King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson Seeks Re-Election

King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson announced his re-election campaign for District 1 of the King County Council today. District 1 includes North Seattle, Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell and parts of Woodinville and unincorporated King County.

“It has been my honor to serve the residents of District 1,” said Ferguson, “If re-elected I will continue my work to promote core public services, such as public safety and transit, ensure the efficient spending of public tax dollars, and push for government reform to ensure accountability to King County residents.”

A fourth generation Washingtonian and a King County native, Ferguson has deep roots in the community. At the University of Washington, he was elected Student Body President and, after graduation, served with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps as the director of an emergency services office. He attended New York University School of Law and returned home to work at Seattle’s Preston Gates and Ellis law firm as a litigation associate.

On the King County Council, Ferguson has focused on fiscal oversight and accountability for public tax dollars. As the Chair of the Budget Committee, he protected core county services, including public safety, health, and human services. Last year, as the County faced its most challenging budget session in decades with a $93 million shortfall in the general fund, Ferguson cut administrative overhead and non-essential projects, such as a voicemail system upgrade, in order to fund public health centers and sheriff deputies.

When the financial market crisis led to the default of $200 million worth of assets in King County’s $4 billion investment pool, Ferguson established an expert panel to comprehensively review the County’s investing practices. Following their report, he passed legislation to implement needed reforms, including better reporting, improved infrastructure, and a more inclusive governance board.

Ferguson has also worked on initiatives to ensure King County government is effectively managed and accessible to its citizens. Following the difficult 2004 election, he led an effort to reform the county’s elections department, leading to the consolidation of all election functions in a state-of-the-art facility that provides ballot security and allows public oversight of the elections process. Ferguson also sponsored legislation to create an Office of Law Enforcement Oversight to allow civilian oversight of the county’s sheriff’s department.

“But there is much work to be done”, adds Ferguson, “particularly as the county faces unprecedented economic challenges. Our County leaders must have the courage to change the way we do business—to identify efficiencies and cost savings, to prioritize service above administration, to be open and accountable to tax payers.”

Ferguson works hard to keep his constituents informed and listen to their concerns. He continues to bring government to his constituents through frequent and well attended town hall meetings, coffees with constituents, and other community events.

Ferguson was first elected to the Council in 2003 when he defeated Cynthia Sullivan, a 20-year incumbent and Chair of the Council. After a redistricting process eliminated his district, Ferguson was forced to run again in 2005 against another incumbent, Carolyn Edmonds, in a redrawn District 1. Ferguson defeated Edmonds in the primary and went on to win the General election with approximately 75% of the vote.

Following King County Executive Ron Sims’ recent appointment to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, observers anticipated Ferguson might run for Sims’ seat. This week, however, Ferguson ended that speculation and announced he would not run for County Executive, stating that “my focus is on my constituents in District 1 and running for re-election.”

Ferguson lives in North Seattle with his wife Colleen and their one-year-old twins Jack and Katie. Colleen works at Shoreline Community College.

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