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2009 Executive Office news releases

News

King County Executive
Dow Constantine


2009 Executive Office news releases

23
DEC

Most county offices closed Dec. 24 for unpaid furlough with limited county services available to residents
On Thursday, Dec. 24, most King County staff will be on unpaid leave and most county buildings will be closed as the county takes the tenth of ten furlough days in 2009 to cut operational costs countywide. All department employees, with limited exceptions, such as those in public-safety functions, are included in the furlough plan. County offices will also be closed Friday, Dec. 25 for the Christmas holiday.

22
DEC

Statements on Pierce County officer shootings
King County Executive Dow Constantine and County Council Chair Bob Ferguson issued the following statements regarding the shooting incident in Pierce County that critically wounded two Sheriff's deputies

15
DEC

County Executive Constantine congratulates Boeing on a successful flight
King County Executive Dow Constantine congratulated Boeing on the successful first flight of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner after a successful maiden voyage.

15
DEC

Constantine makes first inspection of Green River flood zone as King County Executive
For the first time since taking office, King County Executive Dow Constantine today toured facilities and locations in the Green River Valley that may be adversely affected by flood waters from the federal Howard Hanson Dam. Accompanied by key flood planning staff, the Executive received briefings from emergency managers, regional partners, and other elected officials at locations in and around the Green River Valley.

3
DEC

Directors of two King County departments step down
The directors of the King County Department of Natural Resources and of the county's Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention today both submitted their resignations from their positions. Theresa Jennings and Kathy Van Olst made their personal decisions earlier this week and informed the office of the County Executive today.

2
DEC

King County Executive and Sheriff extend condolences to Lakewood Police
King County Executive Dow Constantine has joined with King County Sheriff Sue Rahr in extending condolences to the families and co-workers of four Lakewood Police officers killed earlier this week. They also signaled their joint support for the fallen officers' co-workers and other law enforcement officers around the state by ordering flags at King County facilities lowered until the Lakewood officers are laid to rest next week.

24
NOV

Constantine calls for a "culture of performance" that changes the way King County does business
Pledging to change the way King County does business, King County Executive Dow Constantine took office today and said in his first 100 days he will build the blueprint for real, sustainable reform of county government, and forge innovative partnerships with the cities, rural areas, employees, and other leaders to address the critical issues immediately facing the County.

24
NOV

Inaugural address of King County Executive Dow Constantine
The central theme of our campaign was that if we are willing to embrace new ideas and new approaches, we could bring reform to County government while staying true to our core values. The public in King County embraced that idea, and overwhelmingly supported our campaign. Today I am so proud, so deeply humbled, to be entrusted with this responsibility, this opportunity – and yes, this challenge.

24
NOV

Most county offices closed Nov. 25 for unpaid furlough with limited county services available to residents
On Wednesday Nov. 25, most King County staff will be on unpaid leave and most county buildings will be closed as the county takes the ninth of ten furlough days in 2009 to cut operational costs countywide. All department employees, with limited exceptions, such as those in public-safety functions, are included in the furlough plan. County offices will also be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26-27, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

20
NOV

County funding for BNSF Eastside rail corridor proposed
Approximately 25 miles of the BNSF Eastside rail corridor will be put in public ownership in perpetuity under a $26 million funding proposal transmitted today by King County Executive Kurt Triplett to the King County Council for approval.

20
NOV

King County Executive-elect names leadership team
King County Executive-elect Dow Constantine today named six experienced regional leaders to the senior management team that will join him when he officially takes office next week.

19
NOV

King County joins with Port of Seattle, Sound Transit and others to preserve 42-mile rail corridor
King County Executive Kurt Triplett and representatives of several local government agencies and private partners have signed an agreement to preserve the Eastside Rail Corridor and place it in public ownership (external link).

18
NOV

King County once again earns AAA bond rating
Three major credit rating agencies have awarded a AAA bond rating to King County government based on its 2010 proposed budget, despite the repercussions of a worldwide recession. The agencies cited King County government’s excellent financial management, willingness to make politically tough but necessary budget adjustments, and low to moderate debt levels as key to the county’s continued financially stability and fifth straight year of earning a AAA rating.

13
NOV

King County receives $900,000 federal substance abuse treatment grant
Youth and young adults completing substance abuse treatment programs will have help to complete treatment and transition successfully back to their communities, thanks to new funding announced by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The award to King County’s Mental Health, Chemical Abuse and Dependency Services Division will provide $300,000 a year for three years to support substance abuse treatment programs for youth 18-24 years of age and their families.

10
NOV

Executive praises Ferry District tax reduction
King County Executive Kurt Triplett today thanked the Metropolitan King County Council acting as the Ferry District Board of Supervisors for dramatically reducing the county Ferry District’s property tax. The action leaves open the possibility of a dedicated Metro transit tax at no net increase to property owners.

10
NOV

King County unveils new websites, scorecard for tracking government performance, improvements and effectiveness
King County residents now have several new tools for tracking whether county programs are operating effectively and meeting performance management targets.

4
NOV

Voters approve enhanced protections for King County open space
More than 156,000 acres of open space land in King County will enjoy extra protection at no cost taxpayers, thanks to a charter amendment vote of the people Tuesday.

20
OCT

Executive Kurt Triplett commends King County Council for approval of $34.6 million flood funding request
The King County Council has passed legislation approving $34.6 million in funding for flood preparation activities in the Green River Valley as requested by King County Executive Kurt Triplett in September.

15
OCT

King County and Green River Valley Cities accept emergency funds to temporarily raise levees
Work will begin immediately to protect residents and businesses by raising flood protection levees at vulnerable spots in Auburn, Kent and Tukwila under an agreement signed today by King County Executive Kurt Triplett and the Mayors of Auburn, Kent and Tukwila.

King County Executive
Dow Constantine
Dow constantine portrait

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