Showing posts with label king county council. Show all posts
Showing posts with label king county council. Show all posts

County Council adopts legislation restricting detention of immigration detainees

Monday, December 2, 2013


The Metropolitan adopted legislation on Tuesday on how the County will honor requests by the federal government on the detention of immigrants in the King County Jail. The ordinance will continue the County’s effort to detain offenders accused of serious criminal offenses while refusing extended detention for those accused of minor crimes.

“Let’s be clear, this legislation does nothing to impede our justice system’s ability to ensure that dangerous people and threats to our communities remain in jail,” said Council Vice Chair Julia Patterson. “The goal of this legislation is public safety and when you have a significant portion of the community in some parts of King County afraid to engage with law enforcement to report crimes that puts us all at risk. This policy allows for that trust between our communities and law enforcement which I believe makes us all safer.”

In 2008, Congress directed the Department of Homeland Security to expand its efforts to target noncitizens with serious criminal convictions for arrest and deportation. In conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security, ICE developed the Secure Communities program, which includes a provision for the sharing of fingerprint data collected from local jails for identifying individuals detained to see if they should be investigated for immigration proceedings.

While the Secure Communities program has been modified to focus on those who have been accused of serious crimes, ICE can still request law enforcement agencies to detain immigrants for up to an additional 24 hours beyond when they would be normally processed and released from the detention facility. Many immigrant advocates believe these “holds” are being used to check on the immigration status of those detained, regardless of the offense they were arrested for.

To enhance public safety and public health throughout the County, the Council adopted legislation in 2009 that made county services available to all residents regardless of citizenship or immigration status. It codified policies that included King County Sheriff’s deputies being unable to request specific documents, such as passports, alien registration cards or work permits, for the sole purpose of determining whether the individual has violated federal civil immigration laws and that Public Health could not make immigration status a condition for receiving health services.

The legislation adopted by the Council—which would be only for individuals held in the King County Jail in Seattle or the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent—will expand the 2009 ordinance by limiting those immigrants who could be held for extended detention to individuals who have been convicted of serious crimes such as violent assaults and sex crimes. Defendants would also be detained for mid-level offenses including residential burglary and serious traffic offenses such as DUI or reckless driving. ICE would need to provide documented proof of their conviction for the individual to be detained beyond the normal processing period after their arrest.

Immigrants brought in for minor offenses, such as trespassing or warrants for minor traffic offenses, would be processed normally and be eligible for release when a judge orders their release or their case has been resolved.

An amendment to the legislation requires the creation of an oversight group that will review the implementation of the county’s limitations on ICE detainers.  The group includes county criminal justice representatives, along with immigration advocates and the King County Bar Association to review the implementation of the new policies and make any recommendations on needed changes.  The group is also charged to look at whether detainers could be eliminated. The group’s first report will be due in January 2015.


Read more...

Council adopts Dembowski ordinance giving public time to review annual proposed precinct alterations

Saturday, September 28, 2013

The Metropolitan King County Council gave its unanimous support to an ordinance requiring the Director of King County Elections to make the annual proposed precinct alterations map available to the public and to political parties 10 days prior to its transmittal to the County Council.

Required by both the State and County laws, the King County Department of Elections annually adjusts precinct boundaries in accordance with recent annexations and population changes. The proposed adjustments are required to be transmitted to the King County Council for review, 30 days prior to the May 1 deadline for final approval.

Shortly after taking office, Councilmember Rod Dembowski learned of concerns regarding a lack of adequate time to review and comment on the proposed annual precinct map alterations.

Working with King County Director of Elections Sherril Huff, Dembowski sponsored legislation requiring that the public and political parties have a 10-day period to review the proposed annual precinct changes, before transmittal to the King County Council. The 10-day review period will allow sufficient time for voters and political parties to provide comments on the proposed changes.

“Increasing the transparency and engaging the public in the work we do at the County is paramount,” said Dembowski. “I want to thank Director Huff for her help on this important legislation, as we both believe this ordinance will allow for greater public engagement in our elections process.” 

“I appreciate the ability to work with Councilmember Dembowski on this issue and I feel the ordinance will address concerns we share about public access to information,” said Huff.

The legislation—2013-0340—was adopted by the Council at its September 9 meeting.


Read more...

Two County Councilmembers introduce legislation restricting detention of immigration detainees

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Metropolitan King County Councilmembers Larry Gossett and Joe McDermott have introduced legislation on how the County will honor requests by the federal government on the detention of immigrants in the King County Jail. The ordinance calls for the continued detention of offenders accused of serious criminal offenses while refusing extended detention for those accused of minor crimes.

Gossett, Chair of the County Council, said “We must have one set of laws for everyone, regardless of their immigration status, gender, sexual orientation and race. 
"Simply put, we as government leaders in Martin Luther King, Jr. County will no longer honor ICE (Immigration and Custom Enforcement) holds of persons who are accused of minor crimes or who have no charges against them.” 

In 2008, Congress directed the Department of Homeland Security to expand its efforts to target noncitizens with serious criminal convictions for arrest and deportation. In conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security, ICE developed the Secure Communities program, which includes a provision for the sharing of fingerprint data collected from local jails for identifying individuals detained to see if they should be investigated for immigration proceedings. 

While the Secure Communities program has been modified to focus on those who have been accused of serious crimes, ICE can still request law enforcement agencies to detain immigrants for up to an additional 24 hours beyond when they would be normally processed and released from the detention facility. Many immigrant advocates believe these “holds” are being used to check on the immigration status of those detained, regardless of the offense they were arrested for. 

The Council adopted legislation in 2009 that made county services available to all residents regardless of citizenship or immigration status. It codified policies that included King County Sheriff’s deputies being unable to request specific documents, such as passports, alien registration cards or work permits, for the sole purpose of determining whether the individual has violated federal civil immigration laws and that Public Health could not make immigration status a condition for receiving health services. 

“I cannot fulfill my obligation to protect people if they are afraid to call the police because they fear being deported,” said King County Sheriff John Urquhart. “King County’s current practice of universally honoring ICE detainer requests leads to distrust and fear between immigrant communities and the police. I support a different approach.”

The legislation proposed by Gossett and McDermott would expand the 2009 ordinance by limiting those immigrants who could be held for extended detention to individuals who have been convicted of a violent or serious crime. ICE would need to provide documented proof of their conviction for the individual to be detained beyond the normal processing period after their arrest.

Immigrants brought in for minor offenses, such as trespassing or warrants for traffic offenses, would be processed normally and be eligible for release once their criminal status is determined.

The ordinance will be formally introduced at the Council’s June 17 meeting.


Read more...

Dembowski to chair County Council's Regional Transit committee

Monday, February 25, 2013

The Metropolitan King County Council today completed its 2013 reorganization with the appointment of Councilmember Rod Dembowski as chair of the Council’s Regional Transit Committee.

“I am excited about the opportunity to help lead our region forward as we work together with our city partners to address critical transit issues,” said Dembowski.

The Regional Transit Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Metropolitan King County Council on policies and plans for the public transportation services operated by King County. These policies govern the planning and delivery of bus service, commuter vanpools, and van service for people with disabilities; establishing of the structure for transit fares; the purchase of new buses; and the construction of bus shelters, park and ride lots, and other transit facilities.

Dembowski will also serve on three of the Council’s standing committees: Government Accountability and Oversight; Transportation, Economy and Environment; and Law, Justice, Health and Human Services. Dembowski was also appointed to the Regional Water Quality Committee.

Dembowski was appointed to the Council on February 11 to fill vacancy created by the resignation of Bob Ferguson when he became Washington state Attorney General.


Read more...

Rod Dembowski statement on appointment to King County Council

Wednesday, February 13, 2013


Friends and family joined Rod Dembowski Monday as the King County Council announced his appointment to the vacant Council position representing Council District 1.

New Metropolitan King County Councilman Dembowski issued this statement after his appointment to represent the north King County district:

“Growing up in a single-parent home in Renton, selling socks at swap meets to pay the bills and getting my healthcare from neighborhood clinics, a day like today seemed all but impossible. But because of our shared investment in health care for the needy, public K-12 education, and a top-notch public University, I was able to attain my dreams of public service. I pledge that I will do everything in my power to pass those opportunities on to the next generation and will work tirelessly to ensure King County remains the best place in the world to live, work, and raise a family. 
“I am thankful to the King County Council for their faith in my ability to join them as a colleague in public service. I am so grateful to the many endorsers and organizations that supported me in the appointment process; especially the many state representatives, mayors, and city council members. I look forward to working with them as we develop regional plans to benefit all of King County. I am especially grateful to Bernie Talmas, mayor of Woodinville and chair of the Eastside Transportation Partnership, and Denis Law, mayor of Renton and president of the Sound Cities Association, for their unwavering commitment to my appointment.”
          
Dembowski also thanked the other two finalists, State Rep. Cindy Ryu and Shoreline City Council member Will Hall for their public service.

“I look forward to working with Rep. Ryu in the legislature on behalf of the citizens of King County, and I hope to work with Council member Hall as we develop regional plans that benefit our suburban cities,” he said. 
“I am honored to have been given the opportunity to work on behalf of the residents of District 1 and all of King County,” Dembowski said, adding that he would get right to work by attending the Kenmore and Shoreline city council meetings Monday evening.

Dembowski will need to defend his seat on the County Council in the general election this November. He already has raised more than $70,000 for the race from hundreds of contributors and has announced his plans to hold his seat in November. Over 100 people attended his campaign kickoff Sunday at the Meadowbrook Community Center.

After the appointment, Attorney General Bob Ferguson, former holder of the Council position, immediately announced his endorsement of Dembowski.


Read more...

Attorney Rod Dembowski appointed to vacant King County Council seat

Monday, February 11, 2013

Attorney Rod Dembowski appointed to vacant King County Council seat.

The Seattle attorney was selected over two Shoreline contenders to fill the vacancy created after Bob Ferguson was elected state attorney general.

From our news partner, The Seattle Times

The Metropolitan King County Council on Monday appointed attorney Rod Dembowski to fill the seat left vacant when Bob Ferguson became attorney general. 
Dembowski was selected in a 5-3 vote, with Council members Larry Gossett, Jane Hague and Kathy Lambert voting no. Dembowski beat out two other finalists — Democratic State Rep. Cindy Ryu, a former Shoreline mayor, and Shoreline City Councilman Will Hall, a Snohomish County land-use analyst. 
Dembowski was sworn in immediately after the vote. 
Council member Pete von Reichbauer, who may have been the deciding vote, said he was finally convinced Dembowski was the right choice when Ferguson on Sunday endorsed Dembowski at a campaign event.



Read more...

Wednesday interviews for County Council position are online, on TV

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

District 1 candidates Dembowski, Hall and Ryu to meet with King County Councilmembers at special meeting

The three candidates submitted by the County Executive to fill the vacancy in County Council District 1 will be interviewed by the members of the Metropolitan King County Council at a special meeting of the Council’s Committee of the Whole:

Wednesday, January 30
9:30 a.m.
County Council Chambers
King County Courthouse, 10th floor

The meeting will be carried LIVE on King County TV, seen on Comcast and Broadstripe Cable Channel 22.

County Executive Dow Constantine submitted three names to the County Council for consideration on filling the vacancy in District 1:
  • Rod Dembowski — Attorney, Foster Pepper PLLC
  • Will Hall — Councilmember, City of Shoreline; Senior Legislative Analyst, Snohomish County Council
  • Cindy Ryu — State Representative, 32nd District

The Council has 60 days to make the final appointment from the date of the vacancy on January 16. The appointee selected by the Council will serve in office until certification of the next general election in November.

Follow the Council’s deliberations through Facebook and Twitter by signing up through the


Read more...

District 1 candidates interviews to be carried live on King County TV Jan 30

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

District 1 candidate interviews to be held on Jan. 30 as Dembowski, Hall and Ryu meet with Councilmembers at a special meeting of Committee of the Whole

The three candidates submitted by the County Executive to fill the vacancy in County Council District 1 will be interviewed by the members of the Metropolitan King County Council at a special meeting of the Council’s Committee of the Whole on Wednesday, January 30: 

Wednesday, January 30, 9:30 a.m.
County Council Chambers
King County Courthouse, 10th floor

The meeting will be carried LIVE on King County TV, seen on Comcast and Broadstripe Cable Channel 22.

“The Executive has sent the Council three strong candidates and the Council is looking forward to meeting with them,” said Council Vice Chair Julia Patterson, Chair of the Committee of the Whole, the only standing committee on which all members of the Council serve. “This will be a thorough review of their qualifications, as well as an opportunity for the candidates to showcase their strengths, ideas and goals.”

On January 15, County Executive Dow Constantine submitted three names to the County Council for consideration on filling the vacancy created in District 1 by the resignation of Councilmember Bob Ferguson:
  • Rod Dembowski — Attorney, Foster Pepper PLLC
  • Will Hall — Councilmember, City of Shoreline; Senior Legislative Analyst, Snohomish County Council
  • Cindy Ryu — State Representative, 32nd District

The Council has 60 days to make the final appointment from the date the vacancy on January 16. The appointee selected by the Council will serve in office until certification of the next general election in November.

Follow the Council’s deliberations through Facebook and Twitter by signing up through the



Read more...

Dembowski, Hall, and Ryu are finalists for county council

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Updated 1-17-2013 5:21am

County Council set to interview candidates to fill Council District 1 vacancy
Candidate interviews to be conducted in Council’s Committee of the Whole

Metropolitan King County Council Chair Larry Gossett said the process to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Councilmember Bob Ferguson will begin with interviews of the three candidates recommended today by County Executive Dow Constantine.

 “Our goal is to get a Councilmember to represent the over 220,000 residents of District 1 as quickly as possible,” said Gossett. “We will have a thorough vetting of the candidates sent to us by Executive Constantine with the focus of filling the appointment with the best of those candidates.”

According to state law, The King County Executive is responsible for proposing three nominees to the Council. The three candidates transmitted to the Council by the County Executive, in alphabetical order, are:

  • Rod Dembowski — Attorney, Foster Pepper PLLC
  • Will Hall — Councilmember, city of Shoreline; Senior Legislative Analyst, Snohomish County Council
  • Cindy Ryu — State Representative, 32nd District

The Council will conduct interviews with all three candidates at a meeting of the Committee of the Whole, the only standing committee on which all members of the Council serve.

“As Chair of the committee that will review the candidates, I am committed to ensuring the selection process is fair, thorough, and completed as swiftly and efficiently as possible,” said Council Vice Chair Julia Patterson. “I look forward to working with the Council in selecting the best possible representative for the residents of District 1.”


The eight remaining Council members have 60 days to appoint one of the three to represent Council District 1, which includes Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Woodinville, the King County part of Bothell, north Kirkland, unincorporated areas between Bothell and Kirkland, and northeast Seattle.

If no candidate gets votes from five council members within the 60-day limit, new Gov. Jay Inslee must pick one of the three.

Constantine selected the three nominees from a list of five finalists selected by a citizens’ committee from 13 original applicants.

The appointee will serve through the November election, when District voters will choose someone for a full four-year term.

Dembowski, Hall and Ryu all have registered with the State Public Disclosure Commission as candidates for the position, a step that allows them to raise and spend money for the August primary and November general election. Candidates file for ballot positions in May. If three or more candidates file for the position, they will run in the primary, with the top two vote getters advancing to the November election. If only one or two candidates file, the position will appear only on the November ballot.

Dembowski has reported raising $63,936 and spending $3,752; Ryu has reported raising $31,710 and spending $2,639: and Hall has reported raising $3,070 and spending $120. Ryu is barred from raising money during the legislative session.

Ryu is in her legislative "election year" and is barred from fundraising from a month before the legislature convened and will not be allowed to raise money until after the session.

Follow the Council’s deliberations through Facebook and Twitter by signing up through the King County Council website.


Read more...

45th District Democrats recommend Dembowski, Scully and Ryu for County Council vacancy

Friday, January 4, 2013

Finalists for 1st District County Council seat
From left, Scully, Sloane, Dembowski, Hall, Ryu
Photo courtesy Rod Dembowski

By Evan Smith

Democrats in the 45th Legislative District passed a resolution Wednesday urging County Executive Dow Constantine to recommend Seattle attorney Rod Dembowski, Shoreline Planning Commission member Keith Scully and Democratic 32nd District State Rep. Cindy Ryu for the King County Council position to be vacated by Attorney-General-elect Bob Ferguson.

The 45th Legislative District includes Woodinville, Redmond, Carnation and Duvall, part of Kirkland, and unincorporated areas of northeast King County.

Dembowski, Ryu and Scully, along with Shoreline City Councilman Will Hall and King County Deputy Ombudsman Chuck Sloane. are candidates for appointment to represent the 1st County Council District, which includes Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Woodinville, parts of Bothell and Kirkland, unincorporated areas between Bothell and Kirkland, and part of north Seattle.

District Democratic Chairman Trent Latta said that the organization’s general membership had amended the recommendation of its endorsement committee, which had proposed that the organization recommend Dembowski, Scully and Hall.

A citizens’ committee selected Dembowski, Hall, Ryu, Scully and Sloane from 13 original applicants. Constantine will nominate three of the five to the eight remaining Council members. The Council has 60 days to appoint a new Council member.


Read more...

Executive Constantine establishes process to fill vacancy on King County Council

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Candidates must apply by 5pm on Monday, December 3; advisory committee to evaluate for qualifications and knowledge of issues.

Candidates interested in filling the vacancy left by King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson’s election to statewide office should apply by Dec. 3 at 5pm, for vetting by a citizen advisory committee, under a process established today by King County Executive Dow Constantine.

“The people of Council District One can be assured that I will send the Council well qualified candidates who care about the district,” said Executive Constantine.

The Executive said that after the election is certified on December 6, he will name an advisory committee that is representative of Council District One to evaluate applicants for their qualifications, their knowledge of issues currently relevant to King County, and their knowledge of issues specific to people living in Council District One. Preference will be given to experience with budgets, leadership, and community issues.

By December 21, the advisory committee will forward the names of qualified candidates to the Executive. Under state law, when the position becomes vacant in January, the Executive will transmit three names to the County Council for consideration. The Council has 60 days to fill the position from the date it becomes vacant.

Individuals who seek consideration for the appointment to represent Council District One should e-mail their resume, a statement of qualifications, and references with contact information no later than 5pm on Monday, December 3, 2012.

Updates to the Council vacancy process will be posted on the Executive’s home page.




Read more...

HERO Program works for King County veterans

Thursday, October 4, 2012

New internship initiative provides employment opportunities for service members returning to civilian life

Returning to civilian life after spending time in the armed forces can be difficult for veterans. The obstacles are many: navigating cultural differences between military and civilian life, getting reacquainted with family and friends, and managing the residual physical and psychological effects of combat, not to mention finding a job in a tough economic climate. King County is stepping up to help heroes in uniform with a new veterans internship initiative, called the Heroes Employment Reintegration Opportunity (HERO) Program. The program offers six-month paid internships to qualified veterans, along with support services tailored to men and women re-entering the civilian world.

The HERO Program is open to any military veteran who meets King County Veteran’s Program (KCVP) qualifications. After a competitive selection process, each participant will receive an hourly wage for 30 hours of work per week for six months. To better ensure their success, each intern will be matched to a King County employee who is also a veteran. They will also be provided with a comprehensive support plan, including connections to other community resources for veterans. During and after their six-month stint, HERO participants will receive one-on-one assistance in writing their resume and searching for jobs. They will also get help applying for any King County job openings they qualify for.
“Returning veterans can face serious challenges finding jobs in this tough economy; they shouldn’t,” said Council-member Bob Ferguson, who authored the Veterans and Human Services Levy that is providing funding for the HERO Program. “With this new internship program, veterans will benefit from expanded employment opportunities and training, and it will help our servicemen and women bridge their military training to on-the-job experience in the civilian world.”

King County has about 137,000 veterans, and that number is increasing due to the presence of military installations like Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) in nearby Pierce County. According to the human resources command at JBLM, about 6,000 servicemembers transition out of the base each year. Many of these new veterans stay in the Puget Sound region, so programs are needed to provide civilian reintegration opportunities. 

The first group of interns in the HERO Program are expected to start in January 2013. The program is projected to run through mid-2014, with about a dozen interns participating in each six-month session. Veterans who are interested in participating in the HERO Program can call 206-205-5859. The HERO Program is partially funded through the King County Veterans and Human Services Levy, which was re-authorized by voters in August 2011. More information about the levy here.

Read more...

County Council restores recycling operations at Shoreline Transfer Station

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Shoreline Transfer Station
Shoreline Area News photo

On Monday, the Metropolitan King County Council approved legislation that will allow recycling operations to resume at several transfer stations across King County in 2013, including the Shoreline transfer station and the Houghton transfer station in Kirkland.

“I heard from many residents in my district who valued recycling, and were concerned about the closure of this service at County facilities,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson, who represents Shoreline and part of Kirkland. “After listening to their concerns, I worked with Executive Constantine to bring recycling back.”

Recycling services at Shoreline, Houghton, and other King County transfer stations were shut down in February as part of an effort to reduce costs. The Council’s action today to reopen recycling at its transfer stations responds to residents who expressed concerns about not providing recycling services.  

The legislation approved by the Council today adopts a commercial solid waste disposal rate through 2014 of $120.17 per ton. The new rate is an increase from the current $109 per ton rate. It is estimated that new rate will cost the average single-family household an additional 65 cents per month, resulting in a 3.5% increase in the average monthly residential solid waste bill. 



Read more...

King County proclaims Emergency Medical Services Week

Tuesday, May 22, 2012


Doug Locken, Shoreline Fire Medic
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

King County officials today proclaimed the week of May 20-26 as Emergency Medical Services Week in King County.

The proclamation honors the people and partnership among 30 fire departments, six paramedic providers, five EMS dispatch centers and 19 hospitals in King County that work together to save lives as Medic One. Introduced in 1970, King County Emergency Medical Services has become a model nationwide for delivery of lifesaving first-responder services.

The joint proclamation by the Metropolitan King County Council and Executive Dow Constantine is in conjunction with national programs recognizing the federal Emergency Medical Services System Act of 1973. 

Locally, the proclamation highlights King County’s cardiac arrest survival rate, which recently reached the 50-percent mark, the best in the world. In comparison, the survival rate in Los Angeles is 7 percent, New York is 5 percent and Chicago is 3 percent.

The cardiac arrest survival success is due in large part to the work of emergency medical first responders as well as the training they give to local citizens in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the public availability of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). King County now deploys more than 100 AEDs in county facilities, and 80 King County Sheriff’s deputies, who often arrive first to emergency calls, now carry AEDs in their vehicles and are trained in their use.
“The secret of our success is strong partnerships with a common goal: continually improving our ability to save lives, and measuring our performance along the way to know what works and what we can do better,” said Dr. Mickey Eisenberg, King County Emergency Medical Services Medical Director. “We're all fortunate to live in a community that shares such a deep commitment to excellence in survival from cardiac arrest.”


Read more...

KC Council Member Ferguson's statement on proposed arena agreement

Wednesday, May 16, 2012


Following today’s announcement of a proposed agreement governing financing for a new, multi-purpose arena, Metropolitan King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson (representing Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, and other north King County areas) issued the following statement:

“Protecting taxpayers from financial risk has been and will continue to be my top priority when it comes to the proposed new arena. I will be taking a hard look at the security provisions to make sure the public won’t be on the hook for any cost overruns, operating shortfalls, or new taxes.
“As a long-time Sonics fan, I am pleased a proposed agreement has been reached that could lay the foundation for bringing basketball back to our region.
“Moving forward, I will work with my Council colleagues to ensure this proposed agreement gets a thorough and timely review.”


Read more...

King County Council declares May 13-19 National Police Week

Tuesday, May 15, 2012


Photo courtesy King County

King County Councilmembers are joined by King County Sheriff Steve Strachan as the Council declared May 13-19 Police Week in King County.



The Metropolitan King County Council joined municipalities across America in proclaiming May 13-19 as Police Week. The proclamation also recognized those men and women who have fallen in the line of duty

“I am proud to recognize our law enforcement officers. These dedicated men and women lay their lives on the line every day to protect public safety,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson. “As a community, we are forever grateful to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe.”
“Since 1853, the King County Sheriff’s Office has had 15 members killed in the line of duty.” stated King County Sheriff Steve Strachan. “Every day we remember the sacrifices that they and their families made for their community that we continue to serve in their honor.”

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Currently, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, DC to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

There are approximately 900,000 law enforcement officers serving in communities across the United States, and over 3,100 officers in King County including the dedicated members of the King County Sheriff’s Department; since the first recorded death in 1791, almost 20,000 law enforcement officers in the United States have died in the line of duty.

15 King County Sheriffs Deputies are among the 94 members of law enforcement in King County who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The names of these dedicated local public servants are engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C as well as The Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial in Olympia.

New names of fallen heroes are being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this spring, including 163 officers killed in 2011 and 199 officers killed in previous years. 

Three names were added to the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial in Olympia on May 4; Pierce County Deputy Shandon Wright, Mount Rainier National Park Ranger Margaret Anderson and Washington State Trooper Tony Radulescu.



Read more...

King County Councilmembers approve study on creating internship program for veterans

Monday, April 23, 2012

The Metropolitan King County Council gave its unanimous support Monday, April 23, 2012 to a motion calling on King County to explore ways to tap the skills and knowledge of a vital and underutilized group: Veterans.

The Council will seek ways to incorporate their technical and leadership skills into the county job pool. 

“Returning veterans deserve our thanks and support, but can face significant challenges transitioning back to civilian life including finding a job in this tough economy,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson, sponsor of last year’s successful renewal of the King County Veterans and Human Services Levy. “A veterans internship program benefits the County by developing and empowering a quality workforce, and helps expand the job prospects for our returning veterans.”

One of the greatest challenges facing veterans returning to civilian life is employment. The unemployment rate for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts has remained consistently higher than the national average. Many veterans return to civilian life with technical and leadership skills gained during their training and deployment that could translate well to civilian governmental jobs—with a little help. The adopted motion focuses on assisting veterans in translating those skills in today’s job market.

The motion calls on the Human Resources Management Division of the Department of Executive Services to explore ways of implementing a veterans internship program and presenting the results of their inquiry to the Council by August 23, 2012.


Read more...

County Council sends proposed levy increase for construction of Children and Family Justice Center to August ballot

Tuesday, April 17, 2012


The Metropolitan King County Council today unanimously approved sending to the voters in August a nine-year property tax levy lid lift proposal to raise revenue for the construction of the Children and Family Justice Center. The new facility would replace the County’s aging Youth Services Center located at 12th and Alder in Seattle’s Central District.

“With the Council’s approval, this measure to construct a new Children and Family Justice Center will head to the August ballot for a vote of the people,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson, who sponsored the proposal.

The Youth Services Center is the County’s central facility for cases involving children, which are among the most stressful for families—juvenile offender cases, child abandonment, abuse and neglect cases, and cases involving runaways. Here, court officers must decide whether a child should be removed from their home or whether a minor should be detained for committing an offense. Emotions can run high, and the Center provides support for families navigating the juvenile justice system.

The adopted legislation would ask voters to approve a nine-year property tax levy lid lift of seven cents per $1,000 of assessed value, which would raise approximately $200 million for construction of the Children and Family Justice Center. The cost to the median homeowner in King County would be less than $25 per year.

The revenue from the proposal would replace the three buildings on site—the Alder Tower, Alder Wing, and Youth Detention Facility. Five judges and 2 commissioners at the juvenile court handle 3,700 cases a year in the facility. The annual average daily population in the facility is approximately 70 individuals.

Sections of the facility are over 60 years old and have significant maintenance needs. By replacing all three of the buildings, the County also has the opportunity to reduce the size of its foot print on the 9.1 acre site located in the urban core of Seattle.


Read more...

Free bus passes with car tab renewals

Monday, April 9, 2012


Renewing car tabs will get drivers eight free bus tickets for the next two years

The Metropolitan King County Council recently approved the two-year incentive program to encourage drivers to get from behind the wheel and leave the “driving” to Metro Transit.

“According to customer surveys, 95 percent of Metro riders have access to a car, but choose to take the bus instead,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips, chair of the Transportation, Environment and Economy Committee. “In this time of rising gas prices, this incentive program gives all car owners the opportunity to join the ranks of transit riders leaving their cars parked and discovering the benefits of taking transit.”

Last August, the Council adopted a bipartisan, multi-pronged transit funding plan that maintains current transit service levels, while providing transportation alternatives for commuters who may see a reduction in bus service in their communities. The funding plan includes adoption of the Congestion Reduction Charge (CRC), a temporary charge on vehicle licenses for each of the next two years.

The adopted funding plan included a Transit Incentive Program to encourage drivers to use public transportation. Through this program, each household will be eligible to receive eight bus tickets worth up to $24.

Today’s adopted ordinance implements the incentive program and sets up the program that will allow drivers to donate the value of their tickets toward existing human services ticket programs.

Beginning with the June 2012 vehicle license tab renewals and continuing for the next two years, application for the incentive bus tickets will be mailed out with each car tab by the State Department of Licensing. Individuals can then either request the tickets for Metro bus rides to work, play, or a special event, or they can choose to donate the value of those tickets to the human service agencies transit program.



Read more...

King County and nine cities collaborate to respond to climate change

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

At its Monday meeting, March 19, the Metropolitan King County Council gave its unanimous approval to a unique County-City partnership designed to enhance the effectiveness of regional efforts on climate change and sustainability efforts.

In June 2011, King County and several of its cities introduced and pledged their support for a new partnership – the King County-Cities Climate Collaboration. The focus of the Collaboration is to pool both resources and knowledge in the effort to combat the impact of climate change. The adopted ordinance calls for the Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement finalizing the County’s participation in the Collaboration.

The County and the cities involved— Redmond, Renton, Tukwila, Shoreline, Seattle, Mercer Island, Kirkland, Issaquah and Snoqualmie—have pledged to commit funds and staffing to the Collaborative. They will be used to support and enhance projects and programs in focus areas such as green building, using and producing renewable energy, sustainability outreach and education, and alternative transportation.
“Climate change impacts the environment, health, and quality of life of our entire region regardless of jurisdictional boundaries, which is why cooperation and collaboration are critical,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson, a co-sponsor of the legislation. “By working together, we can do more to address climate change and become more sustainable.”

As the collaboration develops, City and county staff will work to share local best practices and relevant resources, collaborate on related projects and programs, and support regional efforts such as the Growth Management Planning Council’s work to set countywide greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.



Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP