2013 – News about Councilmember Rod Dembowski

December 16, 2013
Council approves appointments for vacancies in state Legislature
“Jamie Pedersen has been a tremendous leader in his time as a State Representative, and I know he will continue to be a champion for his constituents as a State Senator. Brady Walkinshaw has stood up for social justice his entire career. He is a rising young leader in our state, and I am excited to see him head to Olympia.”

December 16, 2013
County Council deeply concerned about establishment of new coal terminals in Washington and Oregon
“Today, the King County Council took an important stand in the fight against global climate change. I strongly support our freight rail system and drafted language in the motion to express the importance of this system, but we cannot ignore the serious environmental and public health impacts that result from burning coal abroad and at home.”

December 16, 2013
Colleagues recognize, say goodbye to Councilmember Julia Patterson
“Julia’s unwavering commitment and advocacy for equity, social justice, and health and human services has greatly inspired me. She has left an indelible mark on the County Council as a champion for those less fortunate. It has been an absolute honor to work with Julia.”

December 9, 2013
Strengthening vital services, transportation options and investing in community assets highlight King County’s state legislative agenda
“Growing up in a single-parent household in Renton, I know from personal experience that if you can get a little help, if you get a little support, that can make a huge difference. For that reason, I was pleased to offer amendments to the County’s legislative agenda that strengthen our efforts to meet the demand for a wide range of needed human services.”

October 22, 2013
King County Council celebrates Pro Bono Week
“As an attorney in private practice I worked on a number of pro bono cases on behalf of domestic violence survivors. This firsthand experience gave me a deep appreciation for the tireless work done by pro bono attorneys, on behalf of our most vulnerable. Our justice system is better for everyone, as a result of their efforts and dedication.”

October 21, 2013
“Blueprint” for implementing Department of Public Defense sent to the County Council
“I commend Councilmember Patterson for her thoughtful, diligent leadership on this critical legislation. The successful transition of King County’s public defense services to an in-house system could not have happened without her steady guidance.”

October 14, 2013
County Council calls on state Legislature to hold special session to address transportation funding
“I am proud to be part of this broad coalition of labor, businesses, cities, and bipartisan leaders advocating for a balanced statewide transportation plan to address the needs of our roads and transit infrastructure.”

September 27, 2013
Council adopts Dembowski ordinance giving public time to review annual proposed precinct alterations
“Increasing the transparency and engaging the public in the work we do at the County is paramount. I want to thank Director Huff for her help on this important legislation, as we both believe this ordinance will allow for greater public engagement in our elections process.”

September 23, 2013
Enhancing the safety of region’s waterways: Council approves “BUI” ordinance
“There are over 33 miles of shoreline in District 1. It is imperative that our waters are as safe as possible for recreation, and to do so we have to equip our local public safety officials with the tools necessary to enforce water safety.”

September 19, 2013
Ensuring that King County’s young people can reach their full potential: County leaders propose Youth Action Plan
“This legislation brings together the broad spectrum of participants from throughout the region who help King County’s children and youth to recommit our collective efforts and honor our obligations as adults to the next generation. I look forward to working with these leaders to reform, renew and reinvest in our work to help King County’s kids achieve their full potential.”

September 9, 2013
Ensuring transportation access for all: Panel recommends development of low-income transit fare
“It is essential that all residents, regardless of their income level, have access to public transportation. I look forward to exploring options for the implementation of a Low-Income Fare.”

September 4, 2013 
Dembowski and County Assessor Lloyd Hara to host Town Hall Meeting in Lake Forest Park
“I am honored to co-host this town hall to discuss property taxes with Assessor Hara. This will be an excellent opportunity for property owners to learn about exemptions and appeals, and the assistance our office can provide.”

August 21, 2013
Rod Dembowski commends action by Attorney General Bob Ferguson Affirming Women’s Reproductive Health Care Rights
“While we have received assurances from UW Medicine that such services are not implicated by the ‘strategic affiliation’, I believe this opinion will help further protect women’s reproductive health care rights, including patients served by UW Medicine at King County’s Harborview Hospital. It will also ensure that patients receiving care in our clinics have access to the full range of reproductive health services. When the contract with UW Medicine to operate Harborview Hospital comes up for consideration next year, I will work to ensure that patients continue to receive access to the full continuum of family planning and women’s health care services at Harborview into the future.”

August 19, 2013
County Council adopts updates to Metro Transit’s Strategic Plan
“I believe the process we used to update the plan was a model of cooperation of leaders throughout the region partnering together to improve this vital regional asset. Working together with the Sound Cities Association and the city of Seattle, we were able to address some of our region’s challenging transportation problems; I hope to see this model of cooperation followed in the future.”

August 12, 2013
King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski extends best wishes to victim in today’s senseless shooting, commends police action
“My thoughts are with the victim of today’s tragic shooting. I visited with the bus driver’s family at Harborview this morning to extend the County Council’s support. The responding officers’ actions are to be commended. Their quick and effective response prevented any further victims. I am very grateful for their service.”

July 22, 2013
County Council honors veterans of the “Forgotten War”
“It’s a privilege to be able to honor those who served and to celebrate the contributions of the Korean American Community to King County. The enduring friendship between the United States and The Republic of Korea has paid immeasurable dividends to both countries. We owe our Veterans the highest gratitude for their contributions to peace and prosperity.”

July 19, 2013
Regional Transit Committee approves update to Metro Transit’s Strategic Plan for Public Transportation
“Working together with the Sound Cities Association and the City of Seattle, we were able to address some of our region’s challenging transportation problems; I hope to see this model of cooperation followed in the future.”

July 1, 2013
County Council sends voters Charter Amendment on the organization of public defense
“I am pleased that the legislation being considered by the voters includes protection of the public defense function from interference and continues to focus on ensuring access to justice and equity in our criminal justice system, as proposed by the amendment I sponsored last week that is part of the final ordinance.”

June 27, 2013
Committee of the Whole adopts fostering and promoting access to justice and equity as duty of the Department of Public Defense
“In 2010, King County adopted a four-year strategic plan applying the countywide strategic plan principle of “fair and just” intentionally in all the county does in order to achieve equitable opportunities for all people and communities. Today’s amendment acknowledges the elements that make our public defender system one of the best in the country and enshrines those principles as duties of the Department of Public Defense in the constitution of King County.”

June 27, 2013
Charter amendment on the organization of public defense sent to County Council for final action
“The elements that make our public defender system one of the best in the country were recognized and slated to be enshrined in the constitution of King County. I thank our public defense and civil rights leaders for supporting my amendment to this legislation.”

June 26, 2013
King County Council unanimously approves sale of Brugger’s Bog Maintenance Facility to the city of Shoreline
“I am pleased that we were able to pass this ordinance, that will ensure Shoreline can effectively maintain its parks, streets, and utilities as the city grows. I appreciate the city of Shoreline’s commitment to work with the Shoreline Water District during its planning process for possible joint use of the site.”

June 24, 2013
King County honors first group of HERO Program graduates
“The transition from active duty service to the civilian workforce can be challenging. The HERO program serves as a valuable stepping-stone for veterans to reintegrate to civilian life.”

June 11, 2013
Council adopts legislation ensuring equity for all County employees serving in the military
“As the son of a Korean War veteran, I am proud to sponsor this legislation to ensure that our service members are treated equally and fairly while they defend our nation.”

June 3, 2013
Voters to decide in November on six-year levy for Medic One services
“This proposal is a model of regional cooperation and partnerships throughout King County. I thank the EMS Advisory Task Force for its work in proposing this renewed levy program.”

May 28, 2013
Dembowski joins veterans at Memorial Day Ceremony
Dembowski joined local veterans on Memorial Day and gave remarks commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the end of the Korean War at Acacia Memorial Park and Evergreen-Washelli Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery. Rod was joined by his father, Al Dembowski, a Korean War Army Veteran, and his sons Evan and Camden.

May 28, 2013
Surplus Vanpool vans prepare for new careers: Council approves donations to organizations throughout County
“I am pleased we are able to support these tremendous organizations that provide great services to our community.”

May 21, 2013
Council adopts Dembowski amendment on interim structure for King County’s Public Defense System
“This ordinance is an important first step forward in restructuring our public defense system in King County. I believe this amendment helps to preserve independence and the ability to advocate for important reforms while promoting system efficiencies and improvements.”

May 20, 2013 
County Council adopts interim structure for new Department of Public Defense with four separate divisions
“Today’s ordinance is an important first step forward in restructuring our public defense system in King County. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the community in the months ahead to build a system for the future that preserves independence, the ability to advocate for important reforms, and that is accountable to the taxpayers.”

May 20, 2013
King County proclaims Emergency Medical Services Week
“Our successful EMS system is a result of unprecedented regional cooperation and strong leadership by our EMS providers. I salute them for their incredible work.”

May 20, 2013
King County Council Honors Congressman Norm Dicks
“Senator Warren Magnuson’s ‘Bumblesbees’ continue to have an incredibly positive impact on our state. Norm Dicks is chief among them. I commend and thank him for a lifetime of service to our nation.”

May 14, 2013
Overflow audience calls for preservation of Metro service
“Today's public meeting displayed the broad coalition of supporters advocating for permanent and stable funding for our transit system. As Chair of the Regional Transit Committee, I am working with this coalition to avoid gridlock, keep people and goods moving, and our regional economy growing.”

May 13, 2012
Snoqualmie Valley project, I-90 changes highlight September 2013 Metro Transit service changes
“As Chair of the Regional Transit Committee, I am pleased to see successful regional cooperation. These are helpful efficiencies and cost saving measures that provide flexibility in the delivery of important transit services to all parts of the county.”

May 13, 2013
County Council recognizes officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice
“King County has some of the best and bravest law enforcement officers in the country, and many have paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our region. I am glad we are taking the time to recognize and honor their legacy.”

May 6, 2013
Slowing the revolving door: Report shows mental illness and drug programs reducing jail, psychiatric stays
“This report shows that the investment in our mental health and chemical dependency programs have paid dividends in the form of reduced jail time and psychiatric hospital stays. These smart investments save taxpayers money and are a compassionate response to those in need of help.”

May 6, 2013
County Council approves blueprint for emergency medical service system
“Community partnerships play a key role in the regional EMS system. The strategic plan recognizes this role even as it lays the groundwork on keeping this internationally-recognized program the best in the world in providing life-saving care.”

May 2, 2013
Councilmember Rod Dembowski invites public to District 1 Town Halls
“I am committed to listening and learning from the residents of the District so county government can be as efficient, accountable, and responsive as possible.”

April 29, 2013
Council adopts Dembowski amendments to parks levy
“Voters need to see how their tax dollars are put to use. These amendments ensure greater transparency while strengthening our partnerships with cities throughout King County. I believe they make for a stronger parks proposal over the long term.”

April 29, 2013
Council sends proposed parks levy to August ballot
“This proposal funds operation of our current parks and regional trail system, and provides funds to acquire open spaces, and critical habitat lands. I thank the Citizens Parks Levy Task Force for its work in proposing this renewed levy program.”

April 15, 2013
Building on the present, preparing for the future: Council unanimously adopts 2013Equity and Social Justice work plan
“This plan will continue to guide the County Council in working towards fairness and opportunity for all of King County’s citizens.”

April 8, 2013
County Council approves new addition to successful mental health service model
“Adoption of the five-year Behavioral Health Services Plan marks an important new approach for our behavioral health system. The new focus on recovery and resiliency within a trauma-informed framework is consistent with best practices and is a promising development for helping those struggling with mental illness and chemical dependency issues heal and live productive lives.”

April 8, 2013
Recognizing the fallen: Council adopts plan to create King County Sheriff Deputy’s memorial
“I recall attending the memorial service for Deputy Sam Hicks in 1982 in Renton and am pleased that King County is going to formally and properly honor all of our county’s deputies who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

March 30, 2013
County, partners and community celebrate Eastside Rail Corridor public ownership
“The Eastside Rail Corridor is an irreplaceable gift to future generations of Puget Sound residents, and I congratulate all of the leaders in our region who worked so hard for so many years to protect this critical corridor.”

March 18, 2013
County Council appoints Ketu Shah to fill vacancy in King County District Court
“Shah’s long record of experience, and successful track record in law will serve the residents of King County well.”

March 18, 2013
County Council approves proposed settlement with public defense employees
“Today’s action approving a hard-negotiated settlement gives King County the chance to end multi-year litigation and protects taxpayers from potentially costly further proceedings at a trial.”

March 11, 2013
Councilmember Rod Dembowski joins community leaders in call to action for Legislators to pass transportation funding options
“It is essential that leaders in Olympia adopt legislation this session to give local communities the tools we need to invest in transit and roads, to ensure that our economy can continue to prosper.”

March 5, 2013
Rod Dembowski takes Oath of Office for County Council District 1

March 1, 2013 
Dembowski applauds renewal of federal Violence Against Women Act
“Its expansion to protect Native Americans and the LGBT community recognizes that this powerful law can save lives.”

February 25, 2013
Dembowski to chair County Council’s Regional Transit Committee
“I am excited about the opportunity to help lead our region forward as we work together with our city partners to address critical transit issues.”

February 11, 2013
King County Council appoints Rod Dembowski to fill vacancy in County Council District 1
“I am proud and humbled to serve the residents of District 1 and all of King County."