November 19, 2014
In the news Maple Valley Reporter: King County Flood District makes progress on investigation of landslide areas |
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November Highlights
King County Budget
The King County 2015-2016 budget was unanimously adopted by the Council on November 17.
Despite the ongoing economic challenges in the county, I was able to secure important funding for the residents of the 9th Council District.
Keeping the Auburn health clinic and its satellite office in Enumclaw open was my highest priority. Working in collaboration with local businesses, individuals and cities we generated enough money to keep the Auburn clinic open for the next two years.
For over 70,000 residents of unincorporated King County who live in District 9, King County is their local government. This year's budget builds upon last year's budget by maintaining the Sheriff's office increased staffing levels and restores the Sheriff's Domestic Violence Unit—two detectives and a community service officer. It also includes an additional $6 million in the biennium to be used for road maintenance work.
Other important district items in the budget include funding for the King County Fair, the Maple Valley Creative Arts Council's Pocket Park in Maple Valley and funding to start planning for the 50th anniversary of the unincorporated community of Fairwood in 2016.
Read more about the King County 2015-2016 Biennial Budget here or read more about impacts in District 9 here.
Veterans Day Flag
In July of this year I was privileged to help arrange a military funeral service at the Tahoma National Cemetery for 36 indigent veterans who had died in King County (learn more here). The flag used to cover the remains was given to me for safe keeping since there were no family members to accept it.
On Veterans Day, I arranged for the flag to be flown over the King County Courthouse Complex in Seattle to honor these veterans and all veterans who honorably served our country (read more here). Carrying out the honors were five members of the King County Security Unit who are all Veterans. That same day, I attended the Veteran's Day Service at the Tahoma National Cemetery, where hundreds of veterans and their families saluted their fellow soldiers — both living and dead.
In the near future the flag will be taken to VFW Post 1949 in Enumclaw to be placed in their custody for display and safe-keeping.
