2014 – News about Councilmember Reagan Dunn

December 15, 2014
County Council receives Task Force report on safely relinquishing a newborn baby
“This task force worked diligently and delivered a very detailed list of recommendations. I look forward to working with my colleagues to determine the next steps in the hopes that we can help prevent future tragedies.”

December 15, 2014
Black Diamond resident Leah Grant appointed to Conservation Futures Oversight Committee
“Leah brings a wealth of knowledge to the board and the residents of Southeast King County will be well served by her representation on the oversight committee.”

December 15, 2014
King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn Commends the Passage of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Bill
“After seven years of hard work and countless efforts by a variety of stake holders the Congress has passed the Alpine Lakes Wilderness expansion bill. My sincerest congratulations to Congressman Dave Reichert and Senator Patty Murray for their years of hard work and to Chairman Doc Hastings for moving this bill out of the House Resources Committee.” 

December 9, 2014
County Council committee holds meeting at Newcastle City Hall
“As a regional government it’s important that the County Council meets in the communities they represent so residents have an opportunity to meet and discuss the issues they have in person without having to drive into Seattle.”

November 17, 2014
Health clinic, County Fair, park and community celebration highlights of adopted County Budget for District 9
“As with most budgets, there have been many hard choices along the way but I’m thankful the County Council has been able to work together to maintain the services our residents rely on the most.”

November 17, 2014
King County’s first biennial budget highlights secure families and communities as it meets mandated responsibilities
“This is a budget that protects public safety, keeps our health clinics open and restores funding for the Sheriff’s domestic violence unit. As with most budgets, there have been many hard choices along the way, but I’m thankful we have been able to work together to maintain the services our residents rely on the most.”

November 13, 2014
Dunn pleased proposed Council Budget includes funding for Enumclaw Health Clinic
“Through the hard work of the Council and many local partners, we were able to keep the Enumclaw Health Centers doors open. This was one of my top budget priorities. In this budget environment, we need to collaborate in new ways to meet the needs of our residents and that’s what we did with the health center.”

November 6, 2014
Momentum continues toward keeping Auburn Health Clinic Open
“These partnerships are coming together in a time of need to help ensure access to basic healthcare services for area residents. I’d also like to thank Executive Constantine who has been instrumental in this process and working tirelessly to bring together this broad coalition of partners to save this clinic.”
 
November 4, 2014
Council receives recommendations from panel reviewing ways to increase awareness on safely relinquishing newborns
“I have been eagerly awaiting the findings of this important task force. I look forward to reviewing the hard work of the task force and finding a way forward to help avoid these kinds of tragedies in the future.”

October 13, 2014
County Council confirms William Hayes as new Director of the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention
“Mr. Hayes has served at every level of the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention with distinction. His appointment as the Director of DAJD is well earned—and well deserved.”

October 6, 2014
Tahoma School District gets room to grow: County Council unanimously adopts ordinances selling portion of Summit Pit to district
“The voters in the Tahoma School District spoke loud and clear in support of a new high school to meet the needs of a growing district. I would like to thank my colleagues on the County Council for their expeditious review that allows the proposed construction timeline to stay on schedule.” 

September 22, 2014
Future industrial use of isolated rural property prompts County Council to act on review of development in isolated areas
“As their ‘local government,’ the Council must act to protect the unincorporated communities we represent. We look forward working with the Executive to study this issue more closely.”

September 16, 2014
Ordinance selling portion of Summit Pit to Tahoma School District heads to full Council
“This legislation is one step closer to final action by the County Council. Once passed, it will help pave the way to fulfilling the will of the voters in the Tahoma School District to begin construction of a much needed new High School.”

August 5, 2014
Tahoma School District wants to grow in Summit Pit
“In 2013, nearly 70 percent of voters in the Tahoma School District voted to fund the construction of a new high school, which clearly demonstrates the communities overwhelming desire for this project.”

July 31, 2014
Dunn: Alpine Lake expansion takes strong step toward reality
“I am excited that Congressman Dave Reichert’s legislation expanding the Alpine Lakes Wilderness has passed favorably out of House Natural Resources Committee. There are still several steps left and much work to be done but now we are another step closer to protecting this important area and for that I am grateful.”

July 17, 2014
Councilmember Dunn and Enumclaw Mayor Liz Reynolds Kick Off the 151st King County Fair
“The King County Fair has been a mainstay in King County for generations. The King County Fair not only provides great entertainment but also serves as a valuable outlet for local youth agricultural programs."

July 15, 2014
Councilmember Dunn hands over the keys of “retired” County vans
“These three organizations are integral parts of our community and I’m so delighted to help further their efforts by supplying them with a retired King County Metro van.” 

July 11, 2014
King County task force on safely relinquishing newborns underway
“It strikes a chord in all of us to think of a newborn child discarded with no food, water or shelter, and no understanding of what is happening or why. Being a father of two really brings the issue home to me. I know that, working together, we can let desperate parents know that there are other options, and we can save lives here in King County.”

June 11, 2014
Council approves revised plan for solid waste system that reflects reduction in volume received
“We have worked hard to revise this report to help ensure we build a solid waste system that fits the need of its users.”

June 9, 2014
Dunn amendment to study impacts of closing the Renton Transfer Station on Self-haul users part of review of County’s solid waste plan
“I want to ensure self-haul users of this facility from my district know there is a real danger that this station may close in the coming years. My amendment will study any closure thoroughly and let us know how the needs of self-haul users could be met if this location is ultimately closed.”

June 4, 2014
Dunn amendment to review closure of Renton Transfer Station
“Self-haul services at the Renton Transfer Station are a very popular service for many in my district, and I fear very few of the users are aware of the possibility it may close in the next few years. My amendment will study the closure thoroughly and let us know how we can ensure the needs of self-haul users will be met if this location is ultimately closed.”

May 27, 2014
County Council approves “retired” County vans for District 9 Maple Valley and Covington organizations
“By transferring retired metro vans to these organizations we are helping them to continue their extraordinary work to the residents of southeast King County.”

May 27, 2014
New careers for hard working county employees: Council approves transfer of surplus vanpool van to organizations throughout King County
“By transferring retired vans to these worthy organizations, we are providing important tools that allow them to better serve the residents of King County.”

May 19, 2014 
Council Council’s 2014 Equity and Social Justice work plan will consider impacts of bus service reduction
“This unanimously adopted work plan clearly illustrates King County’s continuing commitment to serve all residents of our County.”

May 13, 2014 
County Council approves effort to address the needs of incarcerated veterans
“By working to improve access to treatment and services for veterans in County jails my hope is to reduce veteran recidivism. We owe it to the men and woman who have served our country.”

May 12, 2014
County Council, Covington and Maple Valley Mayors recognize officers that keep communities safe
“It is an honor to take part in this recognition and pay tribute our fallen heroes.”

May 12, 2014
County Council, Newcastle Mayor recognize County officers who protect community
“The men and women of law enforcement deserve our utmost respect and gratitude for all they do.”

May 12, 2014
County Council recognizes and honors officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice
“It is an honor to take part in this recognition and pay tribute our fallen heroes.”

May 10, 2014
Dunn, Phillips statement on acquisition of Squak Mountain forest
“Today we celebrate the acquisition of 226 of forest land on Squak Mt. that will be used for recreation and habitat in the Issaquah Alps. I am proud to have been part of this partnership between King County and the Trust for Public Lands. I am also grateful for the advocacy of organizations such as ‘Save Squak’ and the Issaquah Alps Trail Club for their long-term involvement in protecting and preserving important habitat.”

May 5, 2014
County Council recognizes May as Arts Education Month in King County
“A well-rounded education includes instruction in the arts. This month we take time to highlight the arts and their importance in the education of our students.”

March 31, 2014
Task Force will work to bring awareness on safely relinquishing a newborn baby
“Safe alternatives exist under State law that can help reduce child abandonment and avoid the kind of tragedy that occurred near North Bend last month. The focus of this task force is to bring greater awareness of The Safety of Newborn Children Law to the residents of King County.”

March 31, 2014
Fairwood resident Erin Aboudara appointed to serve on King County Women's Advisory Board
“Erin has spent her entire life in King County and is very involved in her community. Her work on the Kent PTA and the leadership roles she has held representing over 1,500 homeowners of the Fairwood Greens home owners association, gives her a unique perspective to bring to the board.”

March 25, 2014
Motion seeking to increase awareness on safely relinquishing a newborn baby unanimously passes Council Committee
“The findings of this task force will be used to bring greater awareness of the Safety of Newborn Children Law to the residents of King County. By making residents more aware of safe alternatives we can hopefully prevent future re-occurrences of the recent tragedy we witnessed near North Bend.”

March 25, 2014
King County Historic Preservation Grant Awarded in District 9
“Historic downtowns such as Enumclaw’s are timeless treasures for our communities. This grant money will ensure great landmarks in our communities will endure and be intact for current and future generations to enjoy.”

March 24, 2014
King County Council Recognizes Tracy Tran for Perfect Test Score
“To be one of only eight people in the world to earn a perfect score on the AP calculus test is a remarkable accomplishment. Tracy should not just be lauded for her academic achievements but also for her active role in the community. She has a very bright future ahead of her.”

March 19, 2014
Avoiding tragedies, saving lives: Councilmembers seek to increase awareness on safely surrendering newborns
“This tragic incident demonstrates there is still work to be done to make sure people are aware of safe alternatives to surrender newborns. I look forward to reviewing the recommendations of the task force so we can begin work to increase awareness of the Safety of Newborn Children Law in King County.”

March 17, 2014
Civics lesson: King County Council gives unanimous support to effort to increase “Civics Literacy”
“Giving students aHTML sound foundation on civics and how government works is a key part of the educational process. As an elected leader I am pleased to support this common sense motion.”

March 17, 2014
Celebrating their strength: King County proclaims March “Women’s History Month”
“Women’s History Month calls attention to the many contributions women have made in King County. It is a privilege to honor the many accomplishments of women in our county and across this nation.”

March 17, 2014
Fairwood Greens and Woodside Home Owners Associations Selected for Community Service Area Grants
“King County serves as the local government for the over 20,000 residents living within the unincorporated community of Fairwood. By helping to fund community events and the upgrading of ageing community property, King County is helping to build a stronger sense of community in Fairwood.”

March 17, 2014
Community Associations and Organizations in Council District 9 selected for Community Service Area grants
“The Community Service Area grant program aids communities and residents in coming together to improve their neighborhoods and boost ‘community’ in the truest sense of the word.”

March 17, 2014
Serenity Equine and Greater Maple Valley Area Council Selected for Community Service Area Grants
“These grants provide much needed funding for community oriented organizations in Unincorporated King County. I am very pleased to see this grant money go to such worthy organizations as Serenity Equine Rescue and The Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council.”

February 24, 2014
County Council approves agreement with Ravensdale Park Foundation
“The expansion of Ravensdale Park will provide increased quality of life and recreational opportunities for the youth and adults of southeast King County. Southeast King County has seen an explosion of new families moving into the area, but right now there is a deficiency of youth recreational fields. This project is a step in the right direction.”

February 24, 2014
Council adopts plan to place human trafficking information in key locations across King County
“We should do whatever we can to make sure victims of human trafficking know that resources exist to help them escape this dreadful crime. Our goal is that with more locations this information is in, the more calls from victims seeking help are made.”

February 19, 2014
Agreement between King County and the Ravensdale Park Foundation sent to Council for final action
“This agreement will significantly increase youth and adult recreational opportunities for the residents of Southeast King County. All parties including the Ravensdale Park Foundation and the City of Maple Valley have worked hard throughout this process and the benefits of this agreement will be felt for years to come.”

February 19, 2014
Dunn: Use “Every means available” to end human trafficking
“It was a privilege to participate in this hearing today and I thank Congressman Reichert for holding a congressional field hearing in Auburn to highlight and to develop additional tools to combat the vile crime of human trafficking. Only by using every means available to us will we be able to save future victims from these horrors.”

February 19, 2014
Motion urging State Legislative action on human trafficking unanimously passes County Council
“Our state has been on the forefront of the battle against human trafficking and King County has been there every step of the way. This motion simply formalizes King County’s support of further measures to fight Human Trafficking and allows County officials and staff to proactively support legislative efforts to fight these heinous crimes.”

February 11, 2014
Dunn introduces motion to place human trafficking information in key locations across King County
“Human trafficking is a serious issue. This legislation is intended to make sure that those who need help exiting trafficking can get important information that they might not otherwise know about. What’s great about it is that it effectively spreads important information to a wide audience using minimal county resources.”

February 10, 2014
County Council prepared to partner with Executive on confronting inequities; climate change
“The Executive’s State of the County Address this morning clearly laid out his vision for the future of King County. As we begin a new year I look forward to working with the Executive’s Office and my colleagues on the Council to meet the needs of all our constituents.”

February 3, 2014
King County Council recognizes Dr. Donald Davidson on his retirement from the Bellevue City Council
“During his time of public service, Don was a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly on behalf of the residents of Bellevue. I am proud to have worked alongside Dr. Davidson for a number of years, and I look forward to his continued advocacy on issues he is most passionate about.”

January 28, 2014
Newcastle Councilmember Lisa Jensen Reappointed to Harborview Medical Center Board of Trustees
“She brings a wealth of knowledge to the board as a former deputy mayor of Newcastle, current Councilmember, and small business person, Lisa has the depth of public service experience to help the board serve the community at a high level.”

January 27, 2014
County Council completes 2014 reorganization with appointment of committee chairs
“Transit issues in our County touch nearly every segment of our community and I will work hard to address the issues before us.”

January 27, 2014
County Council, Executive join “12th Man” in shouting GO HAWKS!!!
“It is an exciting time to be a Seahawks fan. I join my colleagues and the rest of the Pacific Northwest in wishing them success at the Super Bowl. Go Hawks!”

January 22, 2014
New law prioritizes Children and Youth
“I appreciate all the good work that has gone into developing this plan to benefit the youth of King County. I look forward to reviewing the recommendations that are produced by this task force and supporting their efforts.”

January 13, 2014
Promoting awareness to end Slavery and Human Trafficking
“A year ago we launched a comprehensive public awareness campaign using both County resources and private sector partnerships to show victims there is help available and where they can receive it. We must continue to stay vigilant in our fight to end human trafficking.”