April 2010

Dear Neighbor,

I want to hear from you!  Starting this month, I’m adding survey questions in my e-newsletter that help me know how you feel about issues that impact our community. This month, I’d like to hear your opinion on what county services are most important.  Please take a moment to complete the survey question so I know what you value most from King County government.

It’s also been a busy spring for me at the Council. I want to share some of the work I’ve been doing to serve you and the residents of King County, including information about the budget and the Council’s 2010 priorities.

As a life-long resident of South King County, I look forward to all the great outdoor events our communities put together as the weather gets warmer.  I hope you can take advantage of some of these great events, which I’ve included below.

Happy Spring!

Sincerely,

Julia Patterson, King County Councilmember - District 5

p.s. Take a minute to check out my video welcome to you!

Watch my video introduction:

Video transcript available upon request.

Your opinion is important to me.

What King County service do you value most?

Look for survey results in May on my website, Facebook page, Twitter, and in next month’s e-news.

King County Councilmember
Julia Patterson
www.kingcounty.gov/patterson
julia.patterson@kingcounty.gov

Find me on:

Potential Budget Cuts to Criminal Justice

Recently the Council’s budget committee was briefed on potential cuts to criminal justice programs due to a $60 million budget shortfall.  If these cuts are realized, the impact on public safety could be devastating.  Read more.

Council Priorities

This month, the King County Council adopted priorities for 2010.  King County residents deserve to have a sound understanding of exactly what County government does to protect their health and safety and provide continuity in service delivery and operations.  This legislation gives citizens the opportunity to become engaged with their government and is also a way for the County to highlight the excellent services that are provided to protect and enhance the quality of life in our region. Read more.

Upcoming Community Events

May is Bike to Work Month!
May is National Bike to Work Month. In King County, you can participate in Bike to Work Month by joining the Group Health Commute Challenge. Whether bicycling is new to you or you're a seasoned rider, this is a great opportunity to challenge yourself, your family, and your co-workers.  You just need to commute FIVE times, or more, (round-trips) during the 30-day period and be eligible for great prizes.  Click here for useful resources for new and veteran cyclists and to learn more about the Commute Challenge. 

Countywide Community Forums
When: Ongoing, May 1 – June 13
Where: Throughout King County!
Topic: Public Trust: Customer Service and Public Engagement

Countywide Community Forums (CCF) is a King County civic engagement program overseen by the King County Auditor. The program is independently funded, run by volunteers, and is designed to bring the public forum right to your kitchen table, neighborhood, or workplace.  Click here for more information.

‘Bag your bags! Bring ‘em back’ Recycling Campaign
When: Throughout April and May
Where: Participating stores in Des Moines, Kent, Renton, SeaTac, and throughout King County

Approximately 61,000 tons of recyclable plastic bags and film are thrown into King County’s landfill every year. For the next six weeks, participating grocery stores will encourage shoppers to stuff all their used plastic bags from home into a single bag, tie it up and drop them into a plastic bag collection container in the stores. Click here for more information.