Dembowski selected to King County Transporation, Economy and Environment Committee

The Metropolitan King County Council today completed its yearly reorganization with the appointment of the chairs of the Council’s standing committees.

By Reporter Staff • January 27, 2014 5:54 pm
Rod Dembowski
Rod Dembowski

The following is a release from the King County Council:

The Metropolitan King County Council today completed its yearly reorganization with the appointment of the chairs of the Council’s standing committees. Councilmembers gave their unanimous approval to the selection of new chairs for the Council’s Committee of the Whole and Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee, along with the appointment of new chairs for two of the regional committees that provide a forum for development and review of countywide plans and policies.

Bothell and Kenmore King County Council representative, Rod Dembowski, was selected as the chair for the Transporation, Economy and Environment Committee. The committee is  responsible for oversight of transportation, including public transit and county roads, salmon recovery and water quality and control. It makes recommendations on policies relating to growth management, including land use development and regulation, comprehensive planning, annexations, affordable housing and the unincorporated and rural areas.

Council Vice Chair Jane Hague will become the new chair of the Committee of the Whole. Councilmember Rod Dembowski will chair the Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee. Reagan Dunn will become the new chair of the Regional Policy Committee. Dave Upthegrove, the newest member of the County Council, will chair the Regional Water Quality Committee. The rest of the committee chairs will remain the same as in 2013.

“In the spirit of the strategic plan, this Council continues to place an important emphasis on regional coordination,” said Vice Chair Jane Hague.  As Chair of the Committee of the Whole, leading the charge on building lasting regional partnerships will be an exciting leadership role for me in 2014.”

“I am excited for the opportunity to Chair the Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee and help take on the tremendous challenge King County faces in finding a solution to the looming Metro Transit budget shortfall,” said Councilmember Rod Dembowski.  “I am committed to continuing the great work of Councilmember Phillips to prevent the cuts while protecting access to transit for our most vulnerable populations.  I look forward to also leading the council’s work on economic development, pay equity and income disparity, affordable housing, and protecting our environment. These are all critical to King County’s quality of life and continued climb out of the Great Recession.”

“I am eager to again serve as Chair of the Regional Transit Committee (RTC),” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn. “Transit issues in our County touch nearly every segment of our community and I will work hard to address the issues before us.”

“I am thrilled to be appointed to committees that will allow me to continue my efforts in building South King County as a community where businesses can prosper, diverse communities thrive, and vulnerable populations and the environment are protected,” said Councilmember Dave Upthegrove. “It is important that County resources are used fairly and equitably in developing sustainable budgets – I am excited to start my committee work.”