Wilson criticizes Sound Transit’s choice of Constantine as CEO

King County executive candidate John Wilson says Sound Transit’s choice of Dow Constantine to be the agency’s next chief executive officer is a case of “too many insiders taking care of each other instead of the public.”

Wilson, the King County assessor, released a statement Tuesday, March 24 criticizing the Sound Transit Board’s announcement March 23 that it plans to name Constantine, currently the King County executive, as the new CEO at its March 27 meeting.

“I want to congratulate Dow Constantine on his nomination as the next CEO of Sound Transit,” Wilson said in an email. “I have worked closely with Dow for years and consider him a friend. However, this is a glaring example of why the public is so skeptical of government and too many insiders taking care of each other instead of the public.

“As King County executive, Dow has appointed more than half of the Sound Transit Board, including both of my opponents. Now my opponents have backed Dow for a new job with a salary of up to $650K per year.

“And you wonder why the public has so many questions about Sound Transit? We need more public transit options – Sounder, Link but also bus rapid transit like Rapid Ride, and to explore how are transportation needs are changing.

“The status quo doesn’t cut it. Sound Transit is millions and millions over budget and years behind schedule. We need fresh eyes to look clearly into the future, not in the rear-view mirror of what we’ve always done.”

King County Council members Claudia Balducci and Girmay Zahilay are also running this year for King County executive. Constantine announced late last year he would not seek reelection as county executive in 2025. He is in his 16th year as county executive. He has also served since 2009 on the Sound Transit Board, composed of elected officials from across the region appointed to the positions.

If chose as CEO, Constantine would resign as county executive, pick an interim candidate to take his place and the council would choose a replacement until voters choose a new county executive in November.

Wilson, if elected as county executive, wants changes for the 18-member Sound Transit Board, which includes elected officials from King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. Members are appointed by county executives and approved by county councils.

“I will propose reforming the board to assure at least one member has actual transportation planning and operational expertise,” Wilson said. “And, most importantly for the thousands we ask to pay for Sound Transit through higher taxes, I will fight to directly elect a portion of the board by the voters of King County.”