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Are You Prepared in the Event of an Emergency?
In the wake of the devastation caused by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, my thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the disaster. The tragedy across the Pacific is a solemn reminder about the importance of preparing for an emergency.
Since the 2001 Nisqually quake, King County has taken steps to be more prepared. Specifically, we retrofitted the King County Courthouse and Harborview Medical Center to make them more quake-resistant, and built a state-of-the-art Emergency Coordination Center in Renton. There is still plenty left to be done, however, such as reinforcing vulnerable older structures, rebuilding sea walls, and continuing to advance our disaster preparedness and emergency management capability.
In recent years, the Office of Emergency Management has conducted full-scale earthquake exercises. Last year's “Sound Shake 2010” drill included more than 25 public and private partners from across King County. One of the results of the exercise is a new Sound Shake Earthquake Preparedness Guide, which will be available later this spring.
Bob and Colleen shopping for emergency kit supplies.
As Chair of the Law, Justice, Health and Human Services Committee, I plan to review and evaluate the state of King County’s emergency preparedness over the course of the year and will keep you updated.
As individuals, we also must be prepared in the event of an emergency. Having a plan and preparing your family is critical. My wife Colleen and I are updating our home emergency kit to make sure we have what we need for our 3-year-old twins. Visit the King County Office of Emergency Management website to learn more about what you can do to be ready.
Funding Secured for New South Park Bridge
Bob with King County Councilmember Julia Patterson and Governor Christine Gregoire in front of the South Park Bridge.
Recently, the Council approved agreements with the City of Seattle and the Port of Seattle to complete the funding needed to start construction on the new South Park Bridge. The 80-year-old bridge closed last June because of its deteriorating condition.
The bridge is critical for local residents and is part of an important freight corridor linking the manufacturing and industrial centers of Seattle with the rest of the region. Securing funding for replacement of the bridge was one of the Council’s key priorities last year.
Construction of the new South Park Bridge will begin in May. The new bridge is expected to be open to traffic in 2013.
Volunteers Needed for Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
I had an opportunity to learn more about King County’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program when I spoke to a group of the program’s volunteers who were reaching out to residents of adult family homes in North King County. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman provides advocacy services for residents in long-term care facilities, helping to address concerns, resolve problems, and answer questions regarding care.
A recent investigative series by the Seattle Times, “Seniors for Sale,” highlights the importance of these services. As the Seattle Times’ report shows, residents of long-term care facilities need advocates to ensure they receive quality care and to protect their rights under federal and state regulations.
To promote the interests, well-being, and rights of long-term care facility residents, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program relies on a network of community volunteers. Volunteers enable the program to assist over 20,000 people living in long-term care in King County. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, contact Mary Fogh at (206) 694-0703 or LTCOPvolunteers@solid-ground.org.
Recognizing Public Employees
The Council with David Freiboth, Executive Secretary of the Martin Luther King County, Jr. Labor Council and Dustin Frederick, Co-Chair of the King County Labor Coalition.
The Council unanimously declared March 28 as “Public Employee Appreciation Day” in King County. The day is our opportunity to recognize the work of our public employees, including police, firefighters, doctors, nurses, social workers, and teachers, who provide essential public services.
The legislation adopted by the Council also acknowledged the fundamental right of public employees to be represented by unions and bargain collectively. The Council expressed its opposition to efforts to strip public employees of these rights in Washington State.
The legislation highlighted the strong partnership that King County has with its employees. Most recently, the overwhelming majority of the County’s union employees voluntarily gave up their contractual cost-of-living-adjustment wage increases to save jobs and critical public services in the 2011 King County Budget.
Reforming the King County Investment Pool
The King County Investment Pool invests the cash reserves for all County agencies and approximately 100 special districts and public entities, including fire, school, sewer, and water districts within the county. The pool’s assets total approximately $4.5 billion.
In 2007, the financial sector meltdown impacted the investment pool. The investment pool held four toxic assets and sustained millions of dollars in losses. I led the effort to reform the investment pool and passed legislation that required changes in the pool's policies and business practices.
These reforms included the creation of an advisory committee to ensure that the 100 jurisdictions that entrust King County with the management of their funds have a true seat at the table. The committee has worked hard to reexamine the investment pool’s contracts, investment policies, and other business practices. As a result, the management of the pool is stronger, better prepared, and more responsive.
The Council and Executive recently recognized the members of the advisory committee for their efforts to ensure that the investment pool’s policies, practices, and portfolio reflect the needs and goals of its members.
You can read more about the advisory committee and its work to improve the County’s investment policies here.
Bob’s Bus Books
I just started reading American Sphinxby Joseph Ellis. A winner of the National Book Award, American Sphinx is a portrait of the character of our iconic third president, Thomas Jefferson. The book was a thoughtful Christmas gift from Tibor, a member of my staff.
Out & About
Last month, I had the honor of speaking at the 83rd Annual Blessing of the Fleet at Fishermen’s Terminal. My family has long been involved in the local fishing industry, so I appreciated the opportunity to extend my good wishes for a safe and prosperous season.
Bob speaking at the meeting of submarine veterans.
As part of my ongoing effort to reach out to local veterans’ organizations about the King County Veterans and Human Services Levy, I recently attended two events:
The first was a Veterans Roundtable hosted by Shoreline Community College. Shoreline Community College has a nationally recognized veterans’ program and is recognized as a “veterans friendly” campus.
The second event was a meeting of the Seattle Base of U.S. Submarine Veterans. In addition to updating the members on the Levy, I enjoyed congratulating the group on their 12th anniversary.
On St. Patrick’s Day, I spoke at the annual Labor-Management Luncheon at the Catholic Seaman’s Center hosted by the Joint Council of Teamsters 28. I shared my thoughts about the importance of protecting collective bargaining rights in King County and Washington State.
In March, I attended Futurewise’s annual dinner and auction. Futurewise is an organization that works to promote healthy communities and cities while protecting farmland, forests, and shorelines.
Bob with (from L to R) Lake Forest Park City Councilmembers Ed Sterner and Dwight Thompson, and City Administrator David Cline.
I provided an annual update about County issues at a recent meeting of the Lake Forest Park Rotary Club. I spoke and answered questions about the County budget, the Veterans and Human Services Levy renewal, and transportation and infrastructure investments.
I attended the League of Education Voters’ 10th Anniversary Breakfast. The keynote speaker was Denny Heck, who chaired the Basic Education Committee during his 5-term tenure in the State House of Representatives.
Bob with other speakers and press conference organizers. Photo courtesy of InterIm.
As Congress debated the federal budget,I spoke at a press conference organized by InterIm Community Development Association regarding the disproportionate impact of proposed federal budget cuts on essential services for seniors, children, and the poor in our community. Similar events were held in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, and were spearheaded by the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development.
Bob’s Bus Books
