2009 King County Budget

I thank all of you who have come to testify and/or who have contacted the County Council to share their concerns and ideas on the 2009 King County budget. This has been the most difficult and challenging budget in my years on the County Council given the projected $93 million deficit. I feel that especially in light of the current economic conditions facing our entire community, our budget must reflect an ongoing commitment to the poor and disenfranchised.

I am very concerned about the proposed cuts to the programs that will have a disproportionate impact on poor people and communities of color. Some of these programs may not be mandated services as reflected in King County’s charter, but are necessary if we are to create a society that is safe for all people.

In reaching a balanced budget for 2009, I am working with other Council members to prioritize saving programs that are crucial to maintaining public safety and providing support for health and human service programs with the goal of keeping people out of the King County jail. If we turn to only incarcerating people without preventing and intervening before they come into contact with our criminal justice system, our budget deficit will only continue to escalate in even more dramatic proportions.

Motion on Dog Chaining and Tethering

The County Council passed a motion on October 27 requesting King County Executive Ron Sims to study pros and cons of implementing a ban on continuous dog chaining and tethering. The Council has requested the report with findings and recommendations by February 28, 2009.

The motion also requests the Executive receive input from a variety of sources including the King County Sheriff’s office, King County Animal Control Officers Guild, National Animal Control Association, King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and community members. The motion also requests other elements including humane standards and expectations in King County, costs of implementation of recommendations, public education and awareness and experiences of jurisdictions that have implemented chaining and tethering be contacted and interviewed.

2009 Martin Luther King, Jr. March and Rally

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee is organizing the 27th Annual MLK March & Rally that will take place on January 19, 2009. If you are interested in working on this community wide tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., please attend the committee meetings at the Central Area Motivation Program, 722 18th Avenue in Seattle.

For a complete schedule and information about the Committee, please visit our website, www.mlkseattle.org

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee is composed of dozens of grassroots, labor, business, minority, and progressive community organizations and volunteers from throughout Martin Luther King, Jr. County. These groups come together annually to organize our community's largest tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on his birthday. If you have any questions, please contact my office.