Dear Neighbor:

2006 has already proven to be a busy and productive year! I was recently chosen by the Seattle/King County Board of Health to be their new Chair, and am also Chairing the King County Council’s Transportation Committee. Because the King County Council now has fewer members (reduced from 13 to 9 members in 2005), District 5 now encompasses nearly 200,000 constituents. In addition to the cities of SeaTac, Tukwila, Kent and Des Moines, which I have been honored to represent in my first term, I now represent the City of Renton and urban unincorporated areas like West Hill and the East Hill of Kent.

In this e-newsletter, I will update you on a number of issues, from my Sheriff’s oversight proposal to my upcoming Town Hall on Emergency Preparedness. I encourage you to read below and contact me with any questions or concerns related to the articles or any other county matter.

Together we will make King County government as accountable, transparent and efficient as possible.

It is a pleasure and honor to serve you.

Julia Patterson
King County Councilmember - District 5

Julia speaks with members of the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce

Julia Speaks to the Renton Rotary and the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce

Julia addressed hundreds of South King County business, civic and elected leaders about the progress that is being made to improve transportation in the Puget Sound region and the work that remains to ensure our region maintains a healthy economy and high quality of life.

Read more about Julia's work on transportation:
Transportation: Finally, a plan -- Seattle P-I, Jan. 30 2006

Will you be ready if disaster strikes the Northwest?

Upcoming Town Hall Meeting on Emergency Preparedness

Thursday, April 20, 7pm, Cascade Elementary School
Join Julia and Eric Holdeman, the King County Director of Emergency Management, for a Town Hall Meeting on Emergency Preparedness. Julia and Eric will let you know what King County is doing to prepare for a disaster, and will give you information about how to keep your family safe. They will also answer any questions you may have about preparedness.

Read more about Julia’s Town Hall on Emergency Preparedness

Julia meets with Sheriff Sue Rahr and a helicopter pilot.

Sheriff Oversight Legislation

Recent news stories involving prominent cases of officer misconduct within the Sheriff’s Department leave no doubt that King County’s current law enforcement oversight system is inadequate. Julia has joined with Councilmember Bob Ferguson to propose legislation to strengthen King County's oversight system. The legislation is currently being reviewed in the Council's Law, Justice and Human Service Committee.

Read more about Julia's work to improve law enforcement oversight:
King County Sheriff: Wasting no time -- Seattle PI, Jan 29, 2006
Civilian oversight of Sheriff's Office sought -- Seattle PI, Jan 12, 2006

Frank Hansen, Julia and members of the King County Council at his recent recognition.

Frank Hansen Recognition

Julia, along with Councilmembers Dow Constantine and Pete von Reichbauer, recognized retiring City of SeaTac Mayor Frank Hansen for his 16 years of service to the community. Julia worked with Mayor Hansen to incorporate the City of SeaTac and they served together on the first City Council.

Julia in the News

Read Julia's Op Ed with King County Executive Ron Sims:
Moving bus service beyond status quo -- Seattle P-I, Feb. 21, 2006

Read Julia's Op Ed with Pierce County Councilmember Shawn Bunny:
A regional approach to keep traffic moving -- Seattle Times, Feb. 15, 2006

Read Julia's Op Ed on passenger ferry service on the Puget Sound
Get together on ferry service -- Seattle P-I, Jan. 24, 2006

Upcoming

• I'll be celebrating National Public Health Week (April 3rd through 9th) by participating in one of several "Stepping Up and Stepping Out" walking events in the downtown Seattle area. As Chair of the Seattle/King County Board of Health, I will be leading the walk on Tuesday, April 3rd to Seattle's Freeway Park. I encourage you to step out also!
• On April 12th, I'll be welcoming participants to the National Access 2006 Conference. This event will bring together hundreds of health professionals, law enforcement, educators, researchers and others who work directly or indirectly in preventing underage youth tobacco use.
• On April 14th, I'll join Governor Christine Gregoire at Des Moines Beach Park to celebrate its listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

About my ENewsletter
I hope you enjoy my updates!

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If you have any questions or comments, please email me, julia.patterson@metrokc.gov.

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