What’s happening in District Four -- March 2008

New Transit Partnerships will Increase Bus Service in Key Corridors

Bus riders will enjoy more frequent service on major bus routes throughout King County thanks to new partnership agreements between Metro Transit, businesses and local cities approved today by the Metropolitan King County Council. The agreements are implemented as part of the voter-approved "Transit Now" initiative. Read more.

Learn more about service partnerships in Seattle.

Council Vows to Act Swiftly on Disturbing Conditions in Animal Shelters

After hearing an animal care consultant's disturbing report on the ongoing poor conditions at King County's two animal shelters, King County Councilmembers vow to quickly determine the future direction of King County animal shelters. Read more.

Learn more about the council's actions on animal care.

Phillips Proposes Public Campaign Financing

King County voters would have the chance to decide whether to publicly finance campaigns for King County elected offices, under legislation introduced by Councilmember Phillips. Public campaign financing helps level the playing field in running for elected office, gives voters more choices, and decreases the influence of special interests. Read more.

Learn more about legislation before the council.

Leftover Monorail Money will Benefit Ballard and West Seattle Transit

Bus riders along the Ballard-to-West Seattle corridor will soon see some long-range benefits from the short-lived Seattle Monorail Project. The Metropolitan King County Council today approved the transfer to the County of $426,000 from the defunct Monorail Project for transit improvements that connect Ballard and West Seattle, the proposed monorail "Green Line," with downtown. Read more.

Council Transfers Portion of Soaring Eagle Park to Sammamish

The Metropolitan King County Council approved the transfer of a 30-acre parcel within Soaring Eagle Park to the city of Sammamish. The city plans to use a portion of the parcel for athletic fields. The remaining 598 acres of the park will continue to be protected open space and natural habitat. Read more.

Local Group Offers Deal to Save Sonics, Seattle Center

Councimember Phillips joined Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, Senator Slade Gorton, developer Matt Griffin, and city council members to announce a private funding partnership for renovating Key Arena in the hopes of keeping the Sonics in Seattle. Read more.

Sound Transit Completes Beacon Hill Tunnel

Councilmember Phillips was on site to witness Sound Transit contractors punching through the east side of Beacon Hill in Seattle, completing the second of two 4,300-foot tunnels through the hill for Link light rail trains to begin service in 2009. Read more.

Blue Ribbon Panel Reports Progress in Implementing Changes to Sheriff's Office

The King County Sheriff's Blue Ribbon Panel, established to make recommendations for improving the operations and accountability of the King County Sheriff's Office, reported on progress made by King County in implementing its recommendations. Read more.

Read my guest column in the Seattle Times