2015 – News about Councilmember Rod Dembowski

December 14, 2015
County Council, Elections partner in making voting more convenient and accessible
“The foundation of our democracy is the right to vote – we are aiming to strengthen our democracy by ensuring more King County citizens have the ability to access that right.”

December 14, 2015
Council approves projects to receive $2 million in water quality grants
“The Waterworks Program continues our efforts to advance the mission started by Jim Ellis and King County voters in 1958 to clean up our streams, rivers and lakes. The grants approved today make critical investments in community-based water quality monitoring and clean-up efforts, including advanced technologies and methods to identity and abate water pollution,”

December 7, 2015
Council approves nation-leading paid parental leave program
“Paid parental leave is not only the right thing to do for parents and kids, but as the private sector has demonstrated, it’s also fiscally responsible as it aids in recruitment and retention of valuable employees. As one of the top ten employers in the State of Washington, King County has an obligation to lead and be a model employer.”

November 24, 2015
Fiscal Options, Transportation and Public Health Highlight King County’s Legislative Agenda
“The Council’s 2016 Legislative Agenda demonstrates our continued commitment to improving the health and welfare of our residents. To achieve one of our major goals, ending veteran homelessness, we need our representatives in Olympia to make sure that all veterans in the County and across the state are eligible for services like housing, employment and counseling. I am also proud we are prioritizing paid leave for Washingtonians as this is about showing that Washington State is a place that is willing to put families first.”

November 24, 2015
Preserving, renovating, and building veterans and heritage facilities in Shoreline and Kenmore
“Building for Culture dollars will make possible long desired capital investments in the Shoreline Historical Museum, fund completion of the Shoreline Veterans Memorial, help preserve the Richmond Masonic Center, and continue renovation of the Kenmore Community Club. These organizations have a tremendous impact on our community, and these grants will ensure they continue to serve our residents for years to come.”

November 9, 2015
Taking out obsolete rail is next step toward trail, other uses along Eastside Rail Corridor
“I am excited about making the corridor more accessible to other communities as quickly as possible, so that more folks can take advantage of this tremendous regional asset. Full Steam Ahead!”  

October 26, 2015
King County Council celebrates Pro Bono Week
“As an attorney in private practice I worked on a number of pro bono cases, including cases on behalf of domestic violence survivors. This firsthand experience gave me a deep appreciation for 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 19, 2015
Council approves transit route overhaul
“While today’s proposal is not perfect, I believe that on the whole it improves service and access to transit for more riders.”

July 22, 2015
County Council sends “Best Start for Kids” initiative to the voters
“Best Starts for Kids builds off the work of the Youth Action Plan and would provide the funding necessary to implement many of the Plan’s recommendations.”

July 20, 2015
County Council Expands Access to Voting
“Today’s significant step will increase voter participation, access, and create more informed voters. As we worked towards today’s achievement, I was honored to have the help, support, and expertise of so many community leaders that represent the myriad of cultures that will now have improved access to voting materials.”

July 20, 2015
County Council approves task force to investigate creation of immigrant and refugee commission
“I’ve heard countless stories of the roadblocks residents face accessing essential services. I am confident that today’s action is the first step in ensuring all residents have equal access to their government. I thank the leaders of our immigrant and refugee communities who brought this proposal forward. Today’s vote is a credit to their leadership.”

June 22, 2015
William Hobson recognized for decades of service on behalf of the homeless
“For more than 30 years, Dr. Hobson has selflessly devoted his career to the most vulnerable members of our society. His retirement brings an opportunity for us all to reflect on his work combating homelessness and the work that remains. I pledge to continue and build on the hard fought progress he’s achieved.”

June 15, 2015
County Council approves new priorities for assisting children and youth
“The Youth Action Plan represents the best thinking of children and youth advocates countywide to ensure that all kids in King County can achieve their full potential. The plan provides a blueprint to reform how we invest in kids at King County, and lights the path for potential new investments of resources to achieve the plan's vision for our kids.” 

June 1, 2015
King County working on strategies to reduce crowding in Involuntary Treatment Act Court
“Any family that has had a loved one go through court as part of the Involuntary Treatment Act understands that it’s a demanding and emotionally exhausting process. The dedicated attorneys and judges who staff the ITA court work tirelessly, day in and day out, on behalf of their clients and our community. They need adequate facilities to do their work.”

June 1, 2015
County Council proclaims June “Gay Pride Month”
“I am proud to have participated in the 1993 March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay and Bi-Equal Rights and Liberation, and in several Seattle Pride Parades since. It’s truly great to see the magnificent change in attitudes on this important civil rights issue. Love is winning.”  

May 18, 2015
County Council approves members of advisory board for Economic Opportunity and Empowerment Program
“What’s so exciting about this program is that it will teach youth, veterans, people of color, and women the trade skills necessary to obtain family-wage jobs. I have great confidence in the panel members, and look forward to seeing their plan in action.”

May 12, 2015
Dembowski statement on the retirement of Shoreline City Councilmember Chris Eggen
"Chris Eggen has served the City of Shoreline and our region and nation with humility, sincerity, and intelligence. His dedication to progressive values, careful stewardship of taxpayer funds, and his long-range thinking will benefit generations to come."

May 11, 2015
Equity and social justice, alternatives for unincorporated communities and public outreach highlight work plan for King County Comprehensive Plan
“We have outlined a path to continue King County’s long tradition of protecting our environment and preserving critical open space and have included a new emphasis on ensuring equity in our comprehensive plan policies. I appreciate King County Executive Dow Constantine’s support of the motion and I look forward to working with him over the coming year.”

May 7, 2015
Councilmember Rod Dembowski’s statement on Wayne Land preservation progress
“This is a once in a generation opportunity that we cannot miss, and I commend and thank Mayor Freed for expressing a willingness to work with the community, King County, the State and other partners to preserve this land.”

May 4, 2015
County Council calls for Executive to consider specific climate actions in Strategic Climate Action Plan
“When it comes to taking bold steps to address climate change head-on, King County has never shied away from being a national leader. I am proud that my amendment making it a goal to eliminate coal power from the county's operational energy portfolio was adopted, and that we are now redoubling our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and encouraging county residents to do the same.”

April 27, 2015
Bonding time: County Council establishes policy to provide employees 12 weeks of paid parental and family leave
“Paid parental leave is not only the right thing to do for parents and kids, but as the private sector has demonstrated, it’s also fiscally responsible as it aids in recruitment and retention of valuable employees. As one of the top ten employers in the State of Washington, King County has an obligation to lead and be a model employer.”

April 27, 2015
Collaboration for the next generation: County Council hears from County Executive on efforts to assist young people
“The executive has made an ambitious proposal for a dedicated, targeted investment in King County's kids. With smart early investments, we can earn the dividends of improved health and safety, lower criminal justice and chronic health care treatment expenses, and reduced disparities.” 

April 15, 2015
New priorities for County’s Children and Youth
“The Youth Action Plan represents the best thinking of children and youth advocates countywide to ensure that all kids in King County can achieve their full potential. The plan provides a blueprint to reform how we invest in kids at King County, and lights the path for potential new investments of resources to achieve the plan's vision for our kids.”

April 1, 2015
Dembowski statement on Council Chair Phillips
“Great landscapes have been protected, our water is cleaner, and the region has one of the best transit systems in the nation, all thanks to Larry's lifetime of work.”

March 30, 2015
County Council calls for action on improving wage equity and promoting family friendly workplace policies
“Family friendly workplace policies have been found to increase employee retention, which is key for the county’s success in providing the highest level of service to our residents. Additionally, it is crucial that we finally and meaningfully address the gender wage gap. At the current rate of progress, the gender wage gap in Washington State is not projected to close until the year 2071. That fact is unacceptable and we can’t sit by and leave this problem for future generations to solve.”

March 2, 2015
Council confirms appointment of Lorinda Youngcourt as Director of the Department of Public Defense
“Lorinda Youngcourt understands the elements that make our public defender system one of the best in the country. As our new King County Public Defender, I know Ms. Youngcourt is committed to promoting access to justice and equity in the criminal justice system, and will work each day to continue King County’s excellent tradition in representing indigent defendants.”

February 27, 2015
Council adopts legislation that will benefit Sammamish River preservation projects
“The Sammamish River, near Bothell in particular, is a nexus for some of our most popular regional trials, and King County wants to send the message that these are important community resources that deserve strong consideration for funding and preservation.”

February 26, 2015
Councilmembers introduce legislation establishing paid parental leave for county employees
“Paid parental leave is not only the right thing to do for parents and kids, but as the private sector has demonstrated, it’s also fiscally responsible and aids in recruitment and retention of valuable employees. As one of the top ten employers in the State of Washington, King County has an obligation to lead and be a model employer.”

February 20, 2015
Board of Health joins call for increasing the age to purchase tobacco and vapor products
“The facts are evident – smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the US, it costs Washington State billions of dollars in healthcare, and 95% of adult smokers begin before the age of 21. That’s why it makes sense to reduce access to tobacco and vapor products to our youth while their brains are still developing and they are especially susceptible to addictive substances. This is good public health policy, it is fiscally responsible, and it supports parents who try to keep tobacco products from their kids.”

February 17, 2015
More buses in Seattle: County Council approves contract for city to purchase additional transit
“Demand for transit is stronger than ever. This significant investment in our transit system is welcome news for the region and our effort to reduce congestion and support our growing economy.”

February 4, 2015
Reflecting on an act of discrimination: County Council recognizes Native American Expulsion Remembrance Day
“I’m honored to join in friendship with leaders from our Native American communities throughout our region to remember this important time in history and pledge to make sure we honor and respect the First Peoples of King County in our work today.”

February 2, 2015
King County Council Takes Bold Action to Cap Carbon Emissions from County’s Wastewater Treatment and Solid Waste Divisions 
“This is a win-win ordinance. It’s good for our environment and good for our economy. It will make our two utilities carbon-neutral and provide for further investment in Metro Transit, to take even more emissions out of the air. I felt that we needed to take significantly stronger, proactive steps today to address the pressing challenge posed by climate change and local air pollution.”

January 26, 2015
County Council gives its unanimous support to King County’s federal legislative agenda
“I am particularly pleased that the Council is reaffirming its support for additional funding from the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program. I will continue to advocate for critical funding for the Northgate Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge, so that regional light rail service can be accessible to North Seattle residents both East and West of I-5.”

January 26, 2015
Metropolitan King County Council declares "See Blue Week"
“For the second year in a row it is remarkable to watch our county come together behind one of the most unique and talented sports franchises in the nation. Even for the casual sport fan, it is hard not to get caught up in the excitement and emotion of a second straight Super Bowl run. Go Hawks!”