Rod’s Report – Vol. 2, Issue 3
Dear Friend,
Over the last year I've regularly reported to you on the funding gap at Metro Transit and the potential for the largest bus cuts in Metro's history. I have spent the last year fighting to prevent these cuts, as I believe they represent an unacceptable threat to our region's economy, environment, and livability. Despite raising bus fares for a 5th time, Metro's extensive work to reduce costs and increase efficiencies, and with the failure of "Proposition 1," these cuts are now on the table.
County Executive Constantine recently sent the County Council legislation on how he proposes to phase in the reduction of service hours in accordance with the King County Metro Service Guidelines. We are carefully reviewing his proposal and working to do all we can to lessen the impacts.
Beginning this September, Metro Transit has proposed implementing the first of four rounds of cuts – eliminating 166,000 service hours to start. While these service reductions will hurt those who rely on these routes, they represent some of the less productive routes in Metro's system and will temporarily leave more productive routes in place.
The County Executive has also proposed three additional phases of cuts through September 2015, ultimately leading to the elimination of 72 bus routes and the reduction or revision of another 84 routes, for a total cut of 550,000 annual service hours.
The public deserves an opportunity to learn how they may be personally impacted and to provide input to the Council as we assess these proposed reductions and consider possible alternatives. For that reason, in addition to our regular weekday Transportation, Economy, and Environment committee meetings, we have scheduled three evening meetings across the County to allow the public an opportunity to ask questions and provide input on the proposed service reductions. I am looking at any and all options to mitigate or avoid the worst of these service reductions.
Each evening meeting will include an open house staffed by Metro to provide specific details about the changes and answer questions. The special night meetings for public comment are scheduled for:
•
Tuesday, May 13, Union Station, Ruth Fisher Boardroom, 401 South Jackson Street, Seattle @ 6:00PM
•Thursday, May 15, Bellevue City Hall, City Council Chambers , 450 110th Avenue NE, Bellevue @ 6:00PM
•Tuesday, May 20, Renton Pavilion Event Center, 233 Burnett Avenue South, Renton @ 6:00PM
If you are unable to attend these meetings, please submit electronic testimony. You can also submit written testimony to:
King County Council
516 3rd Ave, 12th Floor
Seattle, WA 98104
Included below are updates on several other areas that I have been working on.
As always, thanks for reading.
Skykomish Initiative
Charlie Raines and Rod, learning about the Skykomish Valley. |
When I first explored my run for the King County Council, I sat down for a cup of coffee with a longtime friend, Charlie Raines, the Forest Conservation Director at Forterra. It was then I learned of some of the very last unprotected old-growth forest left in King County near the town of Skykomish. I was in awe that in a county that has seen such rapid development and growth, more than 150 year old forests have gone unscathed. I was reminded of camping trips with my father where he told us to appreciate old-growth forest as they "wouldn't be around forever." Preserving these precious forests has been a high priority for me.
This sparked a partnership with Councilmember Kathy Lambert, who represents Skykomish and has worked tirelessly throughout her tenure to promote economic development in a town that has seen more than its share of hardships.
Together with Councilmember Lambert, the town of Skykomish, Forterra, and the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, we developed a vision and co-authored the Skykomish Valley Economic Development, Recreation, and Natural Resource Conservation Initiative. The initiative recognizes the shared goals of the town of Skykomish and the Stevens Pass Greenway to enhance economic development, increase recreation opportunities, and conserve the natural resources in the Skykomish Valley.
On April 28, the King County Council took an important step in making this vision a reality, when we unanimously passed the initiative. This legislation was recognized in the Everett Herald as a model for rural economic development and natural resource conservation.
There are already several exciting projects that are beginning to take form, from restoring the Historic Skykomish Hotel, to building new trailheads, to preserving 150 year old forests. I will use my regular e-news to keep you updated with the progress in the Skykomish Valley.
Rod with Charlie Raines, Skykomish Mayor Tony Grider, and other community leaders.
Rod and Dr. Diana Pearce, Director of the Center for Women's Welfare at the University of Washington. |
Pay Disparity Initiative
As the newly appointed Chair of the Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee, I've focused the committee's economic work on issues of pay equity and income disparity. For that reason, the committee has hosted a series of briefings on the results of a preliminary study on gender, race, and ethnicity pay disparity among county employees. You can find copies of these presentations here and here.
I requested these briefings so we can act in a smart and effective way to address disparities in our workforce compensation. In the briefings, King County's Human Resources Department stated that they will be taking proactive steps to address disparities when updating the Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action plan this June.
My goal is for King County to be the national leader on policies to reduce disparities, and advance economic opportunity for all of King County's residents. These briefings are not only an opportunity to highlight and change inequities here at the county, but to model the importance of these policies to other entities within and outside the county.
I am also pleased to report on some exciting progress with our partners at the City of Seattle, on gender pay equity. On April 2nd, I was honored to join Councilmember Godden and Mayor Murray as they announced the findings of the Seattle Gender Equity Task Force. The task force began their research on gender pay inequity in the Seattle workforce last year, and in April presented their action plan to end the wage gap in Seattle. You can read more about their recommendations and the City's plan to solve the disparity, here.
It has been a personal privilege of mine to work with and learn from Councilmember Jean Godden on this issue. The Mayor correctly dubbed the pay equity action plan, the "Godden Initiative," as throughout Councilmember Godden's career she has experienced gender wage inequity firsthand – and has championed ending gender pay inequity once and for all in the City of Seattle.
 Councilmember Godden, Mayor Murray, Rod, and many other supporters of pay equity for women at the April 2nd press conference.
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Governor Inslee – Bill Signing
Governor Inslee, Harborview leaders, and Rod at the Governor's bill signing on April 4th. |
The 2014 Washington State Legislative Session came to an end in March, and while a few notable policy priorities of King County were left on the table, there was cause for celebration when it came to effective delivery of our health care services, including mental health.
In addition to my regular Council Committee assignments, I also serve as the County Council's representative on the Mental Illness and Drug Dependency (MIDD) Oversight Committee. The goal of the oversight committee is to ensure that the implementation and evaluation of the strategies and programs funded by the MIDD sales tax revenue are transparent, accountable, collaborative and effective. Through this experience, I've learned that King County is a leader in providing these crucial health care services and that our investment in mental health and chemical dependency programs have paid dividends in the form of reduced jail time and psychiatric hospital stays. These smart investments save taxpayers money and are a compassionate response to those in need of help.
While King County has been a leader on these issues, the state has often fallen behind. However, I am pleased to report that three bills Governor Inslee signed into law at Harborview on April 4th, will help the State of Washington and King County provide residents more effective delivery and purchasing of health care services, including mental health and drug dependency services. You can learn more about each bill here: SB 6312, HB 2572, and SB 6228.
District 1 Boards and Commissions
Of the 49 citizen boards and commissions in King County, I nominate individuals from the District to serve on seven of these boards and commissions. These boards and commissions are:
• Civil Rights Commission
• Conservation Futures Citizen Oversight Committee
• Harborview Medical Center Board of Trustees
• Parks Levy Oversight Board
• Regional Human Services Levy Oversight Board
• Veterans Citizen Levy Oversight Board
• Women's Advisory Board
We are currently recruiting to fill one available board position with a representative from District 1 on the King County Women's Advisory Board. The King County Women's Advisory Board (WAB) makes recommendations to the King County Executive and the King County Council to ensure the needs, rights and well-being of women are taken into account by county government. It was established in 1978. Regular meetings are scheduled for the second Wednesday of every other month, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Meetings are usually held in the King County Chinook Building, in Seattle. Board members are appointed to serve a three year term. If you or someone you know would like to serve as your community's representative, please email me at rod.dembowski@kingcounty.gov or call 206-477-1001.
District 1 Van Donations 2014
 Each year, King County Councilmembers have the opportunity to donate retired Metro vanpool vans to nonprofit agencies and local governments to meet the needs of senior citizens, people with disabilities, youth, and low-income people. In 2013 our office selected the following organizations:
• Northwest's Child
• SHAG Senior Housing North King County
• Renton/Skyway Boys & Girls Club
We are currently seeking applications for our 2014 Van Donation recipients. If you know of an organization that needs help transporting children, seniors, and low-income or disabled individuals please email Garrett Holbrook in my office at garrett.holbrook@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-1001.
District 1 Events and Activities
Rod participating in the Kenmore Hydroplane Cup on April 5th. |
Some might say it's the District 1 event of the year, yet the sounds, sights, and excitement of Kenmore Hydroplane Cup/Sammamish River Race, have been missing from the waters of the Sammamish River for over 38 years. A tradition that began in 1928 and ended in 1976, returned in high fashion this April, thanks to the historic eye of Kenmore resident Gaul Culley, and with a little help from King County's 4Culture, the City of Kenmore, and many other organizations.
The day was a huge success for the "City on the Lake," as the Sammamish river's shores were abuzz with onlookers, many of whom last attended the event as a child. I even got to take part in the day's festivities (as captured in the picture above).
You can read more about Gaul Culley's story here.
• Woodinville Farmers Market Opening Weekend
Location: Carol Edwards Center, 17301 133rd Ave Ne, Woodinville
Date: May 3rd (Every Saturday through September 27th)
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Pick up local fresh produce and products during opening weekend of the Woodinville Farmers Market!
• Kenmore Waterfront Activities Fair
Location: Kenmore City Hall, 18120 68th Ave NE
Date: May 8th
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Come join the fun and learn about the various waterfront activities Kenmore has to offer. Try out crew shells, kayaks, SUPs, and canoes; learn about kayak and canoe rentals; view the incredible flyboard that propels you 35 feet in the air; sign up for YMCA Outdoor Day Camps including rowing; see Kenmore's boathouse and dock plan; and more! Click on the event flyer for additional details.
• 15th Annual Richmond Beach Strawberry Festival
Location: Richmond Beach Community Park, 2201 NW 19th St, Shoreline
Date: May 10th
Time: 11:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Enjoy local music and food, games and activities for kids, and a walking tour of historic Richmond Beach—all while sampling the tasty strawberry shortcake! New this year is a Children's Parade, which starts at 11:30. Come see Seattle Seahawks mascot Blitz! Part of the Richmond Beach Celebration, this event is held in conjunction with the Art Show at Richmond Beach Library, the Car Show at Richmond Beach Rehab and the Mother's Day Plant Sale at Kruckeberg Botanic Garden. This event is co-sponsored by the Richmond Beach Community Association and the City of Shoreline.
• Lake Forest Park Farmers Market Opening Weekend
Location: Third Place Commons, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park
Date: May 11th (Every Sunday through mid-October)
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Pick up local fresh produce and products during opening weekend of the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market!
• Vintage Bothell Summer Wine & Beer Walk
Location: Main Street, Bothell
Date: June 7th
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
At the Friends of Youth Ribbon cutting in Kirkland. |
