King County Charter Commission seeks input

[eridani]

Date: May 16, 2007
Contact: Mark Yango, 206-296-4628

King County considers charter changes
Resident input requested as 40th anniversary approaches

For the first time in a decade, King County residents will have a chance to make changes to the county charter – the document that operates much like the county's constitution, providing the framework for how the region is governed.

Every 10 years, the county must convene a committee of citizens to review the charter and take feedback from the public on potential changes to how county government is set up and how it operates.

The 2007-2008 King County Charter Review Commission convened in February. The Commission will be hosting nine public meetings – one in each county district – in June and July to hear public comments and gather potential charter changes. The commission has already received proposed charter changes from organizations such as community groups, tribes, political parties, the League of Women Voters, and the Municipal League, among others. Individual citizens will also be able to give input at any of the meetings, including those not in their districts. Citizens can also provide written comments by mail, web form, e-mail, or verbally by phone.

Voters have final say

"The role of the commission is to facilitate the process and review the information provided by the public," said commission co-chair Mike Lowry. "From those discussions, we will recommend charter amendments and revisions to the County Council in May 2008."

"Ultimately though, the voters make the call," said Lois North, co-chair. "The recommendations that are approved by the Council will be put on the November 2008 ballot for voter approval. After the election, the commission's job is over. We will dissolve and a new commission will not convene again for up to 10 years. So it's important that residents make their wishes known at the June and July meetings."

The charter is currently approaching its 40th anniversary. Voters approved King County's charter in November 1968 and it took effect on May 1, 1969, making local voters the first in the State of Washington to adopt a home rule charter as allowed under state statutes. The home rule provision allows counties to adopt rules that can change their form of government and/or create requirements for the operation of government beyond those required in the State constitution.

The full county charter is available online at http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/charter/charterr.htm.

Residents can submit comments and changes to the charter by attending a public meeting, on the web at http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/charter/feedback.aspx, by email at charter.review
More information and a list of commission members are available on the Charter Review Commission's website at http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/charter/.

Schedule of Meetings

District 1: Tuesday June 5, 6:30-8pm
Shoreline Center
Ballinger Room
18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline WA

District 2: Wednesday, June 6, 6:30-8pm
Garfield Community Center
Multipurpose Room
2323 E Cherry St, Seattle WA

District 3: Thursday, June 21, 6:30-8pm
Preston Community Center
Multipurpose Room
8625 310th Ave SE, Issaquah WA

District 4: Tuesday, June 12, 6:30-8pm
Downtown Seattle Library
Wright & Ketcham Room, 4th Floor
1000 4th Ave, Seattle WA

District 5: Thursday, June 28, 6:30-8pm
Kent Senior Center
600 E Smith St, Kent WA

District 6: Thursday, June 14, 6:30-8pm
Bellevue Community College
Bldg. C, Room 120 ANB
3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Bellevue WA

District 7: Monday, July 9, 6:30-8pm
Federal Way Senior Center
4016 S 352nd St, Auburn WA

District 8: Wednesday, June 20, 6:30-8pm

The Hall at Fauntleroy
Emerald Room
9131 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA

District 9: Tuesday, July 10, 6:30-8pm
Black Diamond Community Center
Multipurpose Room
31605 3rd Ave, Black Diamond WA 98010

This release is also posted on the King County Executive's Web site, at www.metrokc.gov/exec

[eridani]

1. More information--

King County is currently reviewing its charter, which acts as the county constitution. The commission appointed to review the charter is holding a series of public meetings around King County to listen to citizens' concerns and suggestions.

We'd love to see members of the 11th District Dems at an upcoming meeting. This is an excellent opportunity to present Democratic views on the structure of county government. The commissioners are taking the feedback from these meetings very seriously.

Some issues raised by residents so far are:
Electing the Director of Elections
* Better representation for residents of unincorporated areas * Making County Council positions non-partisan
* Public funding for campaigns
* Prohibiting paid signature gathering for campaigns
* Enacting whistleblower protection for county employees.

The meetings in the 11th LD are as follows:

Wednesday, June 20, 6:30-8pm
The Hall at Fauntleroy- Emerald Room
9131 California Ave SW, Seattle WA 98136
*Councilmember Constantine will be in attendance

Thursday, June 28, 6:30-8pm
Kent Senior Center
600 E Smith St, Kent WA 98030

Tuesday, July 10, 6:30-8pm
Black Diamond Community Center
31605 3rd Ave, Black Diamond WA 98010

Monday, July 9, 6:30-8pm
Federal Way Senior Center
4016 S 352nd St, Auburn WA 98001

I've attached our press release, the notes of the our first hearing, and flyers for the meeting. Please forward this meeting announcement widely to your lists!

Thank you,
Corrie


Corrie Watterson Bryant
Project / Program Manager, Charter Review Commission Office of King
County Executive Ron Sims
701 5th Avenue, Suite 3210
Seattle, WA 98104
Work: [phone]
Cell: [phone]
Email: corrie.watterson {at} metrokc.gov

The meeting is about more than getting feedback on a few issues though, we are holding public hearings in every County Council District to hear your ideas about what the priorities and needs of County government in the coming decade, and if/how should the county charter be amended to meet those needs. We began meeting a few months ago, and have heard from a number of groups such as the League of Women Voters, the Suburban Cities Association, and a Coalition of the Unincorporated Areas groups.

So far, the majority of speakers have indicated that they favor making several positions elected- the county auditor (which is also the subject of an Eyman initiative), the county sheriff, and the county elections chief. A number of speakers have also favored making County Council elections non-partisan.

One speaker representing a constituent group urged that the size of the County Council be changed to 10, and presented a map of how they would then redistrict- it was very interesting. Their idea was to draw a line from the north to the south, roughly following the 405 & 167 corridor. The upshot is, the districts would give the unincorportated and rural areas a greater voice, as the council districts would be distributed geographically with no consideration to population, racial diversity, etc. (For example, the plan would create two Council positions for the Enumclaw, Auburn and Black Diamond area, and two that would represent all of Seattle and the suburban cities west of 405 and 167).

Others have spoken to the need to consider broader issues such as immigration policy, and the plight of the homeless, transportation, or the environment when reviewing the county charter.

Some speakers have also talked about public financing of campaigns. Some want the recommendations of the Charter Review Commission to automatically be placed on the ballot to voters (currently recommendations are forwarded to the County Council and Executive, and they make the final decisions as to what proposed Charter additions or amendments will be put to the voters).

I will be chairing the meeting at the Kent Senior Center, and ask that you help spread the word about the remaining sessions. It is very important that we hear fom all segments of the community.

Sincerely,

Tara Jo Heinecke
District 5 Commissioner
King County Charter Review Commission, 2007

[sneakythomas]

2. A couple of small proposals

Public officials should be required to ride public transit to and from work and to/from all events during the day. I'd like to see one of them trying to figure out how to get to a meeting in Tukwila or wherever using Metro. Might improve our transit system in a hurry. For that matter make them ride the 3/4 from their office to Harborview once a day. Would likely lead to a solution for the problems of the homeless.

While we're at it, their kids should have to go to public school.

If they need to meet with another public official they can get in the same line with the rest of us. If they say its a waste of time, they should consider it a chance to talk to their constituents.

Pay should top out at whatever the county median is.

I'll think of some more if I have a minute or two.

[eridani]

3. Charter comments now available

Thank you for your interest in the King County Charter Review Commission, and your participation in reviewing our county constitution. The Commission recently wrapped up its public engagement efforts. We held nine public hearings around the county, in each of the county's nine council districts. We received more than 360 comments on the charter, from over 100 citizens and organizations.

You can review the charter comments by going to our website at http://www.metrokc. gov/exec /charter/issues. aspx. Download a synopsis of each of the comments (the Issue Tracker), or a library with the full text of all of the comments (the Issue Library).

The next step in the Commission's work is to deliberate and vote on charter amendments. The Commission will deliberate until March of 2008, when the public comment period will begin. Your can review our full upcoming meeting schedule on our website at http://www.metrokc. gov/exec /charter/meetings. aspx

Three subcommittees have been formed to discuss charter issues and formulate potential charter amendments. The subcommittees are: Governmental Structure, Regional Governance, and Rural/Local Issues. A few of the key issues being considered by each committee (not an exclusive list):

Governmental Structure:
Appointed/elected positions
Partisan/non- partisan offices
Initiative process
Election methods

Regional Governance:
Regional committees
Departmental issues
County budgeting
Council procedures

Rural/Local Issues:
Rural/unincorporate d representation
Local services in unincorporated areas
Rural policy development & planning
Unincorporated Area Councils

The next Commission meeting will be Tuesday September 25, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. All meetings are open to the public. Note: we are meeting in a new location, at King County's new office building at:

401 5th Ave (between Jefferson and Yesler), Seattle WA 98104
First Floor Conference Room: Room 121/123

We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming meeting or seeing you during the public comment period in March! If you have any questions or comments, please contact our Charter Review Coordinator, Mark Yango, by phone at [phone] or by email at mark.yango {at}kingcounty.gov.

Sincerely,

Mike Lowry and Lois North
Co-chairs, Charter Review Commission

[eridani]

4. Update

If you live in King County, you have the opportunity to provide feedback to the once in ten years Charter Review process, which will result in opportunities presented to the voters... Publicly funded elections and IRV are on the consideration list.

This page has a link to summary of issues presented, including in public
hearings this summer. It also has a link on the left nav so you can send in your comments.

http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/charter/issues.aspx

[eridani]

5. Another meeting 10/30 in Seattle

Thank you for your interest in the King County charter review process. The Charter Review Commission's next meeting will be next Tuesday October 30 from 5:30-7:30pm, at the Seattle Municipal Tower: 700 Fifth Ave, Conference Room 4050/60, 40th floor.

Speakers at this meeting will include:

- Randy Revelle, Former King County Executive
- Rod Brandon, Director of Environmental Sustainability, Office of the Executive
- Bob Burns, Deputy Director, Department of Natural Resources and Parks
- Gene Duvernoy, President, Cascade Land Conservancy

Mr. Revelle will be addressing charter issues raised by the Sheriff.

Mr. Brandon, Mr. Burns, and Mr. Duvernoy will be speaking on an amendment proposed by Executive Sims. The proposed amendment would protect over 100,000 acres of open space already acquired by King County. The county would be barred from conveying, relinquishing, or converting these properties except in certain specified circumstances, in perpetuity.

You can review these and other charter issues received by the Commission by going to our website at http://www.metrokc. gov/exec /charter/issues. aspx. You can read a summary of the most prominent issues, download a synopsis of each of the comments (the Issue Tracker), or download a library that contains the full text of all the comments (the Issue Library).

The Charter Review Commission is currently studying charter issues in subcommittee: http://www.metrokc. gov/exec /charter/committees .aspx. The Commission will deliberate until March of 2008, when the public comment period begins.

Our next full Commission meeting, in November, will occur on Tuesday November 27 from 5:30pm-7:30pm. All meetings are open to the public. Note: the November meeting and all subsequent meetings will be take place at King County's new county office building: 401 5th Ave, Seattle, Room 121/123. You can review our full upcoming meeting schedule on our website at http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/charter/meetings.aspx.

We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming meeting, or seeing you during the public comment period in March!

Sincerely,

Mike Lowry and Lois North
Co-chairs, Charter Review Commission

[eridani]

6. More stuff going on in 2008

Thank you for your interest in the King County charter review process. The Charter Review Commission's next meeting will be next Tuesday, January 29 from 5:30-7:30pm, at the Chinook Building: 401 5th Ave, Seattle WA 98104, Room 121/123.

This meeting will focus on discussion of proposed charter amendments. Amendments under consideration include:

· Charter Amendment Initiative Process
· Charter Review Process – Electing the Charter Review Commissioners
· Qualifications for Assessor and Elections Director
· Electing/Appointing the Elections Director, Assessor, and Sheriff
· Instant Runoff Voting
· Partisanship/ nonpartisanship
· Sexual Orientation Language
· Eliminating Budget Allotments
· Eliminating Transitory Provisions

You can find information about these and other charter issues by going to our website at http://www.metrokc. gov/exec/ charter/issues. aspx. You can read a summary of the amendments under consideration (the Charter Amendment Tracker), download a synopsis of each of the public comments received by the Commission (the Issue Tracker), or download a library that contains the full text of all the comments (the Issue Library).

More information about the issues can also be found on the Commission's subcommittee webpages at: http://www.metrokc. gov/exec/ charter/committe es.aspx.

Our next full Commission meeting will occur on Tuesday February 26 from 5:30pm-7:30pm. All meetings are open to the public. We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming meeting, or seeing you during the public comment period this spring!

Sincerely,

Mike Lowry and Lois North
Co-chairs, Charter Review Commission

[eridani]

7. IRV is on the table in April

As many of you know we have an upcoming opportunity to make a strong case for the adoption of Instant Runoff Voting, with the King County Charter Review Commission, an important body that is charged every 10 years with recommending changes in the County Charter to the King County Council. As you know, IRV is the system that allows us to ensure a true majority, end the so called "spoiler" effect and vote our hopes rather than our fears.

A number of us have already made the case for IRV before the Review Commission but we will have a final opportunity to address them during 4 important public hearings coming up in April.

They will be held :

Tuesday April 8, 6:30 pm
The Hall at Fauntleroy, Emerald Room
9131 California Ave SW (West Seattle)
Seattle 98136 `

Thursday April 10, 6:30 pm
Shoreline Center Rainer Room
18560 1st Avenue NE
Shoreline 98155

Monday, April 14th, 6:30
Preston Community Center
8265 310th Ave. SE
Issaquah, 98027

Thursday April 14th
River Rock Grill and Ale House
4050 Maple Valey Highway
Renton, 98058


I hope that many of you can come and speak in favor or IRV. I also hope that all of you will write letters to the King County Charter Review Commission urging them to recommend the adoption of IRV, a system that allows for more voices, more choices, and more democracy right here in King County. Please see the attachment for the address of where you should write, as well as some specific talking points on IRV that are tailored to repond to some of the concerns expressed by Commission members who have some interest in IRV. Please write letters in your own words, but referring to the talking points may be helpful.

If you write a letter or are able to testify in April, please be so kind as to let me know

Thanks much and please email me or call me at [phone] if you would like more information.
Joe Szwaja
Vice President of IRVWA