Improving Open Access to Public Records

Government transparency is critical. It is important that citizens have access to public records, which inform them about the decisions being made by their government. In the last several months, King County has been involved in two high-profile public records cases, potentially resulting in more than $1 million in penalties. I recently co-sponsored legislation to reform the County’s public records disclosure process. Learn More...

Ongoing Metro Transit Audit

Metro faces a $168 million budget shortfall ($74 million in 2010 and $94 million in 2011) due to the impact of the economic crisis on local sales tax revenue, which is Metro’s main source of funds. Last year, I co-sponsored legislation requiring an audit to evaluate Metro’s performance efficiency, which was later expanded to look in-depth at the entire transit agency. The Council recently received an interim report of the audit. Learn More...

Protecting Open Space

Much of the appeal of King County as a desirable place to live and visit is the natural beauty and accessibility of the county’s open spaces. As the population of King County grows, however, there is increasing pressure to develop these natural lands. I introduced legislation to place an amendment to the King County Charter on the ballot that will provide heightened protection for over 100,000 acres of open space land owned by the in fee or in easement. Learn More...

Recently, the Council unanimously adopted legislation to keep approximately 4,000 acres along the Raging River in unincorporated King County free from development, as part of a 7,000 acre acquisition by the state. I co-sponsored an amendment to ensure that funds dedicated for the purchase of open space were made available for this preservation effort, which will allow King County residents to enjoy this beautiful area for generations. Learn More...

Civilian Oversight of Sheriff's Office

The Council recently put into action a package of important reform measures for the King County Sheriff’s Office by approving legislation to implement the King County Office of Law Enforcement Oversight. The Office of Law Enforcement Oversight will provide independent civilian oversight to the handling of internal investigations of alleged officer misconduct. These reforms will increase transparency in the complaint process and restore the public’s trust that legitimate concerns will be fairly and thoroughly investigated. Learn More...

King County Veterans Levy Funding

Area veterans have benefited from over $19 million in support from the countywide King County Veterans and Human Services Levy. Serving King County’s 150,000 veterans, these tax dollars have increased access to post-traumatic stress disorder counseling, employment opportunities, and benefits, while reducing homelessness and recidivism rates among veterans. Learn More...