Ferguson to Chair Government Accountability, Oversight, and Financial Performance Committee

February 6, 2012

Summary

Focus on enhancing trust in government

Story

As part of its annual reorganization, the Metropolitan King County Council unanimously appointed Councilmember Bob Ferguson to Chair the Council’s Government Accountability, Oversight, and Financial Performance Committee.

“As Chair of the Government Accountability, Oversight, and Financial Performance Committee, I will focus on enhancing trust in government through greater transparency, improved responsiveness, and financial responsibility,” said Ferguson.

The Government Accountability, Oversight, and Financial Performance Committee is the new name for a revamped committee that will take on expanded responsibilities in 2012. Responsible for overseeing efficiency, cost effectiveness, and performance improvement in all branches of county government, the committee is also charged with making policy recommendations that enhance accountability and transparency. Civilian oversight of the Sheriff’s Office, the development of a pre-trial risk assessment tool, public records reform, and improving services to veterans are among the committee’s expanded functions.

“The committee’s goal this year will be to ask ‘how can we do better?’” said Ferguson. “We will look at a range of policy issues that address how King County government can continue to become smarter, more efficient, and provide better service to the people of King County.”

The expanded committee will also take a look at the County’s financial performance and financial policies. As a three time budget chair, Ferguson has continuously focused on finding new ways to save taxpayer dollars in the provision of services. For example, in 2006, he led the effort to require a search of the used office furniture market to furnish a new county office building, saving King County $1.6 million.

“In these tough budget times, we must explore new and innovative ways of doing business that save taxpayer dollars and maintain public services,” said Ferguson.

The committee’s new responsibilities align with Councilmember Ferguson’s long-time interest in improving County government and his record of reform. In 2005, Ferguson supported reducing the size of the Council from 13 positions to 9 to streamline government and improve efficiency. In recent years, he has led reforms to the County’s Elections Department, Investment Pool, Transit Division, and public records process.

The committee remains responsible for the oversight of core general government functions including elections, assessments, records and licensing, technology, and customer service.

Ferguson will also serve on the Law, Justice, Health, and Human Services Committee, the Committee of the Whole, and the Regional Policy Committee.

Ferguson, a lawyer, is a King County native and lives in North Seattle with his wife, Colleen, and their twins, Jack and Katie. Prior to being elected to the Council in 2003, Ferguson practiced law at Preston, Gates, and Ellis (now K&L Gates) and clerked for federal judges in the Midwest and Eastern Washington. Ferguson represents District 1, which includes North Seattle, Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell, Woodinville, and part of Kirkland.