Issue spotlight: Proposed congestion fee
On June 20th King County Executive Dow Constantine sent the Council a proposed ordinance to enact the one tool authorized by the state Legislature to help deal with Metro’s current budget crisis: a temporary $20 “Congestion Reduction Charge” on vehicle licenses for the next two years. The Executive has stated that without the charge 17 percent of the entire system will be cut - the rough equivalent of eliminating all rush hour bus service for commuters, or all weekend service in King County. However, even if the congestion fee does pass, it does not cover the entire deficit. Cuts are still likely, including many routes on the Eastside. Jane
Transit Car Tabs Fee Public Hearing |
Under the legislation, six votes (2/3 majority) are required enact the fee with no vote of the people (“councilmanic”). Alternatively, the Council can send it to the public for a vote with a simple majority. In media interviews I have been very clear that I will not take a councilmanic vote to raise taxes. Voters in this state have made it known through the initiative process that they wish to cap car tab fees. I respect that, and I firmly believe that altering this also requires a vote of the people. In addition I agree with the Executive’s assertion that this measure is merely a band-aid. However, I believe in this case that we can best serve the people of King County by taking a more comprehensive approach in making Metro more financially sustainable.Summer 2011
RapidRide is coming to the Eastside
The King County Council on May 31st gave its unanimous approval to transit service improvements for 2011-2012 that include the implementation of Eastside “RapidRide” service in Bellevue and Redmond.
"Rapid Ride B Line will provide better linkages to major business centers in Bellevue and Redmond,” said Council Vice Chair Jane Hague. “The short wait times will also make riding the bus a more attractive option for Eastside commuters."
"The “B Line” will operate from the Bellevue Transit Center to Redmond Transit Center via N.E. 8th Street, Crossroads, and Overlake Transit Center. In conjunction with the introduction of the RapidRide service, additional service improvements will provide more frequent all-day connections to Eastside destinations such as Totem Lake, Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond, Crossroads and Eastgate.
In addition, Hague sponsored an amendment, which will provide greater bus service to Bellevue College. Hague offered the amendment after students raised concerns during public testimony that the current proposed routes were inconvenient for bus riders and would encourage students to drive – only adding to the region’s gridlock. The amendment passed unanimously.
Hague’s amendment revives an alignment of Route 240 proposed as part of the original service changes for the fall, but were changed after being sent to the County Council. With the amendment, Route 240 will now serve Eastgate Park-and-Ride, which closely borders the Bellevue College Campus. Beginning in Renton, the 240 will provide an easy commuter option for south King County students. The route will go into effect in October.
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Districting Commission to hold meeting in Bellevue on June 30th
The boundaries of King County Council districts are being redrawn and your input is needed. Four alternate redistricting plans are currently being considered.
The Districting Committee needs to hear from you on which plans, or plan aspects, most effectively serve the residents of King County. Upcoming public hearings are set for:
Thursday, June 30, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Bellevue City Hall, Council Chambers
450 - 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 - map
Wednesday, June 29, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Shoreline City Hall, Council Chambers
17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133 - map
Thursday, July 7, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Highline Community College, Building 7
2400 S 240th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198 - map
Tuesday, July 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Van Asselt, Community Center
2820 S Myrtle Street, Seattle, WA 98108 - map
By law, Council district boundaries must be redrawn after each U.S. Census to make each district as nearly equal in population as possible. The independent, nonpartisan Districting Committee has sole responsibility for the redistricting process.
For more information, visit www.kingcounty.gov/districting
Warning: Personal Flotation Devices now required on all major county rivers
A majority of the Council adopted legislation on June 20th mandating that everyone must now use a personal flotation devices (PFDs) while enjoying major King County rivers. The ordinance is subject to enforcement by the King County Sheriff. The first violation would only be a warning; subsequent violations would include a fine of $86. The measure is only temporary and will expire on October 31, 2011.
The Executive’s staff cited projections which point to rivers being fast and cold this year due to the usually large snowpack.
Current state law requires all children 12 years of age and under to wear a PFD when they are on a vessel that is less than 19 feet in length. The legislation adopted by the Council would require use of PFDs on major King County rivers by persons who are boating, floating, or swimming in the rivers.
Major rivers include the South, Middle and North Fork and mainstem Snoqualmie River, the South Fork of the Skykomish River, the Tolt River, the Raging River, the Sammamish River, the Cedar River, the Green River and the White River.
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