2017 – News about Councilmember Rod Dembowski

December 11, 2017
Council bans solitary confinement for youth in detention
“We are working hard to improve our juvenile justice system in King County. We know from scientific research that solitary confinement can permanently harm young people so I am pleased that we are now ending this harmful practice.”

December 11, 2017
Council transforms how juveniles are detained in King County
“This report recommends major changes to the construction and operation of the new youth jail. I hope the Executive and County will take Dr. Trupin’s recommendations to heart and implement them.”  

November 13, 2017
Council Approves Simplifying Metro Transit Fares
“Riders, especially ones new to the system, should have the confidence to board a Metro bus and know the required fare. I hope the flat fare makes using Metro more understandable and encourages first-time users to ride Metro.” 

November 6, 2017
Council Votes to Fund Measures to Prevent Gun Violence
The people of King County stand with the people of south Texas and send our deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones in yet another preventable attack.

November 2, 2017
Dembowski legislation would ban solitary confinement for youth in detention
“I had previously been led to believe that King County did not engage in this practice, and I am disheartened and frustrated that King County has for years treated juvenile offenders with adult jail rules and practices at the Regional Justice Center (RJC) in Kent.”

October 23, 2017
Volunteering for justice: County Council celebrates Pro Bono Week
“It is an honor to highlight 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 2, 2017
Councilmembers Call for Congressional Response to Tragedy
“Failure to act at the Federal level continues to put King County, and every community in America, at risk – and this remains simply unacceptable.” 

September 18, 2017
Council approves program honoring Ruth Woo’s commitment to the future
“I am thrilled that with this fellowship we can continue Mrs. Woo’s legacy and important work to open doors in public service to a new generation of leaders, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.”  

September 15, 2017
Dembowski: Mayor Harrell’s order on Children and Family Justice Center “Right Choice”
“Here in Martin Luther King Jr. County, the time is always right to do what is right. Dr. Trupin’s report confirms our view that the currently proposed CFJC falls short on King County’s goal to work toward Zero Youth Detention.”  

July 24, 2017
New careers for “retiring” County employees
“From helping adults with developmental disabilities to providing new opportunities to youth, these ‘retired’ vans are going to provide essential transportation needs in our community for years to come.”  

July 20, 2017
King County Board of Health Approves New Rule for County’s Limited Service Pregnancy Centers
“It is critical that pregnant women have complete, timely and accurate health information. Any delay in receiving pregnancy information can have adverse health impacts on both the woman and baby.”

June 12, 2017
County Council appoints Javier Valdez to State House
“From the very first time we met as college students volunteering on a campaign, to today, Javier has devoted his life to serving our community and fighting for social justice. I am confident he will take his effective and determined leadership with him to Olympia. I look forward to partnering with him to serve the people of the 46th Legislative District.”

June 6, 2017
Dembowski, Upthegrove award MLK Medal of Distinguished Service to local Filipino leaders
“There are few more deserving of this honor than Frank, known to many as Uncle Frank. He is a tireless advocate, a humble agitator, who is quick to raise his voice to call out injustice. While Frank is well known in the Asian Pacific Islander American community for his work, many King County residents have been positively impacted by his constant diligence in protecting our civil rights. I am honored to recognize him with the MLK Medal of Distinguished Service.”  

May 22, 2017
Dembowski awards Frank Irigon MLK Medal of Distinguished Service
“There are few more deserving of this honor than Frank, known to many as ‘Uncle Frank.’ He is a tireless advocate, a humble agitator, who is quick to raise his voice to call out injustice. While Frank is well known in the Asian Pacific Islander American community for his work, many King County residents have been positively impacted by his constant diligence in protecting our civil rights.”  

May 15, 2017
County Council Memorializes Gordon Hirabayashi’s Act of Courage and Resistance
“As Mr. Hirabayashi reminded us, his case was ’an American case, with principles that affect the fundamental human rights of all Americans.’ By commemorating Mr. Hirabayashi’s noble stand and personal sacrifice of liberty, we keep alive his courage and faith in the Constitution, and we remind ourselves of the importance of protecting our principles.”

May 1, 2017
Dembowski statement on the passing of Mike Lowry
“Governor Lowry was a friend and political mentor and I will miss him greatly.”

April 17, 2017
Council approves blueprint to implement voter-approved changes for civilian oversight of law enforcement
“Independent civilian police oversight is critical to addressing inequities and injustices in our criminal justice system. I am heartened by the broad support for today’s legislation and am proud to have co-sponsored it with Councilmember Gossett, and worked hard to pass it.”

April 6, 2017
King County honors local service in the “War to End all Wars”
On the 100th Anniversary of the U.S. entering WWI, Councilmember Reagan Dunn, Councilmember Rod Dembowski, local veterans and family members of those who served, gathered at the King County Courthouse to unveil plaques honoring King County and City of Seattle employees who served in WWI. The plaques are located just outside of the 4th Avenue entrance to the Courthouse.

March 13, 2017
Council Approves Independent Investigation of West Point Treatment Plant Disaster
“I believe an independent review is essential, as the public needs to have the utmost confidence in the report regarding what went wrong at the plant.”

March 7, 2017
Council to Call for Third Party Investigation of West Point Disaster
“We will take up emergency action at the King County Council this Monday to appoint an independent, third party consultant to investigate what led to this disaster. In light of questions raised and then unanswered by plant management at recent hearings, we believe it is our duty to get this information from an independent source. This cannot ever happen again.”

March 6, 2017
Effort to Honor Veterans on 100th Anniversary of America’s Entry into First World War
“As the son of a Korean War combat Veteran, I am personally committed to ensuring we honor the sacrifices of all who have served our nation, including the more than 120,000 veterans who call King County home. I am proud to partner with Councilmember Dunn to honor the legacy of the brave men and women who fought to safeguard the world 100 years ago.”

March 6, 2017
County Council Women’s History Month proclamation recognizes, celebrates the challenges and contributions of women
“King County has made strides to address the policies and systems that contribute to these inequities, especially in the workforce. It is my hope that policies such as our nation-leading parental leave program, which I was proud to author, will serve as a beacon to others.”

February 21, 2017
County Council remembers 75th Anniversary of Exec. Order 9066
“We must never forget the events leading up to this travesty, the irreparable harm inflicted, and the patriotism and courage of those who spoke out against the violations of their civil liberties. Linking this history to contemporary issues, we must ensure we do not repeat past atrocities.”