WHEREAS, the King County Charter is the foundation document for the structure of government in King County; and

WHEREAS, the voter-approved King County Charter took effect 40 years ago in 1969; and

WHEREAS, King County was the first county in Washington State to adopt a “home rule” charter; and

WHEREAS, adoption of the Charter is evidence of the dedication and hard work of the Board of King County Freeholders, a 15-member commission elected by county voters to draft a home rule charter; and

WHEREAS, the Charter was adopted to form a more just and orderly government, establish separate legislative and executive branches, ensure responsibility and accountability, enable effective citizen participation, preserve a healthy environment, and secure the benefits of home rule and self-government; and

WHEREAS, through the review and amendment process, the Charter continues to provide the structure of King County government and reflects the core values of checks and balances, accountability, merit, and promotes an effective, efficient, and responsive government; and

WHEREAS, the original charter was drafted by Richard Albrecht, Chair, Simon Wampold, Vice Chair, Norman Ackley, Robert Block, Howard Bothell, James Curran, Robert Eberle, Paul Friedlander, Jack Geoffroy, Virginia Gunby, Donald McDonald, Terrance McKenna, Lois North, James O'Connor, and Lyle Schneider;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Metropolitan King County Council, honor and recognize the

KING COUNTY CHARTER

and celebrate 40 years of our county’s “constitution.”

DATED this seventh day of December, 2009.