Dear Neighbor:
I have learned a lot by traveling around King County neighborhoods listening to constituents about a wide range of topics. November is a month filled with events honoring those who wore the uniform of our country, as well as the culmination of the budget process at the King County Council.
This fall has been focused on finalizing and adopting the 2015/2016 King County biennial budget. Please take a moment to read the following and learn about what is happening in and around South King County.
Honoring our Nation's Veterans
"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
-President John F. Kennedy
President Kennedy said a nation reveals itself by how it remembers its veterans. The sacrifice of those who wore the uniform of our great country should always be remembered, and for those who are wearing it today, we need to do our part to ensure their success upon the completion of their military service.
Recently, I was pleased to take part in a Veterans Day Celebration and Flag Raising Dedication in Federal Way with Mayor Jim Ferrell and US Senator Patty Murray. Federal Way is remaking the look of one of Western Washington's busiest thoroughfares with:
- a 60-foot flagpole
- a 15 by 25-foot American flag
- 30 street flags; and
- signs proclaiming the street's honorary name as "Veterans Way."
Honoring our veterans should not be something only reserved for the second week of November, but rather something we should strive to do throughout the year.
Here in King County, more than 122,000 veterans call our region home. We are fortunate to have such a large presence of veterans and active duty personnel, many of whom commute from South King County to Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) every day.
Earlier this year, in an effort to match South Sound employers with a qualified and able work force, I hosted a veterans' job fair in South King County. This event brought more than 500 veterans together with over 100 employers from companies like Orion Aerospace and Brinks security.
Learn more about what King County offers our veterans.
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2015/2016 King County Budget
"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success."
-Henry Ford
This year for this first time, King County will have a two-year budget cycle rather than passing a budget annually. We have made this move in an attempt to bring more predictability and stability in funding, especially for those programs that assist our most vulnerable citizens.
In South King County, I was able to secure funding for several organizations that have a positive impact on at-risk youth, as well as organizations that work to rehabilitate and help our homeless population.
For the 2015/2016 budget, $173,000 was allocated for Auburn Youth Resources and $151,000 was designated for Valley Cities Counseling-Federal Way Youth and Family. These funds will be used for employment and education resources.
Auburn Youth Resources (AYR) was established as a grassroots organization in 1973 to address the growing problem of drug use in the areas surrounding Auburn and Kent. Today, it is a fully accredited mental health, substance abuse, youth and residential counseling center serving young adults in South King and North Pierce Counties. AYR's mission is to assist our youth in their journey to become healthy, effective, loving and self-directed people by providing counseling and support services.
Valley Cities was established in South King County in 1965 and has been a United Way agency since 1967. They have provided mental health services to people of all ages for over 40 years. With the ongoing support of our community, Valley Cities delivers compassionate care through five comprehensive outpatient clinics located in Auburn, Federal Way, Kent, Midway, and Renton.
In addition to the support these organizations received, grant money was also secured for groups like FUSION and Reach Out which work not only to end homelessness, but provide transitional housing. In the case of FUSION, it provides a safe place for women who have suffered from Domestic Violence.
The budget also ensures the completion of "Kent Auburn Phase B" (1123632) as part of the Wastewater Treatment Capital Improvement Plan and funds maintenance and improvement for several facilities in South King County.
Working together with the Cities of Auburn, Federal Way, Algona and Pacific, as well as with organizations like Group Health, Orion Aerospace, and the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, the South King County Public Health Facilities in Auburn and Federal Way were saved. Keeping these important health centers open will mean that low income families and young mothers will continue to have a safe and reliable place to receive the health care they need.
Federal Way |
Auburn |
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Looking ahead
As we gather together with our loved ones, friends and family to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, I would like to share with you a quote from President Theodore Roosevelt:
"Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us; and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds."
-Theodore Roosevelt
Indeed much has been given to us in our country and I for one am truly thankful for the sacrifices of those who gave all, so we can be free.
In closing, it has always been my top priority to be responsive to the needs and concerns of the constituents I serve. I encourage you to contact my office at (206) 477-1007 or email me at pete.vonreichbauer@kingcounty.gov if you have any questions, comments or concerns. Also, please visit my Facebook Page for updates about my activities at the King County Council.
With Best Wishes,
Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember |
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