executive Sims should retract any offer to locate a tent city on county property.”

May 12, 2004
"Salmon recovery efforts must be based on science"--PI OpEd By Council Chair Larry Phillips and County Executive Ron Sims
"Now is not the time for the other Washington to gut the efforts of local citizens and their government partners."

May 8, 2004
"I-405 and SR 167 Work as One Corridor"--King County Journal OpEd By Councilmembers Julia Patterson and Rob McKenna
"The work of the Regional Transportation Investment District shows that our region can work together to solve our critical regional transportation needs. In spite of lively debate, there is one thing we all can agree on—our transportation system is suffering from years of delayed investment and the time to act is now."

May 7, 2004
County Council Town Hall to Focus on Regional Public Health System
“The work of Public Health only becomes visible to us when we are faced with a crisis or emergency. This is a significant challenge when it comes to ensuring stable funding for the public health system.”

May 3, 2004
Council Receives Final Report of Elections Oversight Committee
“It’s virtually impossible to be at 100 percent with the elections process. But it’s important to public perception of the system how you handle the inevitable mistakes. You have to be able to say if there was an error what is being done to correct it and the corrections must be done in as open and transparent a way as possible.”

April 2004

April 30, 2004
Restructuring of Criminal Justice System to Highlight First Forum on 2005 County Budget
" We want to look at the dollars-and-cents savings these alternatives to incarceration have had on the county’s budget. We also want to acknowledge how these programs have changed lives positively."

April 30, 2004
Irons Hails Transportation Consensus
"This package distills the best thinking of the region’s experts and public officials, and represents the best chance for approval of the funding and projects that will make the greatest impact on mobility in the tri-county area."

April 29, 2004
Constantine, West Seattle Residents Celebrate Return of Water Taxi Service
“Whether heading to work, going to a Mariners game, or just taking in the sights on a stress-free trip across Elliott Bay, the Water Taxi is a tremendous addition to our transportation system and a benefit to residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”

April 22, 2004
Phillips Praises Sound Transit Recommendation on Route for North Link Extension
“I am pleased we have developed a route that places light rail stops on First Hill and at Montlake, connecting people with the jobs at the hospitals on First Hill and at the University Medical Center, as well as helping move game-day fans in and out of Husky Stadium.”

April 20, 2004
Lambert Praises Thoughtful Approach of Governance Commission
“I was encouraged that the Commission has recognized that King County's application of the state Growth Management Act has not met many of its original goals. The commission recognized we need to bring service delivery decision-making closer to citizens”

April 19, 2004
Council Hears Final Report of King County Commission on Governance
“These specific recommendations are a starting point on how we can reshape county government to meet the needs of county residents in the 21st century.”

April 19, 2004
Hammond Intrigued by Recommendations of Governance Commission
“I feel that the approach by the Commission has been very even-handed in its deliberations and recommendations. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Council to find opportunities to implement some of these recommendations.”

April 16, 2004
Economic Health of King County Focus of County Council Town Hall
“We know our regional economy is challenged right now. We want to give King County citizens the chance to learn about those challenges and talk directly with their Councilmembers.”

April 16, 2004
“Local Treasure” Preserved for Future Generations
“I have to give a lot of the credit to the local residents that rallied around a special place in their neighborhood. I don’t believe I’ve ever worked with a group as dedicated and as energetic.”

April 8, 2004
"Impound law has unfair impact"--Seattle PI OpEd by Councilmember Larry Gossett and Seattle City Councilmember Nick Licata
"For several years the King County prosecutor has invited thousands of those stopped for driving with a suspended license due to unpaid tickets to participate in a diversion program. If they make time payments, perform work crew or community service to pay their fines and restore their driving privilege, no criminal charges are filed."

April 1, 2004
"Transportation light is green"--Seattle PI OpEd By Councilmembers Rob McKenna and Julia Patterson
"After being stuck on red for too long, the Puget Sound region's stoplight to a transportation solution has turned green. It's time to realize the light has changed."

March 2004

March 26, 2004
Growth Management Committee to Hold Public Hearings on Comprehensive Plan Update and Critical Areas Legislation
Five special evening meetings of the Growth Management and Unincorporated Areas Committee have now been set throughout King County to take public testimony.

March 22, 2004
Phillips: I-776 Leaves Transportation Projects on the Side of the Road
“I find it upsetting that the greatest number of people who will be affected by this measure were those who rejected it – King County voted ‘no’ on I-776, but we’re paying the price in delayed projects.”

March 19, 2004
Constantine Applauds DDES-Glacier Northwest Permit Denial “King County DDES, through this decision, has shown leadership in ensuring that ‘Extinction is not an option.’ I am very pleased that King County made the decision to deny the multinational corporation’s application for a shoreline substantial development permit, as well as denying its application for a shoreline conditional use permit.”

March 15, 2004
Metro, Suburban Police Agencies to Discuss Park and Ride Security
"I look forward to hearing from our regional law enforcement partners on how we can all work together to protect people and property at all Metro passenger facilities, whether in downtown Seattle or the suburban crescent.”

March 15, 2004
Disease Management, Wellness Programs First Steps towards Reducing Health Care Costs
"The initial cost-containment findings of the Task Force include an emphasis on disease management and wellness programs, and implementation of a comprehensive education plan on the health care crisis, its potential effect on employees, and opportunities for improved health and higher quality health care through active health care."

March 15, 2004
Council Approves Distribution of Open Space Funds
The Metropolitan King County Council today continued its effort to ensure that open space will be available to everyone with its unanimous approval of the allocation of Conservation Futures Funds, a program dedicated to the purchase of open space, agricultural and timberlands.

March 1, 2004
Council Approves Savings for Taxpayers
“The council is acting now to take advantage of reduced interest rates, in a manner that saves taxpayers dollars and helps the County maintain its strong bond rating.”

February 2004

February 26, 2004
Sims upholds "wall against sprawl"
The County Council hears the latest set of environmental proposals to uphold the “green wall against sprawl” that will retain the character of the rural area while encouraging creative solutions to keep urban areas vibrant.

February 2, 2004
600,000 Acres of Forest Up for Preservation
An area 12 times the size of Seattle could be saved from suburban sprawl thanks a coordinated effort, called the Cascade Foothills Initiative, that aims to preserve the western Cascade foothills through responsible working forestry.

February 2, 2004
Council Hears that Regional Transit System is Already Increasing Transportation Mobility
Officials with the agency responsible for construction of a three-county regional transit system today delivered a message to the Metropolitan King County Council: the system is already creating new capacity on county roads.

January 2004

January 28, 2004
"Council travels the path less partisan"--PI Editorial
"King County Council Chairman Larry Phillips gets well-earned praise for continuing to lead the council back from the extreme partisanship that often marred the past decade."

January 28, 2004
"Council travels the path less partisan"--PI Editorial
"King County Council Chairman Larry Phillips gets well-earned praise for continuing to lead the council back from the extreme partisanship that often marred the past decade."

January 26, 2004
Citizen Corps Names King County One of Nation’s Best Prepared for Disasters
Citizen Corps, a program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has named King County as one of the top ten jurisdictions in the nation for local disaster preparedness.

January 21, 2004
"Patterson searches for a consensus on regional transportation"--Seattle Times
"Metropolitan King County Councilwoman Julia Patterson finally became a full-fledged member of the board of the Regional Transportation Investment District last week. Some say she's been setting its agenda for months. "

January 20, 2004
Goal of the New Committee Chairs: “Expect the Best and Make it Happen”
“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.”

January 20, 2004
Dow Constantine New Chair of King County Council’s Growth Management Committee
Metropolitan King County Councilmember Dow Constantine was appointed today as the new chair of the Council’s Growth Management and Unincorporated Areas Committee.

January 20, 2004
Bob Ferguson named chair of King County Regional Policy Committee
King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson thinks he may be just the person to rebuild relationships and move work forward at the regional level in his new role as chair of King County’s Regional Policy Committee.

January 20, 2004
Larry Gossett named Chair of the King County Council Budget Committee
Budget challenges are not new to Councilmember Larry Gossett, appointed today to chair the Metropolitan King County Council’s influential Budget and Fiscal Management Committee.

January 20, 2004
County Council Completes Committee Reorganization
The Metropolitan King County Council today completed its 2004 committee reorganization, including new leadership roles for the minority party Republican caucus. The committee chairs, vice chairs and membership lists reflect the Council’s new membership and its ongoing commitment to bipartisan cooperation.

January 20, 2004
Committee Assignments Confirm Hammond’s Influence on Critical Policy Decisions for District Nine
Metropolitan King County Councilmember Steve Hammond was appointed today as the new Chair of the Council’s Regional Water Quality Committee and will serve on two key Council Committees: Growth Management and Unincorporated Areas, and Law, Justice and Human Services.

January 12, 2004
Preservation of Services, Transportation Solutions Highlight King County’s State Legislative Agenda
The Metropolitan King County Council today called on state lawmakers to work with King County on funding of mandated services and expansion of the options available for funding a regional transportation plan. On the first day of the 2004 session of the Washington State Legislature, councilmembers approved their agenda of legislative proposals to send to Olympia.

January 12, 2004
Hague: “Community Trapped Between a Rock and a Garbage Dump”
Metropolitan King County Councilmember Jane Hague called today’s Council failure to override the Executive’s veto of a proviso in the 2004 King County Budget a disappointing step towards making the “temporary” Houghton Transfer Station a permanent facility.

January 5, 2004
County Council Swears in Newest Member, North Seattle’s Bob Ferguson
“It’s so satisfying to be officially at work on behalf of the district. I know there’s so much work ahead of us and I’m honored to be here and to do the best job I can for the residents and business in our district and for the whole county.”