2009 Executive Office news releases

Ron Sims to be nominated as HUD's Deputy Secretary
President Barack Obama today announced he intends to nominate Ron Sims, County Executive of King County, Washington, to become the Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As the Deputy Secretary, Sims will be charged with managing HUD's day-to-day operations, a nearly $39 billion annual operating budget and the agency's 8,500 employees.

Sims on nomination to become deputy secretary of HUD
President Barack Obama today announced his intent to nominate me as the next Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. I thank the President for this honor. I am deeply grateful and overwhelmed by his trust and confidence in me.

Federal declaration of disaster
Executive Ron Sims is pleased to inform citizens of King County that President Barack Obama has declared a federal disaster for the January severe winter storm incident that impacted King County.

22nd Annual King County Employees Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration
Good afternoon. We are here to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who struggled tirelessly to ensure equity and social justice for all people regardless of race, gender, class or sexual orientation. He lived prophetically and it is in his spirit that I speak to you today.

Death of inmate in custody
An inmate, Daphney Justice, female, 51, in the custody of the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention died Wednesday, January 14, 2009, at Harborview Medical Center at 01:35 PM. Justice was booked into the King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) on September 26, 2008, and was transferred to Harborview on January 7, 2009, where she remained for one week until her death.

Community comes together to celebrate legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
More than 600 people packed the Paramount Theatre in Seattle today to celebrate the accomplishments of men in women in this region who share Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of "Breaking Barriers," the theme of King County's 22nd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration.

Death of inmate in custody
An inmate, Daphney Justice, female, 51, in the custody of the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention died Wednesday, January 14, 2009, at Harborview Medical Center at 01:35 PM. Justice was booked into the King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) on September 26, 2008, and was transferred to Harborview on January 7, 2009, where she remained for one week until her death.

Housing award
Creating affordable housing opportunities for hundreds of individuals and families in need, King County Executive Ron Sims today announced $36 million in grants and loans to fund affordable housing and permanent supportive housing development across the county.

Deep bored tunnel to replace Alaskan Way Viaduct
Gov. Chris Gregoire, King County Executive Ron Sims, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, and Port of Seattle Chief Executive Officer Tay Yoshitani today announced their agreement to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct with a deep bored tunnel under downtown Seattle. The plan also includes investment in improved bus service, east-west city streets, a new seawall, relocated utilities, and an upgraded waterfront.