Councilmember Reagan Dunn, prime sponsor of the motion with Jim Broe, Post Commander of American Legion Post 161 in Redmond. Broe spoke to the Council before the vote on the motion to study ways of implementing a veterans internship program.

Creating internship program for veterans

The Metropolitan King County Council gave its unanimous support  to a motion calling on King County to explore ways to tap the skills and knowledge of a vital and underutilized group: Veterans.

“It is my hope that a veterans internship program will benefit not only those returning from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, but all veterans who have gained such tremendous skills defending our county, but unable to find employment with those skills,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn, prime sponsor of the motion. “This is an opportunity to create a regional model for public and private employers that can increase employment opportunities for these heroes who protect our freedom.”  Read more

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Dunn proposes new tools to combat gangs in King County

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn today introduced legislation to assist law enforcement combat criminal street gangs threatening King County communities. The proposed legislation would establish anti-criminal street gang emphasis areas, giving judges the ability to prohibit individuals convicted of gang-related activity from entering certain high-impact gang areas defined by the County Council.

“Illegal gang activity is on the rise and has put our communities at risk,” said Dunn. “These ordinances will give law enforcement another tool to use against those suspected of gang-related activity. It’s a giant step in the right direction and I urge my colleagues to support its immediate adoption.”  Read more

Watch my interview on this legislation with Washington's Most Wanted

Designating Mountains to Sound Greenway as a National Heritage Area

The Council gave its unanimous support to a motion I sponsored asking Congress to designate the Mountains to Sound Greenway as a National Heritage Area.

An area that ranges from downtown Seattle to Eastern Washington is a step away from becoming land that historic preservation, natural resource conservation, recreation, heritage tourism, and educational projects can be more easily supported through public-private partnerships.Read more

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"Blue Alert" to protect Police

Toward the end of the regular session of the Washington state Legislature, Governor Gregoire signed legislation creating  a “Blue Alert” system for law enforcement officers. After the death of another individual who put his life on the line to protect us all, this is a measure that will go a long way toward protecting these brave men and women. I was proud to sponsor a motion adopted unanimously by the Council urging the Legislature act on this system Read more

New policy supports local farmers

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn introduced an ordinance making it easier for farmers to receive deliveries of materials, supplies and equipment within Agricultural Production Districts (APDs). Current King County policy does not allow farm vehicles such as hay trucks to stop along the side of a road. Read more...

A new vision for public transportation in King County

I was honored to lead the effort in creating a new vision for public transportation for King County. As Chair of the Regional Transit Committee, I worked with representatives from the Suburban Cities and Seattle in the creation of the Strategic Plan for Public Transportation 2011-2021 and Metro Service Guidelines. I was joined by Council colleagues in unanimously adopting the Strategic Plan, which streamlines transit policies and sets clear, transparent goals as Metro Transit prepares to face very serious challenges in the years ahead.

Van donation to Black Diamond Community Center

On June 23, I had the privilege of handing over the keys of a retired King County van to the Black Diamond Community Center (BDCC), which offers social, recreational, and emergency programs targeted at seniors, families, and the youth of the greater Black Diamond Community area. The van presentation occurred during the celebration honoring BDCC’s long time Executive Director Judith Black who is retiring. I join the residents of Black Diamond in applauding Judith for all the work she has done in the community.

Keeping dangerous suspects behind bars

In the wake of the tragic loss of four police officers in Lakewood, the County Council adopted a motion I sponsored supporting the effort to send to state voters an amendment to the state Constitution giving judges the discretion to deny bail to people charged with serious crimes that are determined to be a danger to the community. The goal of that amendment—ensuring that dangerous felons such as the man responsible for murder of those 4 officers –are kept behind bars, has been used for the first time to keep a truly dangerous suspect locked up.

Tour of communities and cities in District 9

With a visit to the city of Black Diamond on June 2, I have finished my annual tour of Council District 9. Talking to and hearing from the residents who live in my district is vital, especially given the fiscal challenges facing the county right now. Read more.