2016 – News about Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer

December 15, 2016
$150,000 grant awarded to Auburn Youth Resources to support families facing imminent risk of homelessness
“This initiative directly fills a gap in services in South King County by supporting non-profits such as Auburn Youth Resources that assist families in reaching their full potential by leading healthy, productive lives.”

December 15, 2016
$150,000 grant awarded to Federal Way Multi-Service Center to support families facing imminent risk of homelessness
“The Best Starts for Kids Youth and Family Homelessness Prevention Initiative is a critical tool in our mission to end homelessness and extreme generational poverty.”

November 16, 2016
Auburn families to benefit from $500,000 grant from County Budget to YMCA
“The Auburn YMCA’s vision to meet the growing needs of South King County youth for their recreational sports activities will be accomplished with the support of King County. This new capital campaign will help the Auburn YMCA expand its impact by increasing the number of children, adults and families served by the Healthy Kids Campus.”

November 14, 2016
Commitment to public safety, homelessness and transportation highlight King County Budget
“Time and again, studies have shown that children who participate in recreational programs and sports activities become more engaged in their communities. In providing funds to update and maintain our sports facilities, we are providing our families and youth with the tools and opportunities to build stronger communities through stronger families.”

November 14, 2016
Adopted County Budget includes support for South County Youth
“Our children are our future, and we need to develop educational and recreational programs that help them become active, knowledgeable and engaged citizens. Updating and maintaining sports program facilities is paramount to providing families and youth with the tools and opportunities to build stronger communities for future generations.”

November 7, 2016
County Council recognizes the life and work of State Senator Andy Hill
“Andy truly believed in the saying that ‘you should spend the first part of your life learning, the second part of your life earning and the last part of your life serving.’”

November 1, 2016
von Reichbauer statement on Sen. Andy Hill
“He was respected by the people in his district and by the many friends on both sides of the aisle in the Legislature. His abilities and skills benefitted King County and all of the people of our state.”

October 12, 2016
von Reichbauer hosts meeting discussing long range plans for ST3 and interim solutions for traffic congestion with South King County civic leaders and King County Executive Dow Constantine

October 5, 2016
Emergency Preparedness panel dialogue with neighbors and youth at von Reichbauer town hall

September 21, 2016
von Reichbauer hosts session for Federal Way 320th merchants with Sound Transit CEO
“Listening to local operators is critical to building this center around the needs of the community.”

September 19, 2016
Recognizing sacrifice: County Council approves naming new facility at Boeing Field in honor of fallen firefighter
“Luther Dean Bonner exemplifies the best of our public service officers. When faced with imminent danger, Luther fought to contain the fire and made the ultimate sacrifice to protect others. Although long overdue, this recognition is well deserved.”

September 14, 2016
South King County leaders hear from candidates
All of the candidates had the opportunity to discuss their goals at the monthly “Good Eggs” breakfast meeting hosted by King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer.

August 17, 2016
Seattle Children’s CEO Dr. Jeff Sperring meets with South King County leaders
Sperring outlined their goal of providing more accessible healthcare opportunities for families in South King County.

August 15, 2016
County Council celebrates Liberation Day of Korea
“We celebrate this freedom from oppression -- Korean independence and the immense value of the relationship between the Republic of Korea and King County.”

August 15, 2016
Unique donation will be used to purchase land
“This generous donation will serve as an important investment in our county’s green spaces. As King County continues to develop at a rapid pace, open spaces become increasingly valuable to the health and enjoyment of future generations.”

July 28, 2016
New Ballot Drop Box unveiled at Auburn Library
“Voter turnout has been extremely low, and providing citizens the opportunity to have their voice heard through expanding additional ballot drop box locations may increase participation in the election process.”

July 21, 2016
von Reichbauer proposes use of Civic Square property for temporary homeless shelter
“Rather than continuing to allow this valuable public property to remain completely vacant, with no benefit to the public, I urge you to evaluate its possible use for a temporary homeless shelter.”

July 5, 2016
County Council Unanimously Agrees to Sell Auburn Health Clinic Property to City of Auburn for Auburn Arts Center
“I am pleased to help the City of Auburn use this surplus County property to support the arts. I want to thank 4Culture for the grant to make this vision a reality, and my colleagues on the King County Council for their unanimous support.”

June 22, 2016
Tom Messmer, Industrial Realty Group, met with South King County leaders to discuss future plans for the former Weyerhaeuser property in South King County
Participants discussed a range of potential options for the property, with the emphasis on creating more job opportunities.

June 20, 2016
King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer and the King County Council recognize businessman Ron Crockett for saving thoroughbred racing in western Washington and for his philanthropy
“Ron has never forgotten where he came from or the help that he received to get there. In turn, he has transformed the lives of countless individuals with his leadership, vision and dedication, his philanthropic work in the community and his efforts to keep horse racing viable and thriving in Washington State.”

May 31, 2016
South King County’s 27th Annual Flag Day Celebration
WWII Veteran, Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient, Art Schladerman will receive a special recognition. 

May 25, 2016
Dan Satterberg discussed with South King County leaders the Prosecuting Attorney’s office new approach to the evolving environment of crime in King County
 
May 2, 2016
von Reichbauer: Council vote expands opportunities for potential NBA and NHL teams
“For all of the fans who want the Supersonics back, there are options other than Chris Hansen. This decision creates opportunities to look at the other potential locations for an arena.”  

May 2, 2016
County Council approves new ballot drop off boxes in District 7
“Citizens in South King County will be able to have their voices heard with the additional drop-box locations. Increasing voter participation in the election process is fundamental to the democratic process.”

April 26, 2016
Auburn and Federal Way High School Baseball Teams join Seattle Mariners General Manager Jerry Dipoto and Pete von Reichbauer to raise $50,000 at Annual Federal Way/Auburn Boys and Girls Club Breakfast
“According to recent studies, a youth incarcerated in Washington costs $132,000 per year, and early investment in our children will reduce youth incarcerations.” 

April 19, 2016
Von Reichbauer Statement on the Cancellation of the Tacoma Methanol Project
“When regional projects like this emerge in the future, I hope we pursue a regional conversation between neighboring cities and counties because the potential negative impacts do not stop at the city or county limits.”

April 12, 2016
Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer and Assessor John Wilson Listen to Concerned Property Owners at Federal Way Town Hall on Property Values
Among the issues of discussed was property tax affordability for seniors and those families recovering from the challenging economy. Many seniors were concerned about being taxed out of their houses.

April 6, 2016
Kent City Council votes to rescind sale of Pine Tree Park to developer
“I want to commend the citizens of Kent for bringing this issue to my attention and for getting organized. I further want to thank the Kent City Council for acting on the concerns of their constituents by rescinding the sale of the park.”

April 4, 2016
Residents in South King County to get greater say in judicial elections
“This ordinance will unify Auburn residents divided by a county line. It creates an equitable say in the selection of district court judges, resulting in a more representative justice system.”

March 28, 2016
Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer and Assessor John Wilson to host Town Halls on Property Values
“With the current economy’s ever changing real estate values and property taxes, it is important that our local property owners understand the correlation between specific levied taxes and local real estate values in their area.”

March 24, 2016
Von Reichbauer: “Sound Transit must be committed to bringing light rail to South King County”
“As a member of the Sound Transit Board of Directors, I am committed to bringing Light Rail to South King County, as well as providing vital transportation alternatives throughout the Greater Auburn and Federal Way areas. I look forward to getting feedback from South King County citizens before submitting the final package to the voters.”

March 21, 2016
King County Council presents first annual MLK Medal of Distinguished Service Award for South King County to Auburn’s Debbie Christian
“In recognition of her positive impact on the community through her efforts addressing the reality that hunger touches us all. As a volunteer for various organizations and causes, Debbie helps to keep her community a great place to live and raise families.”

March 21, 2016
King County Council Recognizes Back-to-Back State Champions Federal Way High School Boys Basketball Team and Coach Collins
“Coach Jerome Collins exemplifies a philosophy of developing players into scholar-athletes who work hard not only on the hardcourt, but also on their homework. He inspires his teams to function as a unit and empowers them to lead successful lives long after they have played the game.”

March 21, 2016
“Retiring” County employees prepare for new careers
“Twenty years ago, I introduced legislation to ‘recycle’ retired vans and help fill a community need. As a result, hundreds of non-profit organizations in King County have been able to provide transportation assistance to people with a wide range of needs. I am proud of the legacy of this program and I know that it will continue to be a critical lifeline to improve the quality of life for our neighbors in King County.”

March 2, 2016
Seattle/King County Public Health Director discusses Zika outbreak, as well as regional efforts in keeping local communities healthy

February 3, 2016
AG Bob Ferguson speaks to South King County officials at monthly “Good Eggs” meeting
Bob Ferguson reviewed the role of the Office of Attorney General, and discussed funding K-12 education, public records requests, consumer safety, and current legislative issues affecting South King County leaders at the monthly “Good Eggs Breakfast” meeting in Auburn.

February 1, 2016
King County Council adopts ordinance creating Lake Geneva Lake Management District
“This is a great example of neighbors coming together to protect the quality of their lives. Throughout this process, and through several steps, neighbors developed a funding mechanism and a strategic plan to address current issues and future activities.”

January 25, 2016
Council approves members of King County Children and Youth Advisory Board
“It is critical that we develop policies and investments that create positive impacts for children and families throughout South King County.”

January 13, 2016
Director of Economic and Revenue Forecast Council discusses Washington State’s economic growth with South King County leaders
Working together to build a strong economic region, South King County leaders met with Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council Executive Director Dr. Steve Lerch to discuss Washington State’s Economic and Revenue outlook.