Julia Patterson Column: Elections bring about major changes

Over the past year local governments faced some of the biggest challenges of our lifetime – the recession, pandemic flu, preparing for a potential flood, and devastating budget shortfalls.

This makes it clear how relevant elections are in determining our community’s and country’s futures. Elected officials are often the ‘who,’ in determining ‘how’ key decisions are made and ‘what’ outcomes are reached.

On Nov. 3, King County voters weighed in on an election shaping the future of our region by electing Dow Constantine to serve as the next county executive. Results from the election also mean changes for residents in Kent. I think this election marks a new day for King County and I want to share what I think the recent elections results mean for you and other residents of south area cities.

Executive-elect Constantine will take over as King County faces some of the most difficult issues we have seen in recent decades. South King County is dealing with the possibility for the biggest flood the area has seen in over 40 years. The recession will continue to impact the county’s budget negatively, meaning we will have to continue to deliver basic services with fewer and fewer resources. Public health challenges, like H1N1 (swine flu), will put our government’s preparedness plans to the test.

The executive’s biggest test in the coming years will be addressing the county’s budget. He will need to find a way to have King County continue to provide core services, like public safety, public health and criminal justice, all on shoestring budget.

I’ve known Executive-elect Constantine for many years. We served in the State Legislature together before both of us became King County Councilmembers. The districts we represent are next to each other and many of our constituents, like yourselves, share similar issues. We have stood side by side to protect the animals under our care at the King County Animal Shelter and advocate for light rail as members of the Sound Transit Board. We’ve also disagreed at times, but we have always worked together to find solutions.

Representatives from South King County are shaping the direction of the Constantine Administration. Tukwila City Councilmember De’Sean Quinn and Renton’s Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington are serving on Constantine’s transition team.

King County government is led by both the executive and the nine-member County Council. The executive is responsible for the daily administration of the county. As the legislative branch, the Council oversees policies, enacts laws and adopts the annual county budget. The Council also helps the 1.8 million constituents of King County with their concerns. While the county faces many challenges ahead, the executive and the Council will work together to lead King County into the next decade.

Residents of South King County will also see changes closer to home as a result of the election.

Panther Lake area voters approved the annexation of their community into the City of Kent. On July 1, 2010, approximately 24,000 people will join Kent – growing the city’s population from 88,380 to 112,380 and making Kent the sixth largest city in the state! This also means residents who are now served by the King County Sheriff’s Office and other county departments will see the City of Kent to maintain their roads, patrol their streets and care for their parks.

However, voters in the unincorporated area of Fairwood declined the opportunity to form their own city. Moving forward, Fairwood and its roughly 26,000 residents will now consider whether to annex to Renton, a process that could take about two years, or remain in unincorporated King County.

Kent’s Mayor, Suzette Cooke, was re-elected to office. Four cities I represent at the county level will have new individuals serving on their city councils next year – including Des Moines, SeaTac, Tukwila and Kent. These new councilmembers will bring new voices to these changing cities.

I’m excited for the future of King County. As the populations of our cities continue to grow, elected leaders will help guide the development and identity of these communities. However, government works best when everyone is involved. I encourage you stay civically engaged and connect with your elected representative year-round to make King County a great place to live, work, and play.