|
As we all listen to the news coming from Washington D.C., we may wonder how it may affect us here in the Pacific Northwest.
 |
|
Tariffs certainly affect companies like Boeing as well as agriculture -- a mainstay part of trade for our state. Generations of Northwesterners have worked hard to create productive economic relationships. |
In addition, we have worked hard to build workforces to capture maximum talent, skills and life experiences by valuing diversity. We have welcomed and included the work, the know-how, the abilities of recent immigrants, and members of communities that have been historically under-utilized -- knowing that by embracing the talent, backgrounds, heritages, and experiences of individuals from all corners of the globe, we will gain unique problem-solving perspectives. Together we will be stronger.
These values of diversity and inclusion are particularly embedded in public service to ensure we serve everyone with dignity and respect. We are one King County.
President Lyndon B. Johnson shakes hands with Martin Luther King Jr.
after signing the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
It is for these reasons, that I spoke first at a recent Sound Transit Board meeting in favor of standing by our values as they are challenged by some in Washington D.C.
Click above to watch the Councilmember’s comments on filing a lawsuit
to protect King County’s values of diversity and inclusion
The Sound Transit Board voted unanimously to defend our commitment to following the law by joining with King County and eight other jurisdictions around the country in the suit against the federal government’s overreach. My comments can be watched in the video link above.
“I have a duty to fully enforce the law and protect these important services for our residents,” said King County Executive Shannon Braddock. “That’s why we are joining other jurisdictions from around the country to ensure the administration can’t disregard congressionally approved processes and bully local governments to comply with their political agenda at the expense of being able to deliver critical services.” – May 2, 2025
You can read more about King County’s position including the legal complaint filed in court on May 2 here.
I hope you too in your business, trade, community, and neighborhood will stand up to say yes, I value diversity and want to ensure my colleagues, partners, co-workers, and neighbors are included in laws protecting equal opportunity for all of us.
The goal of the D5 e-news is to share information about council business, upcoming community events, access to services, opportunities, and ways for us to build an even better King County.
This week:
 |
|
Last Saturday, I met with Interim Public Defense Director Matthew Sanders (pictured right) who will be appearing before council for confirmation as the Director of Department of Public Defense. We spoke about his values as a leader. He spoke about his integrity to core values in a truly challenging job. I was also impressed with his commitment to living into what democracy means to all of us. |
On Tuesday, I participated in the council’s Committee of the Whole which received a briefing on the budget resolution recently passed by a narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives which outlines goals of large cuts to Medicaid funding, large cuts to Supplemental Nutrition funding (SNAP or food stamps), and large cuts to Clean Energy funding. The next step will be for the U.S. Senate to pass a budget resolution. If you have concerns about federal funding, please do not hesitate to contact your US Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell.
 |
|
The Committee of the Whole also recommended Stephen Heard (pictured left) to serve as Acting Director of the King County Information Technology (IT) Department and recommended Matthew Sanders to serve as Director of Department of Public Defense. A final vote on these confirmations is expected next week. |
Over the noon hour, I met with staff analysts regarding proposed increases in the wastewater sewer rate. I asked questions about the causes of proposed increases and learned they are largely driven by the need to build more infrastructure to protect Puget Sound from wastewater discharges during storm events.
At the afternoon Council meeting, the council proclaimed May 2025 as Wildfire Awareness month to encourage all residents to prepare for wildfire. The proclamation was presented to Brendan McCluskey, Director of the King County Office of Emergency Management.
King County Council proclaimed May 2025 as Wildfire Awareness Month.
Left to Right: CM von Reichbauer, CM Quinn, CM Dembowski, CM Zahilay, Brendan McCluskey – Director of King County Office of Emergency Management, CM Dunn, CM Perry, King County Executive Shannon Braddock, CM Baron and CM Mosqueda
In the afternoon, I joined the Regional Fare Forum which is a joint effort of regional leaders in transit services to simplify fares and make transit easier to use.
My staff attended a Regional Transit Committee staff meeting as well as the 4Culture Board meeting where the Board discussed how Metro will be preparing for the FIFA World Cup and the Doors Open Program respectively.
On Thursday, the Sound Transit Board held a retreat at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue to review Sound Transit financing, goals and new challenges. I was pleased to join some of my fellow Sound Transit Board colleagues and new CEO for this discussion on next steps and the future for the agency.
 |
|
In the afternoon, I met with Tukwila City Mayor Tom McLeod (pictured left) to discuss city-county partnership opportunities to address public needs. |
 |
|
Later in the day I met with SeaTac City Mayor Mohammed Egal (pictured left) about ways for the City of SeaTac and King County to work together for the public good in coming months. |
I am pleased to be meeting with mayors of the six cities in District 5 to develop cooperative, collaborative and productive relationships. The residents of District 5 deserve leaders who can work together.
King County Councilmember, District 5
Des Moines, Kent, Normandy Park, Renton, SeaTac, Tukwila
|
