Electronic Tolling on SR520 Bridge begins December 29

The Good To Go!  all-electronic tolling is being put in place on the 520 Bridge, and will start at 5 a.m. on December 29, 2011. With no tollbooths, drivers will be able to travel across the bridge just like they do today. As drivers pass through the tolling area at highway speeds, the system automatically reads their Good To Go! Pass or license plate, and deducts the proper amount from their account. Those without the Pass — such as visitors or other infrequent users of the bridge — will be billed for their tolls by mail. There will be a lower toll rate for vehicles with Good To Go! accounts, and a higher rate for vehicles that receive a bill and pay by mail. Toll rates will  vary from $1.10-$5.00 each way depending on time of day and on weekends to encourage driving during less-congested periods. For more information visit: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/goodtogo/

Where your property tax dollar goes - View the 2012 King County Budget (pdf, 5.7 MB)

Council appoints first Director of the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight

On September 19, the Council unanimously approved the selection of Charles Gaither as director of the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight (OLEO). AS a member of the Selection Committee I was a proud to forward to Mr. Gaither on to the Executive for consideration.   Mr. Gaither’s extensive legal, law enforcement, and oversight experience make him uniquely qualified to serve the residents of King County and the deputies in the King County Sherriff’s Office. He understands not only the difficulties involved in being a law enforcement officer but also the damage that can be done in the community when officers abuse their authority. OLEO was created to establish better oversight of the King County Sheriffs Office. Gaither will lead OLEO and ensure the integrity of the Sheriff’s Office complaint, investigation and resolution process. Read more about the selection process or Charles Gaither’s biography..

Gossett Place opens

I was honored to attend the grand opening of the newest Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) apartment building, Gossett Place, on September 14.  Named in my honor and located in District 2 in the University District, Gossett Place is a 62- unit apartment building that will serve as a permanent residence for homeless young adults aged 18-25, homeless vets and homeless families as well as homeless singles and couples.  LIHI has partnered with Sound Mental Health to provide on-site support services to residents including counseling and job training.  For more information on the great work of the LIHI, visit their website, www.lihi.org.  For more information on Gossett Place, call 206-302-2716. 

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Report presents effectiveness of mental illness and drug treatment programs

King County provides mental health and substance abuse services to low income individuals in need. In 2007,  the Council enacted a one-tenth of one cent sales tax that funds chemical dependency and mental health treatment programs and services. The investment of dedicated funding  has resulted in a significant decrease in hospitalizations and jail stays for mental health clients.

The programs are designed to stabilize people suffering from mental illness and chemical dependency, diverting them from jails and emergency rooms by getting them proper treatment.  King County is also home to the nationally recognized Mental Health Court, which helps address public safety and reduce criminalization of individuals with mental illness. King County’s Mental Health Court recently celebrated 10 years of success. Read more about the Mental Illness and Drug Dependency (MIDD) Action Plan: http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/MHSA/MIDDPlan.aspx