Keep Ferguson, Patterson, von Reichbauer, Dunn on council

2005-10-30

The King County Council will shrink to nine members from 13 next year. That will put an extra burden on those council members chosen by voters this November. They will need the skills to handle the representation of more constituents and expanded areas.

The suburbs will be best served by retaining those currently on the council: Bob Ferguson, Julia Patterson, Pete von Reichbauer and Reagan Dunn in the contested races.

District 1: Bob Ferguson

Bob Ferguson is seen as a Seattle Democrat, but his district actually more suburban than urban. It includes Bothell, part of Woodinville, Kenmore, Shoreline, Lake Forest Park and northeast Seattle.

Ferguson has earned a reputation as an independent on the council and for sometimes going against the grain of other Democrats. He irritated many by championing a smaller council, but that's what the public wanted. He's pushed to make the county elections department more accountable, something that's obviously long overdue. Ferguson also has been a strong voice to maintain county support for social service activities.

His opponent, Republican Steve Pyeatt, is a newcomer to politics whose early opposition to county plans for Tent City forced the county to restudy the issue and has helped shape how cities deal with homeless encampment. That involvement, while good, falls short of Ferguson's.

The King County Journal endorses Bob Ferguson for King County Council, District 1.

District 5: Julia Patterson

Julia Patterson has an almost perfect background for the 5th District. She was raised in the area and was a founding member of the SeaTac City Council, served two terms in the state House and nearly two terms in the Senate before going on to the County Council four years ago.

That has made her a powerful advocate for the south King County district, which includes the cities of Renton, Tukwila, Kent, SeaTac and Des Moines.

More than any other Democrat, Patterson has put the needs of her constituents above the interests of the party. That has meant getting significantly more bus service for south and east King County, blocking a facility for dangerous sexual offenders from locating in the area, becoming a strong regional leader on transportation and pushing for cleaning up the county elections department.

She also understands the makeup of the district, which includes many of the county's low-income residents and the need to provide social services to help them.

Her opponent, Republican Orin Wells, is a small businessman seeking his first political office. He argues that his victory would swing the council to the GOP, but the area has been in good hands under Patterson for the past four years.

The King County Journal endorses Julia Patterson for King County Council, District 5.

District 7: Pete von Reichbauer

Pete von Reichbauer has deep roots representing residents in the new 7th District, both as a longtime member of the County Council and as a state senator. The new district includes Auburn, Algona, Pacific, Federal Way, Milton and unincorporated areas of Enumclaw, Kent, Covington and Black Diamond.

Von Reichbauer is a Republican and currently is the vice-chair of the County Council, which is controlled by Democrats. It shows how well von Reichbauer works across party lines, since the party in control usually retains both the chair and vice-chair positions. He also has the support of mayors from cities throughout the district.

Von Reichbauer's support of transportation issues and opposition to the Critical Areas Ordinances makes him a good voice for both rural and suburban residents.

His opponent, Geni Hawkins, is a strong candidate who mirrors many of von Reichbauer's positions. She also has solid roots in the district, but the lack of elected experience would likely put her at a disadvantage on the council.

The King County Journal endorses Pete von Reichbauer for King County Council District 7.

District 9: Reagan Dunn

Reagan Dunn offers the intellectual skills, relevant experience and the potential to become a leader on the council. As a former land-use attorney and federal prosecutor, he is well-equipped to handle many of the issues facing the district, which includes parts of Bellevue, Renton and Kent, plus Newcastle, Maple Valley, Covington, Black Diamond and Enumclaw.

Dunn, a Republican, has worked on ``takings'' cases and understands the legal intricacies of land-use law, important given the controversy over the county's Critical Areas Ordinance. He rightly calls it ``an unconstitutional land-grab by the liberal establishment in King County.''

As a federal prosecutor, Dunn has handled many cases involving methamphetamine labs, one of the fastest growing problems for areas of southeast King County such as Maple Valley, Covington and Enumclaw. Those skills will help keep the county focused on that problem.

His opponent, Shirley Gaunt-Smith, jumped into this race when it appeared the Democrats wouldn't field a candidate. Challenges are important, but Gaunt-Smith doesn't have the experience to step on to the County Council.

The King County Journal endorses Reagan Dunn for King County Council, District 9.

Other races

Kathy Lambert is unopposed in District 3 and Jane Hague is unopposed in District 6.

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