E-mail news from Larry Phillips, Metropolitan King County Council

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Suspected swine flu cases have been detected in King County. Public Health - Seattle King County has the latest information to help you protect your family.

Looking for ways to save money? Taking transit instead of driving can save you thousands of dollars a year. Check out Sound Transit's commute calculator to see how much you can save.

What’s happening in District 4

Swine Flu Threat Highlights the Need for Dedicated Funding for Public Health

With swine flu threatening the health and safety of King County residents, I called on the State Legislature in its special session to reconsider giving local governments the tools to keep their public health systems intact. Read more. Read my statement on swine flu.

Council Moves Swiftly to Fund Protection of Raging River Open Space

The King County Council closed a gap in the region's "curtain of green" with its unanimous adoption of legislation to keep approximately 4,000 acres along the Raging River in unincorporated King County free from development, as part of a 7,000 acre acquisition by the State. Read more. Learn more about the Mountains to Sound Greenway.

Prioritizing RapidRide in Balancing Metro's Budget Shortfall

With the news that RapidRide received a federal grant and the arrival of the first RapidRide-branded buses, I will ask Metro Transit to prioritize RapidRide service when balancing the agency's projected $100 million annual budget shortfall in 2010 and beyond. Read more.

Council Recognizes May as Arts Education Month in King County

The King County Council drew attention to the importance of arts education for the 300,000 students in King County's 722 schools and 18 school districts by declaring May as Arts Education Month in King County. Read more.

County Ombudsman to Investigate Complaint about Unsafe Trucks

I asked the King County Ombudsman to investigate the complaints of several county Solid Waste truck drivers who are concerned that they are hauling loads that exceed weight limits and may be putting the public's safety at risk. Read more.

Retaining a Bus Connection between Rainier Valley, International District for Low Income Seniors

After receiving letters and hearing testimony from community members concerned about the proposed elimination of Route 42 in September, I asked Metro Transit to develop options that retain a bus connection from the International District for those who rely on transit service to Rainier Valley. Read more.

State Legislative Actions Impact King County

The State Legislature adjourned the 2009 regular session after taking several actions that impact King County. Read my reaction to passage of the county options bill, cuts to the Basic Health Plan, and selection of the Bored Tunnel to replace the viaduct.

Extend Contract to Allow for Joint City-County Planning on Jail Expansion

I called for negotiation of a ten-year extension of the jail services contract with the cities of King County, in order to move forward with a regional jail services plan that enables cities to partner with the County for expansion of existing County jail space for both felons and misdemeanants. Read more.

Light Rail to Arrive July 18th

I joined Sound Transit CEO Joni Earl and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels in announcing that Link light rail will begin running July 18th from Downtown Seattle to Tukwila. The day will be marked with live entertainment at many of the stations, and rides during the opening weekend will be free. Read more.

Council Seeks to Make Procurement Process More Transparent

In response to concern that King County's procurement practices may not make the most efficient use of public tax dollars, the King County Council approved a motion asking the Executive to review county procurement practices to increase transparency. Read more.

Council Proclaims Peter Donnelly Day in Honor of Arts Leader

The King County Council recognized Peter Donnelly's 45 years of service to King County's arts community by proclaiming April 20, 2009, as Peter Donnelly Day in King County. I sponsored the proclamation in honor of the man who dedicated his life to the development of arts. Read more.

In the community

	I had the pleasure of taking a test ride on one of the light rail trains that will start carrying passengers on July 18th.
	I joined an excited crowd at a ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome the penguins to their new sustainably built home at Woodland Park Zoo.