Economy, Transportation, and Environment Priorities in 2013
King County achieved some great successes in 2012, including reinvesting Metro transit service hours in order to carry more people to more destinations; preserving the Eastside Rail Corridor for transportation and recreational opportunities; advancing policies to reduce combined sewer overflows; and continuing progress on addressing the climate crisis with adoption of the Strategic Climate Action Plan. I am looking forward to harnessing that momentum to accomplish our economic, transportation, and environmental goals in 2013.
My economic priority is to support job creation now and in the future through investments in public transportation, clean water, and energy efficient buildings. I also support opportunities to take advantage of low interest rates to reduce borrowing costs by refinancing debt and finance projects that will save taxpayer money in the long run.
In 2013, I will continue to advocate for a stable funding source for Metro Transit service, which faces 17 percent service cuts starting in 2014 when temporary funding runs out. I will prioritize Metro’s efforts to maximize their existing resources through service efficiencies, including implementing the RapidRide E Line along the busy Aurora corridor between Shoreline and Downtown Seattle. I will also prioritize looking at ways to improve Metro Transit’s fare structure by ensuring low income individuals can access the system and promoting economic activity by tourists.
As a Sound Transit Board member, I will advocate for maximizing opportunities to promote transit oriented development that will allow more people to access the rail system and spur private investment in the region. I will also continue to monitor Sound Transit’s finances and planning for future expansion.
Environment
My environmental priorities in 2013 include continuing to advocate for clean water by exploring ways King County can help address ocean acidification and reduce stormwater runoff. I will also work to reduce climate pollution and prepare for the effects of climate change with a focus on implementing King County’s newly adopted Strategic Climate Action Plan, including exploring reducing the energy footprint of commercial buildings through district energy.
I will also continue to support sustainable growth management and increasing our green spaces by advocating for renewal of King County’s Parks and Open Space Levy and planning for future transportation and recreational opportunities on the Eastside Rail Corridor.
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