Summary

Recognition for contributions to the region

Story

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer was presented with the Public Official of the Year Award by the Municipal League at the 56^th Annual Civic Awards on April 2^nd at the Renaissance Hotel. The event hosted community advocates, business leaders, and elected officials in the Puget Sound region.  

The Municipal League annually recognizes the accomplishments of those who work towards improving government and make outstanding contributions to the region and their communities.  2015 Civic Award winners include: Citizen of the Year, Bill Hobson; Community News Reporting, The Seattle Medium; Organization of the Year, Visit Seattle; James R. Ellis Regional Leadership Award, David Brewster; and Public Employee of the Year, Valerie Segrest. Von Reichbauer represents the southernmost district in King County, however, he has been a leader in bringing together the 39 cities and neighboring counties to work collectively on regional issues. He has repeatedly stated that transportation, crime, and public health do not respect city or county borders. von Reichbauer strongly believes that collaboration between governments needs to take place at all levels to protect the public.

“Last night I was honored to receive such a prestigious award,” said von Reichbauer.  “To be acknowledged alongside past recipients who are renowned community leaders for their dedication and work, including Dr. Bill Gerberding and Norm Maleng, reminded me about the importance of being a public official and serving the people of the Puget Sound region to create a stronger community. This award strengthens my belief that listening is the beginning of understanding.”

As a Councilmember, von Reichbauer has chaired the King County Council as well as the Budget Committee, Transportation Committee, GAO Committee and the Regional Policy Committee.  Von Reichbauer has championed intergovernmental cooperation on regional issues—focusing on transportation—between the suburban cities and neighboring counties.

Von Reichbauer also strongly believes in the financial and social benefits of sports to a region, and brokered the deal that kept the Seattle Seahawks from moving to California in 1996.  He led the fight to persuade Paul Allen to purchase the team when the moving vans were in the process of shipping the team’s equipment out of state. In addition, as Budget Chair he worked to save baseball in Seattle when the Kingdome was falling in disrepair and fought to bring Safeco Field in on budget.

“Sports have always been a minefield for local politicians, but I have, and continue to believe, the economic and social benefits are worth the political risk,” von Reichbauer stated.

In 2014, Pete was unanimously recognized by the King County Council as the original 12th man and was presented a 12th man jersey by Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, and General Manager John Schneider, at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on June 2nd.

Pete von Reichbauer was first elected to the Council in 1993 and has been re-elected 5 times, including 3 times unopposed in a district that is evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans.

In 2007, Pete introduced legislation to make King County offices non-partisan and then shepherded a successful initiative do so.  In addition, Pete has led the fight for integrated transportation solutions as a member of the council and as a Sound Transit Boardmember.

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer was awarded the Public Official of the Year award by the Municipal League Foundation on April 2 in Seattle.