Drafter
Clerk 06/16/2011
Title
AN ORDINANCE proposing an amendment to the King County Charter; establishing as the county's paramount duty to seek to fund open and free elections, the fair and transparent assessment of real and personal property, the effective management of county government, an effective social safety net of regional human services and effective oversight of county government, and requiring the county to establish by ordinance such levels of service as it deems appropriate to provide a well-functioning county government; adding a new Section 805 to the King County Charter; and submitting the same to the voters of the county for their ratification or rejection at the November 8, 2011, general election.
Body
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KING COUNTY:
SECTION 1. Findings:
A. The principal goals of county government, as set forth in the King County strategic plan, adopted by the county council in July 2010, are to deliver justice and safety; health and human potential; economic growth and built environment; and environmental sustainability to county residents, and to do so in a manner that reflects service excellence, financial stewardship, public engagement and a quality workforce.
B. In times of economic scarcity, county government may lack sufficient resources to achieve all of these goals and therefore may need to establish priorities among them.
C. Since it is difficult, if not impossible, to enjoy the benefits of living in a democratic society without assurances to the public that free and open elections are conducted on their behalf, the adequate funding of an effective elections department is of paramount importance.
D. The ten leading causes of death in King County from 2003 through 2007 included seven health-related causes: cancer, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, chronic lower respiratory disease, diabetes, influenza and pneumonia. In addition, based on a 2004 national study, Public Health-Seattle & King Coun...
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