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introduction: Like the video format? I invite you to check out all my YouTube videos. 2010 budget session underwayThe Council recently received Executive Triplett’s proposed 2010 budget. The county faces a $56 million shortfall in its $621 million general fund, which pays for the day-to-day operations of King County government, including the sheriff, courts, jails, public health, and elections. Amidst this difficult budget session, a welcome piece of news is an innovative partnership being implemented between King County Public Health and a local healthcare provider that will keep the doors open at the Northshore Public Health Center in Bothell. The Northshore facility was targeted for closure in 2007 and in the Executive’s 2009 proposed budget. I have continuously worked to keep the facility’s doors open. Last year, I discovered that the proposed Public Health budget included approximately $1 million in unfilled administrative positions. The funding for many of these positions was eliminated in the Council’s adopted budget to free up funds to continue providing direct services, including those provided at the Northshore facility. To avoid another proposed closure, the Council instructed Public Health to develop options for an alternative structure for delivering health services. This partnership between Public Health and HealthPoint is a result of the work to develop new service strategies. The two parties are finalizing the agreement which will allow HealthPoint to lease part of the Northshore facility from Public Health. Under the agreement, HealthPoint will provide primary care services, which are not presently offered at the site. The integration of services and shared clinical space will lower Public Health’s current operating costs at the facility. King County anticipates that it will save $623,000 annually under the new agreement. The Council will adopt the budget in late November, with any changes we deem necessary to reflect the priorities of King County residents. If you have feedback, I encourage you to call or email me. Related articles:
Public disclosure reform adoptedIn May, I co-sponsored legislation with Councilmember Reagan Dunn to reform the County’s public records disclosure process. This legislation was introduced in the wake of two high-profile public records cases involving King County. The Council unanimously approved the legislation, which expands transparency in government while making the disclosure process less burdensome on the public. In her recent article about the importance of open government, Kate Riley of the Seattle Times highlighted King County’s efforts to reform its public disclosure policies. Government transparency is a priority for me and the passage of this legislation affirms the County’s work to provide open access for all citizens. Read here for more details about public disclosure and my legislation. Successful statewide conference on Mental Illness and Chemical DependencyIn September, I co-hosted a statewide conference with the Washington State Association of Counties in Ellensburg to discuss the role of counties in addressing mental health and substance abuse needs. The conference provided an opportunity for policy makers, service providers, and other officials from across Washington to proactively discuss methods of addressing these issues within their communities. A more complete recap and conference materials are available here. In the districtNew ride for Northshore Senior Center
Earlier this year, I secured retired Metro Vanpool vans for the Northshore Senior Center in Bothell and other deserving local organizations. I recently visited the center to meet with staff and local seniors. They are getting good use out of the van providing field trips that promote lifelong learning and socialization for seniors. Council members periodically have the opportunity to make retired passenger Metro Vanpool vans available to nonprofit organizations or local governments to address the mobility needs of low-income elderly or young people, or individuals with disabilities. If you know of a deserving organization in my district (pdf, 648 KB) that would make good use of a van and meets these criteria, please have them contact Travis Alley of my staff at (206) 296-1001 or travis.alley@kingcounty.gov for more information. Northgate Park groundbreaking
Last month, I had the privilege of attending the groundbreaking of a new urban park in Seattle’s Northgate neighborhood. Hubbard Homestead Park will be developed at the intersection of 5th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 112th Street, just north of Target and Northgate Mall. The new park is replacing a former King County Metro Park and Ride lot with 3.73 acres of green space. The park project is a collaboration between the city of Seattle and King County. The two jurisdictions negotiated the sale of the former King County Metro Park and Ride lot to the city of Seattle. New parking garages located near the Northgate Transit Center provide a net increase in the number of parking spaces for commuters, despite the loss of commuter parking at the location of the park. Related materials:
Broadview Community Council meeting I recently attended the Broadview Community Council meeting to discuss local issues. I always enjoy meeting directly with community members and learning about the issues that matter to them. For more information about the Broadview Community Council, please visit their website. Shoreline City Hall grand opening I attended the dedication ceremony of Shoreline’s new City Hall. Building and owning its own City Hall is a milestone for the city of Shoreline, and is the realization of a long-standing community vision. The new City Hall will be the heart of the city’s civic center and is built green (LEED Silver standard). It includes a fantastic water sculpture in the plaza, a green roof deck, and a rock water garden that also acts as a filtration system. You can see pictures and learn more at the city’s website. Reminder to vote in upcoming election
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About my E-Newsletter Councilmember Bob Ferguson on the Web: www.kingcounty.gov/ferguson I hope you enjoy my updates! Please review my recent e-newsletters. Click here to remove yourself from my e-newsletter list. Click here to subscribe to my e-newsletter. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at bob.ferguson@kingcounty.gov. Phone: (206)
296-1001 | Fax: (206) 296-0198 | TTY/TDD: (206) 296-1024 | Toll Free:
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