July 25, 2006
Sims to begin charter review
King County Executive Ron Sims today announced the beginning of the 2006-2007 charter review process. The King County Charter requires a review at least every ten years. The last review was 1996-97.
The Metropolitan King County Council yesterday unanimously approved the Executive's budget request authorizing the hiring of a project manager for the charter review process.
"With this hiring authority, I am officially beginning the review of the charter review process," said Sims. "I'm going to expedite the hiring of the project manager and selection of the charter review commissioners will follow after.
"As I promised last year, this commission will look at all aspects, including whether or not King County will have an elected auditor," Sims said. In 2005 when three outside groups reviewed King County elections, Executive Sims said the issue of an elected auditor would be addressed in the charter review process.
"We will ask the charter commission to look at all aspects of the charter to ensure that it continues to serve the needs of its citizens and King County remains one of the best governments in the United States," Sims said. "We expect the commission to cover all the tough issues, such as an elected auditor. "
The charter review commission should be up and running within the next few months.
The King County Charter was the first county home rule charter in Washington State. It was approved by voters in November 1968 and took effect on May 1, 1969.
More information about the King County Charter is available online, at http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/charter/.