The Metropolitan King County Council today elected Councilmember Reagan Dunn as Vice-Chair of the Council for 2008, making him part of the leadership team that will set the agendas for meetings of the Council and Committee of the Whole and coordinate the referral and scheduling of legislation.

“This is a natural step for me,” said Dunn. “As I begin my fourth year on the Council, I have gained the experience necessary to help lead the full King County Council. I believe that I am ready to take on these new responsibilities.”

Councilmember Julia Patterson was elected Chair of the Council and Councilmember Dow Constantine will now serve alongside Dunn as the Council’s Vice Chair.

“I am very proud to be serving with Councilmember Patterson and Councilmember Constantine in a leadership role on this Council. They are fine public servants and I know we will work well together,” Dunn said.

In addition, the Council named Dunn Chair of the Regional Transit Committee and Vice-Chair of the Transportation Committee.

“Transportation continues to be the most important issue for my constituents,” said Dunn. “I’m pleased to be taking a leadership role on those issues again this year.”

The Republican caucus today also announced that Dunn will take over the caucus Chair duties from Councilmember Kathy Lambert.

“Councilmember Lambert has done a great job over the past two years and the whole caucus thanks her for her leadership,” Dunn said. “It’s now my turn to lead and I embrace the opportunity. We have a tradition of working well across the aisle, to get things done and I intend to continue that effort.”

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn represents District 9 including the cities of Bellevue, Black Diamond, Covington, Enumclaw, Kent, Maple Valley, Newcastle, Renton and unincorporated King County.