2019 – News about Councilmember Rod Dembowski

December 2, 2019
Statement from Council Chair Dembowski on Superior Court’s closure of Third Avenue entrance to King County Courthouse
“I support the Superior Court’s decision to take aggressive action to protect the public and our county employees who work in and near the King County Courthouse...I am introducing emergency legislation to appropriate necessary funding to support the work and recommendations of the court’s proposed courthouse security work group, as well as to immediately enhance safety around the courthouse, and plan for longer-term safety and security improvements to the area.”

November 5, 2019
Statement from Council Chair Dembowski, Transit Union President, Kenmore Mayor on Passage of Eyman’s I-976
“King County voters sent a clear message that they want to continue investments in transit and critical local transportation infrastructure. At a time of record demands for service, we can’t afford to cut hundreds of millions of dollars in transit and transportation projects in King County. At King County we stand ready to consider all options to prevent Metro service bus cuts that will cause further congestion on our roadways, diminish service to our most vulnerable riders on Access paratransit, and delay the electrification of Metro’s fleet. Further, I believe as a regional government, we should work closely with our city partners to look at restoring funding for critical infrastructure projects like sidewalks, pothole repair, and streets. While I-976 is a roadblock, I am committed to immediately going to work to mitigate the worst of its impacts.”

October 9, 2019
Expansive Climate Change Legislation Proposed for County
“Millions of high-paying new jobs in the emerging zero-emission economy are going to be up for grabs. This proposal helps ensure that King County residents, especially those from historically disadvantaged communities, will be ready to compete and be hired into those living wage jobs.”

July 2, 2019
County Councils Appoint Stanford to State Senate and Duerr to State House of Representatives
“Congratulations to Senator Stanford and Representative Duerr on their respective appointments today. I was proud to bring the joint County Council meeting to the First District to make these appointments in the community, and look forward to continuing to work with Derek and Davina in their new capacities to serve our shared constituents.” 

June 26, 2019
County Council Confirms Members of Task Force focused on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
“This is important and serious work. It’s a chance for us to learn, assess, and do better — not only to be more inclusive and responsive, but to ensure that access to our systems and services are fair and just for all members of our community. This task force has an incredible opportunity to make transformative change through its recommendations in a way that will meaningfully impact people’s lives in a very real way.” 

May 24, 2019
Statements by King and Snohomish County Council Chairs on First Legislative District Appointment
“Snohomish County Council Chair Terry Ryan and I have spoken to start coordinating a joint meeting of our councils. I have also spoken with the Chair of the First Legislative District Democrats, Monica Chilton, and been in touch with Democratic State Party Chair Tina Podlodowski, to coordinate with the party on its process for sending three names to the councils.” 

May 22, 2019
Dembowski transfers surplus vans to local nonprofits
“The mobility that a van brings will help increase their capacity to continue serving those in need, by providing access to enriching educational, social, and recreational experiences.” 

May 8, 2019
Recognizing need for affordable housing
“Having a stable and affordable place to live is perhaps the single best indicator of one’s opportunity to achieve their full potential. King County faces an affordability crisis, and we are taking action to address it by funding thousands of new affordable units for those most in need.”

April 24, 2019
County Council recognizes April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month
“Today we send a message that victims of sexual assault matter and are heard. Shining a light on this topic and helping victims find justice and closure is the reason I spearheaded an effort in 2015 to ensure all rape kits in King County were tested. These actions are just a few examples of how our government supports victims and takes sexual assault seriously.”  

March 27, 2019
Responding to the rise of Islamophobia
“As Americans, we share a foundational value of religious freedom, regardless of our background or heritage. It is a civil right, guaranteed and protected by our Constitution. The diversity of faiths and religions in our country is what unites us, not divides us.”

March 26, 2019
Hearing on youth solitary confinement raises question
“Solitary confinement of youth causes permanent harm, is inhumane, and unjust. It needs to stop, now.” 

March 15, 2019
Council on American-Islamic Relations and County Council Chair Issue Statements on New Zealand Terror Attack
“King County extends to our Muslim friends and neighbors condolences for the victims and families of the terrorist attacks at mosques in New Zealand. We will continue to steadfastly support and foster a community that respects all people of all faiths and we will fight back against anyone and any group that works to undermine our commitment to a peaceful and loving community that respects, honors, and celebrates the promise of religious and political freedoms on which our country was founded.”

March 13, 2019
Immigrant and Refugee-Focused Commission Appointed
“In these trying times, these brave leaders have stepped forward to help build the new Commission and assist the County in efforts to fully embrace all our residents. I am humbled by their dedication, and I look forward to partnering with them to continue to strengthen our county.”

February 27, 2019
Sarah Haycox recognized with MLK Medal of Distinguished Service for efforts to honor the life of Edwin T. Pratt
“Sarah is an inspiration and a shining example in our community. She has worked tirelessly, with dedication and persistence, to honor the life and legacy of Edwin T. Pratt, and I want to thank her for helping to educate the community and keep his memory and contributions alive both in District One and across King County.”

February 22, 2019
Funding for senior housing along light rail
Gossett, Dembowski present funds for housing complex near future light rail stop

February 14, 2019
Dembowski and Kohl-Welles to host joint Town Hall
“Bring your questions and suggestions for how King County can help achieve our community’s shared goals for affordable housing, transit, our environment, criminal justice, and human services. We look forward to seeing you.” 

January 7, 2019
New Chair Elected at King County Council
“We live in times of increasing economic disparity, where the middle class and our most vulnerable residents face unprecedented challenges. King County has a tremendous opportunity to improve every community in our region and the tools to make it happen. I appreciate the trust my colleagues have placed in me to guide that work and Chair the council in 2019.”