Summary

Executive Dow Constantine today praised King County employees for the innovation and collaboration that has enabled the County to avoid the turmoil now rocking the state of Wisconsin

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Executive Dow Constantine today praised King County employees for the innovation and collaboration that has enabled the County to avoid the turmoil now rocking the state of Wisconsin:

"We insist on doing reform the right way here in King County.

"The vote by Wisconsin Republicans is an attack not only on the fundamental rights of public workers, but an attack on the beleaguered American middle class as a whole.

"Voiding the right to fairly bargain, independent of any action to cut their budget, only proves that these actions are strictly political, deeply partisan, and rooted in the lie that teachers, nurses, police officers and other working people are somehow to blame for the excesses of mortgage bankers and Wall Street.

"In King County we have proudly taken a different, smarter, honest approach -

making our employees full partners in addressing the underlying fiscal realities, with an emphasis on increasing efficiency, preserving service to the public, saving money, and respecting the rights and dignity of workers.

"Working together with our unions, we addressed our budget shortfall, reduced spending by $23 million, and prevented a fiscal crisis. Through employee innovation, we will identify 3 percent efficiencies this year - and next year and every year thereafter - and close our shortfalls by constantly creating value, rather than diminishing service to the public.

"As a result of honest dialogue, we stand in partnership with our represented employees as we move forward. Actions like those taken by the Wisconsin legislature fundamentally undermine the trust that is necessary for people to work together and provide the efficient and quality public services our communities need and expect.

"Economic recovery takes innovation and teamwork, not partisanship and cynical attacks on middle-class workers."