Summary

Executive Constantine appointed five elected leaders to the Sound Transit Board of Directors who will bring a combination of experience and new ideas needed to meet the strong demand for high-capacity mass transit.

Story

King County Executive Dow Constantine today appointed five local leaders to join him on the Sound Transit Board of Directors, including two new members, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and Kenmore Mayor David Baker.

Executive Constantine reappointed three board members: King County Councilmember Pete VonReichbauer, King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove, and Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus.

“I am pleased to appoint local leaders who share my commitment to creating a world-class regional transit system that knits together our rapidly growing region,” said Executive Constantine. “They will provide the combination of valuable experience and new ideas we need to meet the strong demand for high-capacity mass transit."

Here is a list of the appointees by geographic region:

South King Subarea

• Pete VonReichbauer, King County Councilmember
• Dave Upthegrove, King County Councilmember
• Nancy Backus, Auburn Mayor

North King Subarea

• Jenny Durkan, Seattle Mayor

East King Subarea

• David Baker, Kenmore Mayor

Mayor Durkan, who was seated early in order to join the Sound Transit Board for its December meeting, will be reappointed for a full term. Mayor Durkan will play a key role in ensuring Sound Transit and Seattle coordination succeeds in shortening the timelines for planning and implementing the West Seattle and Ballard Light Rail extensions. Mayor Durkan’s approval of a partnering agreement with Sound Transit within a few weeks of taking office is a demonstration of her commitment to work together.

Mayor Baker will represent the East King Subarea, which had been represented by Issaquah Mayor Fred Butler, who will retire this year. Mayor Baker has served as the Mayor of Kenmore for 10 years. He is active at the regional, state and local level on many boards and commissions and has recently served as President of the Sound Cities Association.

Mayor Baker has a strong interest in transportation and transit and been a member of the Regional Transit Committee, Eastside Transportation Partnership and the SeaShore Transportation Forum in past years. He was a key leader in organizing northern cities in support of bus rapid transit on State Route 522 as part of the Sound Transit 3 package.

King County Councilmember Pete VonReichbauer has been instrumental in leading on issues regarding the Federal Way alignment in his 14 years on the board.

King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove has been leader on Sound Transit issues in South King County and was active in the planning for siting the station at Highline College.

Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus has been a strong presence in her first term on the Sound Transit Board as a leader in securing Sounder and bus services for Auburn and Southeast King County. She will continue to be an advocate for the interests of the South King Subarea in the years to come.

Executive Constantine’s appointments must be confirmed by the King County Council.

Relevant links

• Sound Transit Board of Directors

Quotes

I am pleased to appoint local leaders who share my commitment to creating a world-class regional transit system that knits together our rapidly growing region. They will provide the combination of valuable experience and new ideas we need to meet the strong demand for high-capacity mass transit.

For more information, contact:

Chad Lewis, Executive Office, 206-263-1250