Noted political activist Jean Hueston honored at grand opening of new Chinook Building

Names of each floor reflect history and diversity of the region

Retired public school teacher and renowned community and political activist Jean Hueston of Des Moines was honored January 25 as King County Councilmember Julia Patterson named the fifth floor of a new King County office building in her honor.

“Jean has encouraged and mentored hundreds of young people over the years, and has been instrumental in the election of many local, state, and federal public officials,” said King County Council Chair Julia Patterson. “She has taught us that political leadership can be a reality for anyone who has the passion for public service. I am grateful for the support, wisdom and social conviction that Jean has imparted on so many in her lifetime.”

The grand opening ceremony at the Chinook Building, a 13-story high-rise housing King County government offices in downtown Seattle, was an occasion to recognize and celebrate King County’s history as floor names honoring the people and places of King County were unveiled.

Jean Hueston has a long history in South King County where she is active with the Children’s Alliance, League of Women Voters, South King County Community Network, and a devoted member of the Des Moines Salt Water Unitarian Church. She taught 3rd grade at the Highline School District for many years, but retired early to increase her involvement in the community. Recently, Jean was honored by the King County Democrats and received a Lifelong Achievement Award for her many political and community contributions.

Each member of the King County Council named the floor whose number matches the number of his or her Council district. Other honorees range from a coal miner to former King County elected officials, labor organizers and civil rights activists, and even a historic town name.

The name of the Chinook Building itself and the idea of naming each of the floors came from King County students who won a naming contest sponsored by Ferguson in 2007. Middle school students in grades 7 through 9 were invited to submit essays in support of their naming suggestions. An appointed committee of prominent community members selected finalists and the King County Council selected the winning names.

The committee chose the name “Chinook” from among 140 entries submitted. Megan Drews, a student at Holy Family School in Kirkland when she entered the contest, said that “Chinook” is “an important name to me and my family because it celebrates our Northwest native heritage,” and also because “it is a great fish to eat!” Drews is now a freshman at Eastside Catholic High School and was present at the grand opening ceremony.

The Council adopted an idea submitted by 8th grader Connolly McHugh, who suggested that significant names be used for “certain rooms or wings for individuals, groups or symbolic logos” to make this a government building “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

Seven County agencies are now housed in the building at 5th and Jefferson, which opened in the summer of 2007. Its tenants include Public Health, the Office of the Public Defender, the Department of Community and Human Services, the Office of Information Resource Management, and the Finance Division.