From County Councilmember Bob Ferguson
Sunday, February 14, 2010
The New Year brought a new opportunity for me – my colleagues elected me to serve as Chair of the Council for 2010. As Chair, I will set the agendas for Council meetings and coordinate the referral and scheduling of legislation. I am also responsible for the general direction of the Council’s resources and oversight of legislative branch employees. Instead of my usual video this month, you can watch the included video of a recent interview where I discuss the challenges and opportunities for 2010.
It is an honor to serve as Chair and represent District 1 on the Council. I look forward to addressing the important policy issues in the year ahead, and I remain committed to ensuring that government is open and accountable to its citizens.
On a personal note, I had the exciting opportunity to attend President Obama’s recent State of the Union address. It was a memorable experience.
On a personal note, I had the exciting opportunity to attend President Obama’s recent State of the Union address. It was a memorable experience.
Bob
I invite you to check out all my YouTube videos.
Supporting Public Safety
The Council’s Law, Justice, Health & Human Services Committee recently approved a motion, which I co-sponsored, supporting the State Legislature’s efforts to put a constitutional amendment before the voters regarding when a judge can deny bail to criminal defendants facing life in prison. The amendment is in response to the slaying of four Lakewood police officers and the revelation that the perpetrator had been recently released on bail.
Related Article:
· Judges may get stronger powers to deny bail – Seattle Times
Making News
I was recently interviewed for a “Comcast Newsmakers” segment to discuss my efforts last year to reform government to be more transparent and improve public records disclosure. You can watch the interview on my YouTube channel here.
Government transparency is a priority for me. You can read here for more details about the public records reform legislation I sponsored.
Bob’s Bus Books
In December, I started a new segment of my eNews to share what I am reading on my bus commute. I received a lot of positive feedback, including a mention in Carla Saulter’s (a/k/a “Bus Chick”) transit blog on seattlepi.com.
Out & About
Supporting Public Safety
The Council’s Law, Justice, Health & Human Services Committee recently approved a motion, which I co-sponsored, supporting the State Legislature’s efforts to put a constitutional amendment before the voters regarding when a judge can deny bail to criminal defendants facing life in prison. The amendment is in response to the slaying of four Lakewood police officers and the revelation that the perpetrator had been recently released on bail.
Related Article:
· Judges may get stronger powers to deny bail – Seattle Times
Making News
I was recently interviewed for a “Comcast Newsmakers” segment to discuss my efforts last year to reform government to be more transparent and improve public records disclosure. You can watch the interview on my YouTube channel here.
Government transparency is a priority for me. You can read here for more details about the public records reform legislation I sponsored.
Bob’s Bus Books
In December, I started a new segment of my eNews to share what I am reading on my bus commute. I received a lot of positive feedback, including a mention in Carla Saulter’s (a/k/a “Bus Chick”) transit blog on seattlepi.com.
Out & About
I enjoyed attending the swearing-in ceremonies for newly elected and reelected city council members in District 1 in January. I was able to attend ceremonies for the Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, and Kenmore city councils. Working with my colleagues at the cities in District 1 is an important element of regional cooperation.
With new Shoreline City Councilmember Shari Tracey, a former member of my staff.
Helping Haiti
In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, and with authority granted by the King County Council, Executive Constantine recently signed an Executive Order allowing employees of King County government to donate accrued vacation time to earthquake relief efforts. County employees will be allowed to convert up to 40 hours of vacation or compensatory time into a cash donation to help provide relief for victims of the earthquake.
In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, and with authority granted by the King County Council, Executive Constantine recently signed an Executive Order allowing employees of King County government to donate accrued vacation time to earthquake relief efforts. County employees will be allowed to convert up to 40 hours of vacation or compensatory time into a cash donation to help provide relief for victims of the earthquake.
When the Council approved a similar measure following Hurricane Katrina, King County employees generously donated over $400,000. To find out how you can help, visit this website.
MLK Day Celebration
The County recently held its 23rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Marching to the Dream” and the keynote speaker was Congressman John Lewis, one of the most courageous individuals of the Civil Rights Movement.
The County recently held its 23rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Marching to the Dream” and the keynote speaker was Congressman John Lewis, one of the most courageous individuals of the Civil Rights Movement.
To honor the life and legacy of Dr. King, the Council proclaimed January as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. month in King County. The Council also encouraged residents to observe the holiday by contributing to our community.
Contact info Councilmember Bob Ferguson on the Web Click here to subscribe to my e-newsletter. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at bob.ferguson@kingcounty.gov. Phone: (206) 296-1001 | Fax: (206) 296-0198 | TTY/TDD: (206) 296-1024 | Toll Free: (800) 325-6165 Mailing Address: King County Courthouse, 516 Third Avenue, Room 1200, Seattle, WA 98104-3272
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