Dear Neighbor:

I hope this summer has been a fun and safe season for you and your family. In this e-Newsletter you will find some updates on what I have been working on throughout the past few months, including reading through each of the nearly 2,000 completed surveys and 500 personalized letters I received in response to the 2008 Citizen Survey. We just sent out our Survey Results brochure, and you can also view it online.

With the arrival of fall, the County Council will begin the important work of balancing our King County budget. The County Executive recently announced the budget shortfall has grown to an astonishing $90 million. This budget shortfall illustrates just how important it is to use your tax dollars wisely, and make your government as efficient as possible.

In October, the County Executive will transmit his proposed budget to the Council for consideration. I encourage you to contact me with your input on budget priorities and specific funding issues. I welcome your thoughts and suggestions. You can also track the process of budget development and the timeframe for public hearings in late October and early November by visiting www.kingcounty.gov/council/budget

Throughout my years in public office, my top priority has always been to be responsive to the needs and concerns of the constituents that I serve. As always, I encourage you to contact my office at (206) 296-1007 or email pete.vonreichbauer@kingcounty.gov with any questions, comments or concerns.

With Best Wishes,

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, Friends of the Hylebos Executive Director Chris Carrel and King County Executive Ron Sims tour the boardwalk in West Hylebos Wetlands park.

Community leaders convene to elevate priorities of south King County

With a projected $90 million budget shortfall, reminding King County Executive Ron Sims of the needs and challenges facing south King County is perhaps more important than ever. With this in mind King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer convened a roundtable discussion with south King County community leaders and Executive Sims, and then led Sims on a tour of some of the region’s most popular destinations. Read More...

From left to right: Lenny Krayzelburg, Megan (Quann) Jendrick, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, Ian Crocker and Michael Phelps at Disney's "Swim with the Stars" event held at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in September 2004.

Local swimming enthusiasts take pride in Michael Phelps and other Olympic Swimmers with regional ties

This year’s United States Olympic Swim Team contained three members of King Aquatic Club who train at the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way. King Aquatic Club has been ranked as the number one swimming club in the Pacific Northwest and top ranked in the USA for more than 40 years. Now King Aquatic Club’s acclaim has gone global. Read More...

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer discusses with King County Sheriff Sue Rahr the important role the new “Guardian One” helicopter will play in keeping our region safe.

Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer joins Sheriff Rahr and Council colleagues in aerial tour above King County in new “Guardian One” helicopter

The King County Sheriff's Office, along with Pierce County S.O. and Snohomish County S.O., introduced the new “Guardian One” helicopter, a tri-county asset to fight crime, search for missing persons, and serve as an invaluable, life-saving platform during a natural disaster or terrorist incident. Read More...

" Veterans and Human Services Levy improving housing and health for veterans and their families, others in need

Shining a spotlight on the housing, homeless prevention, and treatment services helping individuals and families in South King County and elsewhere in the region achieve and maintain healthier and more stable lives, the two Veterans and Human Services Levy Oversight Boards invited the community to attend the quarterly joint board meeting held in Auburn. The meeting took place July 24, 2008 from 2-4 p.m. at the Auburn Veterans Memorial Building, 405 E Street NE in Auburn.

Regional service providers and elected officials offered updates on new and enhanced services helping to improve the stability and health of local veterans and military personnel, their families and others in need. The meeting was open to the public, with time set aside for public comment. Read More...

Korean Consul General Haryong Lee and King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer discuss international relations.

von Reichbauer discusses international relations with Korean Consul General

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer met with Korean Consul General Haryong Lee, King County Executive Ron Sims and Federal Way City Councilmember Mike Park in late July to discuss international relations between the Republic of Korea and the United States as well as the importance of international trade in King County. Read More...

Hot Topic:

Read my Seattle Times OpEd: "Let the sheriff manage the office"

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If you have any questions or comments, please email me at pete.vonreichbauer@kingcounty.gov or call my office at (206) 296-1007.

Phone: (206) 296-1007 | Fax: (206) 296-0198 | TTY/TDD: (206) 296-1024 | Toll Free: (800) 325-6165
Mailing Address: King County Courthouse, 516 Third Avenue, Room 1200, Seattle, WA 98104-3272