Current levels of public safety and health would be preserved under measure proposed to King County Council for August primary
Voters would have the choice of keeping current levels of critical public safety and health services under a proposed August ballot measure sent today to the King County Council by Executive Dow Constantine.

Constantine proposes ordinance to preserve community access to Evergreen Pool
King County residents who depend on the Evergreen Pool in North Highline will get more certainty of the pool’s presence thanks to a proposed ordinance King County Executive Dow Constantine transmitted to the King County Council today. The transmittal finalizes the newly-reopened pool’s transfer to the Highline School District.

King County Executive Dow Constantine statement on UW president’s departure
As a third generation Washington alumnus, I am saddened by President Emmert’s departure. Clearly, heading the NCAA is a great opportunity.

King County Executive congratulates labor, company leaders for garbage contract accord
“I want to congratulate Waste Management and Teamsters Local 174 on reaching a mutually acceptable pact,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “This tentative agreement shows that remaining at the bargaining table and maintaining open channels of communication is the right path to follow.

King County Executive and Seattle Mayor thank labor and company leaders for returning to work and bargaining table
County Exec and Seattle Mayor applaud progress in garbage strike

King County begins search for new Chief Information Officer
King County has started a search for a new department director/Chief Information Officer (CIO) to replace Office of Information Resource Management Director David Martinez, who is resigning. Deputy CIO Roger Kirouac will serve as Acting Director until a new director is named.

Executive outlines King County’s green initiatives to protect environment
In line with the 40th anniversary of Earth Day this week, King County Executive Dow Constantine today outlined actions he and the county are taking to protect the environment, and encouraged residents to think about what each person can do individually.

Regional elected leaders urge both sides to resume talks in garbage dispute
Elected leaders in the region today urged a quick settlement of the garbage-hauling dispute between Teamsters Local 174 and Waste Management, with King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn sending a joint letter to both sides.

South King County test of emergency notification system a success
Emergency managers from King County and the cities of Auburn, Kent, Renton and Tukwila report a relatively smooth test of the CodeRED and MyStateUSA emergency notification systems on Tuesday.

Constantine reform of DDES: fixed fees rather than hourly rates and new customer service unit for rural owners
More property owners will have the certainty of knowing their permit fees up front, and rural property owners will be the focus of a new customer service unit, under reforms being implemented by King County Executive Dow Constantine at the Department of Development and Environmental Services (DDES), the county’s building and land use permitting agency.

King County, Green River Valley cities to test emergency notification system
Getting the word out quickly to Green River Valley residents and businesses about flooding or other emergencies is the thrust behind the test of a rapid notification system set for next week.

Efficiencies and cost reductions enable sewer rate proposal that is less than projected for 2011
A one-year sewer rate that is lower than the original rate forecast for 2011 and that introduces a new level of fiscal discipline was proposed today by King County Executive Dow Constantine.

Annexation of North Highline unincorporated area by city of Burien now complete
Residents in the southern portion of the North Highline Potential Annexation Area are now set to officially receive services from the city of Burien as a result of an interlocal agreement adopted this week by the Metropolitan King County Council and the Burien City Council.

Park ’n’ rides to plug and drives: King County moves forward on electric vehicle charging station program
In a move aimed at improving regional air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the Metropolitan King County Council today adopted an ordinance championed by County Executive Dow Constantine that formally establishes policies for the county’s electric vehicle charging station demonstration program. The Executive thanked the council for their leadership and support for the project.

Constantine applauds signing by Governor of legislation enabling expansion of State Convention Center
King County Executive Dow Constantine today applauded Gov. Chris Gregoire’s signing of SSB 6889, a bill that allows for the formation of a public facilities district to guide the future operation and potential expansion of the Washington State Convention Center:

Joint agreement in principle proposed for humane and cost-effective 'Regional Animal Services of King County'
King County would be divided into four districts each staffed by at least one animal control officer, stray or abandoned animals would be housed at a non-profit shelter in Lynnwood or at the county shelter in Kent, and cities could enjoy significant economies of scale under a new regional animal services model developed by a Joint Cities-County Work Group.

Executive Constantine walks in the shoes of a King County employee
King County Executive Dow Constantine spent the day serving customers in Kent at the Community Service Center as the first in a series of visits walking in the shoes of county employees.

Executive thanks Council for confirming Caroline Whalen as County Administrative Officer
King County Executive Dow Constantine today thanked the Metropolitan King County Council for confirming his appointee for Director of the King County Department of Executive Services. Caroline Whalen has served in an acting capacity since February.

Light at the end of the Brightwater tunnel as contractor inks deal to complete construction on “BT-3”
Efforts to complete construction on a stalled portion of the Brightwater project moved forward today with the signing of a new tunneling contractor.