What's Happening in District Four--April 2009

Swine Flu Cases are Being Monitored by Public Health

King County Councilmembers expressed satisfaction with the heightened local monitoring and other steps being taken by Public Health in connection with the current outbreak of swine flu. Read more. Read Councilmember Phillips' statement on swine flu.

Phillips asks Metro to Retain a Bus Connection between Rainier Valley, International District for Low Income Seniors

Councilmember Phillips Reacts to State Legislative Actions Impacting King County

The State Legislature adjourned the 2009 regular session after taking several actions that impact King County. Read Councilmember Phillips' reaction to passage of the county options bill, cuts to the Basic Health Plan, and selection of the Bored Tunnel to replace the viaduct.

Phillips Calls for Contract Extension to Allow for Joint City-County Planning on Jail Expansion

Councilmember Phillips called for negotiation of a ten-year extension of the jail services contract with the cities of King County, in order to move forward with a regional jail services plan that enables cities to partner with the County for expansion of jail space for both felons and misdemeanants. Read more.

Light Rail to Arrive July 18th

Councilmember Phillips joined Sound Transit CEO Joni Earl and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels in announcing that Link light rail will begin running July 18th from Downtown Seattle to Tukwila. The day will be marked with live entertainment at many of the stations, and rides during the opening weekend will be free. Read more.

Raging River Headwater Land to be Preserved

Councilmember Phillips participated in the historic announcement that King County will join the State Department of Natural Resources in preserving in perpetuity 7000 acres of forested habitat at the Raging River headwaters. The property is a vital missing link in the Mountains to Sound Greenway. Read more. Learn more about the Mountains to Sound Greenway.

Council Seeks to Make Procurement Process More Transparent

In response to concern that King County's procurement practices may not make the most efficient use of public tax dollars, the King County Council approved a motion asking the Executive to review county procurement practices to increase transparency. Read more.

Council Proclaims Peter Donnelly Day in Honor of Arts Leader

The King County Council recognized Peter Donnelly's 45 years of service to King County's arts community by proclaiming April 20, 2009, as Peter Donnelly Day in King County. Councilmember Larry Phillips sponsored the proclamation in honor of the man who dedicated his life to the development of arts. Read more.

Phillips Stands Up for East Link Light Rail in Olympia

Councilmember Phillips spoke up when state budget actions threatened to delay East Link light rail construction. The state House of Representatives reversed courses and passed a transportation budget that allows light rail to move forward. Read more. Read Councilmember Phillips statement advocating for light rail.

Phillips Applauds Progress on Gay Marriage

Councilmember Phillips celebrated the legalization of gay marriage in Iowa and Vermont, and called for marriage equality in Washington. Read Councilmember Phillips' statements about Iowa and Vermont.

Council Improves Budget Transparency

Citizens will better understand where their tax dollars are being spent under a budget transparency ordinance adopted by the King County Council that requires a dramatically greater level of detail in the presentation and reporting of the annual County budget. Read more.