No relief for budget crisis on August ballot
Council continues to work on plan for November ballot

Earlier this spring, King County Executive Dow Constantine proposed a sales tax measure for the August ballot that would have raised money for police, courts, and other criminal justice programs. After a lot of debate, the council was unable to get the supermajority of votes needed to place either the sales tax proposal or an alternate property tax proposal on the August ballot.

Without a decision by the voters in August, the proposed 2011 budget, due to the council in late September, must assume severe cuts to all county services to make up for a projected $60 million gap.

The budget is in crisis, there’s no doubt about it. And it’s just too big a decision to make without the public’s input. I’m going to keep working with my colleagues to get it on the ballot.

A proposal must be approved by the council by July 26 to be on the November ballot.

Coalition comes together for South Park Bridge
Cooperation is key to winning federal dollars

Drago chats with residents at South Park Bridge open house earlier this spring.

On June 30, the ailing South Park Bridge closes, and the impact will be felt in District 8 and throughout
King County.
The 20,000 vehicles that use the bridge daily will be detoured to other roads until a new bridge is built. But one thing stands in the way of a new bridge—how to pay for it.

Putting together a winning package for a new bridge is my highest priority. We’ve heard from the federal government on what they want to see in our grant bid—a solid financing plan, and a solid coalition of grassroots stakeholder support. We’re making great progress on both, but there’s more work to do to get us ready for the next round of grants.

While work continues on securing enough funds for a new bridge, King County and other local agencies have come together with community members to create a bridge closure plan that addresses everything from detour signs to bus routes, police and fire response routes and support for adjacent businesses.

Sail past traffic hassles aboard King County’s water taxis
Ferry District anticipates solid summer performance

April ushered in the start of the full-service season for the King County Ferry District, with the Vashon Water Taxi commuter route joined by the West Seattle route.

Crowds boarding the West Seattle Water Taxi at 2010 opening celebration.

As road construction gears up with lane, ramp, and bridge closures, water taxi service is the best bet for getting to and from downtown Seattle.

2010 is looking good so far. Our new operations contract with the King County Marine Division saved us over $40,000 compared to April of last year. That’s 19 percent! We’re on the right path to make our water taxis an integral part of the region’s transportation network.

Complete information about schedules and fares is available online at www.kingcounty.gov/watertaxi.

Dear Friend,

The first half of 2010 has been a busy time for the Council and for District 8, with a number of milestones worth noting.

The annexation of the newly-named North Burien area went into effect April 1, Evergreen Pool reopened this spring, and the Transit Task Force is up and running and will be hard at work this summer. I also had the chance to dig into the Regional Water Quality Committee and tour all three of the county’s wastewater treatment plants, as well as spend time touring the different cities and meeting local leaders throughout the district.

The coming summer is a great time of year to get out and enjoy everything that our District 8 communities have to offer. There are lots of summer festivals throughout the area, wonderful shops and restaurants, and countless trails, parks, beaches and outdoor activities to enjoy. So I encourage you to get out there, “go local,” and support your District 8 neighbors!

Jan Drago

Drago Community Calendar

Track what’s happening in your part of District 8 and when Councilmember Drago plans to visit your neighborhood. Visit Drago’s website at www.kingcounty.gov/Dragoto view the community calendar, or get event updates on Drago’s Facebook page.

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