King County Executive applauds tentative agreement between Allied Waste and Teamsters

County Executive to review circumstances of Sunday’s disturbance at King County Jail
King County Executive Dow Constantine today said his office will review the findings of an administrative review that is now being conducted by the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention into Sunday’s disturbance at the King County Jail in downtown Seattle.

Executive Constantine mourns passing of Audrey Gruger
King County Executive Dow Constantine today mourned the loss of former state legislator and King County Councilmember Audrey Gruger, who passed away unexpectedly Wednesday in San Francisco. Gruger served on the Council from 1982 through 1993, and served as Council Chair in 1986, 1992 and 1993.

Constantine welcomes partnership of Seattle City Council in effort to fund replacement of South Park Bridge
"I want to thank the Seattle City Council for its strong support of our regional efforts to fund a replacement for the deteriorating South Park Bridge. Their support will aid us in King County's upcoming application for a federal stimulus grant..."

Constantine proposes reorganization to elevate labor relations to Executive Office Cabinet level
In order to engage more directly in the development of new labor agreements, King County Executive Dow Constantine today proposed a reorganization to establish a new Cabinet-level Office of Labor Relations, with a director who would report directly to him and Deputy Executive Fred Jarrett.

Constantine signs order reaffirming public access to King County's public records
King County Executive Dow Constantine today signed a new Executive Policy that affirms public access to public records and commits the county to an open and transparent government. The policy update expands and details existing policy and incorporates model rules issued by the state attorney general.

Landmark health reform will benefit all King County residents
King County Executive Dow Constantine today hailed the historic health reform legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Sunday for the benefits it will provide all King County residents in improving health and reducing rising health care costs.

Regional leaders join County Executive to urge federal support for new interim solution proposed for federal Howard Hanson Dam
King County Executive Dow Constantine, backed by the mayors of the Green River Valley, today urged federal support for funding of an interim solution outlined today for repair of the federal Howard Hanson Dam in southeast King County. Joining in the request were Council Councilmember Julia Patterson, who is also chair of the King County Flood Control District, and State Representative Tina Orwall.

Constantine makes King County’s management of big capital projects more transparent and accountable
Major construction projects undertaken by King County will have greater assurance of coming in on-time and on-budget, under action today by King County Executive Dow Constantine to create unified project management standards that will provide accountability and transparency to the public.

Reform of death inquest procedures will save criminal justice resources and speed resolution of cases
Inquiries into fatal police shootings and in-custody deaths will be more timely and efficient, while preserving the public’s right to know, under a new order signed by King County Executive Dow Constantine to reform the county’s inquest procedures.

Constantine thanks Sen. Murray for active support of federal funding for Howard Hanson Dam repairs
With a June deadline looming for access to critical federal construction funding, King County Executive Dow Constantine thanked U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) for her continued efforts on behalf of King County to help secure federal funding to repair the federal Howard Hanson Dam in southeast King County.

Constantine signs order to make King County’s procurement process easier and more efficient
Businesses interested in contracting with King County should find the process easier to navigate and more efficient under a new Executive Order signed today by King County Executive Dow Constantine to reform the county’s procurement and business processes.

Blueprint for Reform: Working Together for One King County
It was just 105 days ago, right here, that I chaired my last council meeting. The next day I was honored to take the helm of this, one of the nation’s largest, most diverse and vibrant counties — one with a history of innovation and transformation, and a future with boundless potential.

“Blueprint for Reform” details strategies to make County government more efficient and drive down costs
King County Executive Dow Constantine today presented a draft strategic plan for the County that calls for driving down the cost of government and improving services through innovative budget strategies, a culture of customer service, and a partnership with employees.

King County Executive to outline reforms of County government
Marking the end of his first 100 days in office, King County Executive Dow Constantine will outline his agenda for reform in a series of speeches next week.

King County Executive appoints experienced Newcastle city manager to lead reform of County’s building and land use permitting
King County Executive Dow Constantine today appointed former Newcastle City Manager John Starbard to lead reform of the county’s building and land use permitting processes, as the new Director of the Department of Development and Environmental Services.