2020 – News about Councilmember Reagan Dunn

December 22, 2020
Dunn applauds approval of $900B federal COVID-19 relief package
“I commend members of Congress, especially our Washington State delegation, for their bi-partisan work in passing a federal COVID relief bill last night. Our country is at the height of the pandemic, and this package will keep struggling families afloat during this crucial time as we begin vaccinations..." 

November 17, 2020
Dunn: ‘Cannot in good conscience’ support new paid holidays for county workers
“The King County Council just passed not one, but two, new paid government holidays for itself and for King County's 15,000 employees. While I fully support these special days – Juneteenth and Indigenous Peoples’ Day – we did not need to make them fully paid holidays for the County’s many thousands of employees. Not only will it cost at least $9 million in taxpayer dollars, it means the residents of King County will have two days less where they will not be able to access critical government services...."

November 12, 2020
Dunn issues statement on ‘draconian cuts’ to Sheriff’s Office in King County budget
“It’s not right that Seattle politicians are making draconian cuts to law enforcement services that primarily serve rural and suburban King County — cuts that don’t impact service in their own districts...To further slash our Sheriff’s Office budget betrays one of the most fundamental duties of government: to provide for the public safety of our communities.”

November 10, 2020
Councilmember Dunn champions outreach plan to increase access to COVID-19 vaccine
“Knowing that a COVID-19 vaccine could soon be widely available, King County needs to be poised to help get that vaccine to folks who don’t have easy access to public information because of language barriers, lack of internet service, or some other factor. Having an outreach plan will empower and encourage more people, including historically disadvantaged groups, to get vaccinated, protecting themselves and others from the coronavirus.”

November 9, 2020
Dunn proposes budget amendment to put King County residents ‘first in line’ for federally approved COVID-19 vaccine
“...King County must continue to strengthen our Public Health infrastructure to ensure that people who wish to be vaccinated can do so as soon as it is available. King County wants to be on our toes, not our heels when a vaccine is ultimately ready for manufacture and distribution to our citizens, and this is the vital first step.”   

October 13, 2020
Poor Community Dialogue and ‘Lightning Speed’ Public Process: Councilmember Dunn Votes ‘No’ on New Sales Tax
“The lack of adequate public process for this tax increase has created uncertainties for our suburban cities who were left behind by the speed of King County’s action at a time they’re already facing economic uncertainties due to the COVID-19 response." 

September 29, 2020
Dunn’s Request for Study on COVID-19 Response Approved by King County Council
“The COVID-19 pandemic is among the most significant viral outbreaks this generation has experienced. Given that this is new territory for all of us, we must arm ourselves with empirical information on what is effective in battling a pandemic. We never know when we will face another crisis-level outbreak.”

September 22, 2020
‘All County Residents Should be Very Concerned’: Councilmember Dunn Responds to Proposed Cuts to Sheriff’s Office
"This proposed budget neglects what is possibly the most important and basic job of government: to provide for the safety of our residents who rely on law enforcement during times of crisis. By cutting law enforcement funding by $6.2 million, County leadership would completely eliminate key services such as the KCSO gang unit, while simultaneously emptying an entire floor of the jail onto the streets of King County. This is a dangerous approach to public safety and all county residents should be very concerned."

September 17, 2020
Dunn: Defunding KCSO Would ‘Create a Perfect Storm’ for Public Safety
“Releasing felons into our communities while simultaneously slashing the budget of the Sheriff’s Office by millions will create a perfect storm that will jeopardize community safety. We might as well hang a huge neon sign on the Space Needle that reads ‘Hey Organized Crime: King County is Open for Business.’ Our crime rates will surely spike locally as they already have started to do in many areas with shootings and homicides..."

September 10, 2020
$150,000 King County Flood Control Grant Awarded to City of Maple Valley
“This culvert replacement will not only bolster flood protection on a critical roadway, but it will also provide passage and habitat for fish populations. I’m glad that the Flood Control District is backing this critical project." 

September 10, 2020
$100,000 King County Flood Control Grant Awarded to City of Renton
“This is an important, multi-benefit project that provides critical flood protection while also improving drainage and water quality in the Renton Highlands area. I’m glad that the Flood Control District is continuing to partner with the City of Renton to invest in flood control infrastructure that will serve our community for years to come.” 

September 9, 2020
King County Flood Control Grants Awarded to Enumclaw Flood Reduction Projects
“I’m glad to see continued investments in both preventing flooding and improving fish passage in the Enumclaw area. It’s important to maintain the flood control infrastructure that protects our community as well as our natural environment.” 

September 1, 2020
Councilmember Reagan Dunn Champions $49.5K in COVID-19 Funding for Enumclaw Expo Center
“I’m glad to be able to support the Enumclaw community as they find creative ways to adapt to safety and health requirements. It was a high priority for me to help get the Expo Center the funding it needs to make it through these tough economic times because the Enumclaw Expo plays a critical role as the host of mainstay community events, including King County Fair. This funding will go far in keeping treasured traditions alive."

August 19, 2020
‘A political giant’: Councilmember Dunn on Passing of Slade Gorton
“Slade Gorton was a political giant whose magnanimity shone through until his final days. He was one of the greatest minds to have ever served Washington State in elected office, and the significance of his life’s work will be felt long beyond his time on earth...."

August 11, 2020
Dunn Urges Leaders to ‘stand for law and order’ after Seattle City Council Votes to Cut Police Budget, Chief Best Resigns
“By moving to defund its police department, the Seattle City Council is abandoning one of its central responsibilities: to keep everyday families and citizens safe. This cannot become the new normal for King County..."

July 16, 2020
John Chelminiak, former Bellevue Mayor, to serve on the King County Regional Homelessness Authority Implementation Board
“John has a well-deserved reputation of being a local champion of human services, and I am grateful that he has once again agreed to continue that work at the King County Regional Homelessness Authority. There is an urgent need to address homelessness in King County in a meaningful way, and with his decades of experience and heart for public service, John will be an invaluable addition to the board.”

July 7, 2020
Dunn’s Legislation Tasks King County with Creating Pandemic Response Plans
“I hope King County will never see another viral outbreak like COVID-19, but we should absolutely be prepared for one. By working now to preserve the lessons of our COVID-19 response, we’re ensuring that we are poised to fight a viral outbreak in the future and get our County back on its feet as soon as possible.”

June 26, 2020
‘Not So Fast’: Councilmember Dunn Expresses Strong Concern About DNRP Permanent Work-From-Home Mandate
"This is a hugely impactful decision made with zero public process or workplan. By ordering nearly half its employees to permanently work from home, DNRP has set a dangerous precedent for King County operations that could escalate to impact the remaining 19,000 County employees and agencies..."

June 23, 2020
Council Approves Dunn’s Payment Plan for King County Property Taxes
“I believe it’s an act of leadership for the County to shoulder a share the financial burden that many of its residents are struggling with during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is good policy that offers a little leniency to folks who are stretched thin and not able to pay their bills.”

June 16, 2020
Councilmember Dunn’s Property Tax Relief Plan Passes Hurdle
“I believe it’s an act of leadership for the County to shoulder a share of the financial burden that many of its residents are experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is good policy that offers a little leniency to folks who need it most.”

May 26, 2020
Councilmembers Dunn & von Reichbauer Issue Statements Opposing Sewer Rate Increase
“Increasing the financial burden on King County residents and businesses in the middle of an economic crisis is not just tone deaf — it’s poor leadership. The County should be the first to keep our own operations as lean as possible to help our ratepayers through this time of financial hardship.”

May 21, 2020
Dunn Proposes New Plan for Property Tax Relief
“In our current crisis, a mere delay on property taxes isn’t enough to meet the great financial need of many King County residents. We should act now to help taxpayers who are doing everything they can to make ends meet, but still face a due-in-full property tax bill even as the economic fallout intensifies.”

May 4, 2020
Dunn Calls for Creation of County-wide Pandemic Response Plans
“Everything we are learning during our COVID-19 response should inform the creation of efficient, effective pandemic response plans. In the case of a future pandemic, remembering the lessons of history will help us save lives and get our County back on its feet as soon as possible.”

April 30, 2020
Councilmember Dunn Asks for Report on Effectiveness of COVID-19 Response
“The COVID-19 pandemic may well be the worst viral outbreak many of us will see in our lifetimes. Given that this is new territory for all of us, we must arm ourselves with data on what worked and what didn’t in case we are ever faced with another crisis-level outbreak.”

April 27, 2020
Councilmember Dunn Proposes King County Hiring Freeze
“King County government is downstream from the full economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we must start exercising frugality in preparation for the financial shock that will come in our next budget cycle. Many businesses and organizations are having to make similar spending cuts — and King County is no exception.”

April 21, 2020
Councilmember Dunn Issues Statement After Rent Freeze Legislation is Voted Down
“The Council made the right decision today in voting down the ‘free rent’ legislation. Forcing Landlords and property owners to provide their services without compensation would not only be an absolute violation of basic American rights, but stopping rent payments would also have a devastating domino effect on our struggling economy. This was apparent to my colleagues who voted against this legislation today, and I appreciate their thoughtful consideration.”

April 20, 2020
National Vaccine Production Effort Poised to Land in Seattle Suburb
“Now is the time to put our focus on the future. At a time when we are seeing record unemployment, the establishment of this industry in Renton and King County could counter the trend and provide much needed new jobs.”

April 14, 2020
County Launches Dunn’s Project C.A.R.E. to Engage Community in Region’s COVID-19 Response 
“So many people have been looking for ways to support their community as we all navigate the impacts of COVID-19. That generosity is what first inspired me to create a one-stop shop to connect folks with opportunities to give back. In this time of crisis, my hope is that Project C.A.R.E. will unite our region and help us look out for each other.”

April 14, 2020
Councilmember Dunn Issues Statement Opposing Rent and Mortgage Moratorium Motion
"A rent and mortgage moratorium would set a very dangerous precedent by harnessing the power of a public health crisis to undermine the basic free market principles of supply and demand. If landlords and banks aren't paid, we could see far, far greater damage to our economy than what has already been caused by this pandemic. This legislation should be opposed..."

April 7, 2020
Dunn Legislation Invites Business Leaders to Help Plan for Economic Recovery
“When we emerge from this pandemic, I want to already have a game plan in motion for how King County can be a partner in rebuilding our crippled economy. Our local businesses know best what help they will need — so let’s welcome them to the table. We will be stronger if we work together.”

March 24, 2020
Council Approves Dunn’s Program to Engage Community in Region’s COVID-19 Response
“In this time of crisis, the spirit of generosity in our region has really shone through. So many people have been asking how they can support their community in the wake of COVID-19 — and that desire to step-up and volunteer is what inspired me to create a one-stop shop to connect those who want to help with those who need it.”

March 23, 2020
Councilmember Dunn Issues Statement in Support of Gov. Inslee’s ‘Stay at Home’ Order
“I am fully supportive of the Governor’s decision to issue a ‘stay at home’ order. This is a critical public health decision and it will give our community a stronger tool to slow the spread of COVID-19.  While this order puts a burden on every one of us, the sacrifices our community makes today will be rewarded in lives saved in the near future.”

March 13, 2020
Councilmember Dunn Issues Statement in Response to News that Potentially Infected Person Fled Kent Quarantine Facility
"... I am extremely disappointed to hear that a quarantine patient left the facility in Kent and is now back in the general population.This loss of trust means I will have much more stringent standards when considering any proposed quarantine sites in King County..." 

March 10, 2020
King County to Boost Volunteer Opportunities for People to Aid in the Region’s Coronavirus Response
“Many people feel powerless to help in this evolving crisis. This program will empower those people with safe and productive avenues to share their expertise and make a difference as we fight COVID-19 and prevent its further spread.” 

February 25, 2020
Dunn awards Martin Luther King Medal of Distinguished Service to Rob Nist
“Rob saw a problem and was determined to fix it. Because of the countless hours he dedicated toward renewing Ravensdale Park, thousands of kids now have better access to athletics and the outdoors. Rob is an example of everyone’s potential to make a difference, and I’m proud to be able to support his efforts.” 

February 7, 2020
Local Officials Respond to Issaquah Creek Flooding
“The damage caused by the flooding of Issaquah Creek is a timely reminder of how much our region relies on proactive flood control. It’s imperative that we put the infrastructure in place to fight flooding before the waters ever reach our doorsteps and roadways. I will be asking the Flood Control District to re-evaluate flood protection needs along the Issaquah Creek so that during the next heavy rainfall, our roads, residents, and homes will experience less risk of flooding.”

January 29, 2020
Head Tax Proposed in Legislature – Statement from Reagan Dunn
“This renewed effort to tax jobs is a political zombie stumbling back from the graveyard of bad ideas. This proposal is just Seattle’s failed head tax with a new coat of paint, the only difference is the original disincentivized job creation in Seattle and this version disincentivizes higher wages for the entire County.”

January 8, 2020
Councilmember Dunn Reappointed to County Leadership Position for 2020
“It is a distinct honor and responsibility to serve on the Council’s leadership team, and I’m grateful to my colleagues for their continued faith in me. In addition my role as vice chair, I’m excited to serve on committees that work on some of the critical issues in our region — including criminal justice, affordable housing, wastewater treatment, and rural and unincorporated services.”

January 3, 2020
Bella, Lucy top the list of most popular pet names in King County
“Licensing your pet gives them a fighting chance of making it back home should they become lost. Beyond helping keep your own pet safe, the licensing fee you pay supports RASKC’s shelters that give thousands of pets a second chance.”