King County promotes human trafficking awareness
August 7, 2012
King County plans to embark on a campaign to call awareness to human trafficking, after a July 9 decision to use ads on public buses.
The campaign is meant to inform the public about human trafficking crimes and let victims learn about available resources. Issaquah-area King County Councilman Reagan Dunn introduced the measure in May, and a council committee endorsed the proposal June 27.
“As a former federal prosecutor and member of the County Council I have seen this crisis continue to grow,” Dunn said in a statement. “Educating the public on what human trafficking is and providing information to trafficking victims on where to turn for assistance will help to combat these crimes. This motion is an important step in protecting our children and using Metro resources in a positive way.”
Under federal law, human trafficking includes children involved in the commercial sex trade, adults 18 and older coerced or deceived into commercial sex acts, and anyone forced into different forms of “labor or services” — such as domestic workers held in a home or farmworkers forced into work.
Local King County Council representatives split on arena deal
July 31, 2012
NEW — 10 a.m. July 31, 2012
The local representatives on the King County Council, Kathy Lambert and Reagan Dunn, came down on opposite sides Monday as the council approved a key agreement for a $490 million arena — a linchpin in the plan to bring professional basketball back to Seattle.
Kathy Lambert
Reagan Dunn
The council agreed to contribute up to $80 million for a proposed Seattle arena near Safeco Field — if investors can secure NBA and NHL franchises. The county contribution is capped at $5 million if only professional basketball comes to the arena.
In a 6-3 decision, after hours of testimony from the public and several amendments from council members, Lambert and others agreed to support the arena pact. Dunn, and councilmen Larry Phillips and Pete von Reichbauer, dissented.
Voters to decide dollars for juvenile justice center
July 17, 2012
King County voters could decide next month to increase the property tax rate in order to prepare the criminal justice system for the decades ahead.
The ballot measure Proposition 1 asks voters to approve a $200 million property tax levy to fund a replacement for the aging Youth Services Center, a juvenile detention facility in Seattle.
“We have a fairly good court system. We have a good prosecution office. We have good sheriff’s deputies. But this facility is the leak in the pipeline,” King County Councilman Reagan Dunn said in a July 13 interview. “For criminal justice to work effectively — especially with the increase in crime we’re seeing right now — all aspects of that pipeline need to be operating effectively.”
If the nine-year levy is passed, homeowners can expect to pay about 7 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, or about $20 per year for a home assessed at $350,000 in 2013.
Funding infusion could keep local 4-H programs afloat
July 17, 2012
Local 4-H youth programs could receive a $100,000 infusion to continue, if King County Council members approve a request from County Executive Dow Constantine.
The proposal is meant to continue 4-H programs — horseback riding, county fair exhibitions and other agrarian pursuits — through the year.
Constantine sent a budget request for the funds to the council June 27. The proposal earned early praise from council members, including the Issaquah-area representatives, but requires approval before the 4-H organization receives the dollars.
The proposal also aims to re-appropriate $16,000 in funding from last year to King County’s partner in 4-H programs, Washington State University.
Leaders highlight Evergreen State national parks
July 17, 2012
King County leaders highlighted nearby national parks and declared July 9 as Washington State National Parks Day to recognize the economic and environmental benefits such places add to the landscape.
The national parks in Washington attract millions of parkgoers each year, including many out-of-state and foreign guests. Officials said the visitors then contribute to King County and other communities near the parks. Washington received more than $264 million in economic benefits related to national park units in 2010, National Park Service officials reported.
“Thanks to the abundant recreation opportunities in our national parks, local residents as well as visitors have access to valuable resources for outdoor physical fitness activities,” Councilwoman Kathy Lambert, King County Board of Health vice chairwoman and the Issaquah representative, said in a statement. “Our national parks contribute immeasurably to the quality of life we enjoy in the Northwest.”
Officials also used the proclamation to attract attention to cuts in the National Parks Service budget.
“It is imperative we continue to fund these parks and keep them in the pristine condition we see them in today for future generations to enjoy,” Issaquah-area Councilman Reagan Dunn said in a statement.
King County leaders laud fingerprint lab for international accreditation
July 17, 2012
NEW — 9 a.m. July 17, 2012
King County leaders recognized the Automated Fingerprint Identification System on Monday for achieving international accreditation.
The system provides criminal fingerprint identification services to law enforcement agencies throughout the county, including the Issaquah Police Department. The regional Automated Fingerprint Identification System, or AFIS, received the accreditation for the Latent Print Unit.
The unit responds to major crime scenes and processes evidence in a lab by using chemicals, photography and other means to find fingerprints left at crime scenes. Investigators then enter the prints into the regional database to search for matches.
“AFIS is an invaluable law enforcement tool that plays a vital role in crime detection throughout the region,” Issaquah-area Councilman Reagan Dunn said in a statement. “The system’s accreditation recognizes the expertise and knowledge of the county employees responsible for the operation of the program.”
Committee endorses human trafficking awareness campaign
July 10, 2012
King County Council members, led by Issaquah-area Councilman Reagan Dunn, recommended a proposal June 27 to educate the public about human trafficking.
The motion unanimously passed by the Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee calls on the county executive to embark on a public awareness campaign.
The measure heads to the full council for consideration.
Under federal law, human trafficking includes children involved in the commercial sex trade, adults 18 and older coerced or deceived into commercial sex acts, and anyone forced into different forms of “labor or services” — such as domestic workers held in a home or farmworkers forced into work.
“We know that educating the public on what human trafficking is, how the public can make a difference and getting information to trafficking victims on where to turn for help works,” Dunn, the motion’s lead sponsor, said in a statement issued after the committee decision.
Officials estimate 300 and 500 children could be bought and sold in King County in 2012.
“One of the most effective weapons against human trafficking is information,” Councilwoman Kathy Lambert — Law, Justice, Health and Human Services Committee chairwoman and the Issaquah representative — said in a statement.
Leaders highlight Evergreen State national parks
July 10, 2012
NEW — 8 a.m. July 10, 2012
King County leaders highlighted nearby national parks and declared Monday as Washington State National Parks Day to recognize the economic and environmental benefits such places add to the landscape.
The national parks in Washington attract millions of parkgoers each year, including many out-of-state and foreign guests. Officials said the visitors then contribute to King County and other communities near the parks. Washington received more than $264 million in economic benefits related to national park units in 2010, National Park Service officials reported.
“King County is uniquely placed between three major national parks — Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park and Olympic National Park,” Councilwoman Julia Patterson, proclamation sponsor, said in a statement. “Because of our close proximity to these national gems, King County residents benefit from access to nature and from the economic gains these parks produce through tourism.”
Local 4-H programs could receive $100,000 to continue
June 27, 2012
NEW — 4:30 p.m. June 27, 2012
King County Executive Dow Constantine asked for $100,000 on Wednesday to continue county support for 4-H youth programs.
Constantine sent a budget request for the funds to the King County Council for approval. The measure is meant to continue 4-H programs through 2012. The proposal calls for dollars to continue horseback riding, county fair exhibitions and other 4-H programs.
The proposal also aims to re-appropriate $16,000 in funding from last year to Washington State University, the county’s partner in 4-H programs.
“More than 10,000 young people in King County gain valuable life experiences through 4-H, and this funding will keep the program going in collaboration with our partners at WSU Extension,” Constantine said in a statement.
King County Council committee endorses awareness campaign for human trafficking
June 27, 2012
NEW — 3:15 p.m. June 27, 2012
King County Council members, led by Issaquah-area Councilman Reagan Dunn, recommended a proposal Wednesday to educate the public about human trafficking.
The motion unanimously passed by the Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee calls on County Executive Dow Constantine to embark on a public awareness campaign and for the King County Transit Division public service to educate the public the crime and to let human trafficking victims know about available resources.
The measure heads to the full council for consideration.
Under federal law, human trafficking includes children involved in the commercial sex trade, adults 18 and older coerced or deceived into commercial sex acts, and anyone forced into different forms of “labor or services” — such as domestic workers held in a home or farmworkers forced into work.
