A few days ago, I announced my candidacy to lead and reform King County. I did not take this decision lightly. The responsibilities of the King County Executive, who oversees a $5 billion government that serves nearly two million people, are immense. And the challenges awaiting the next Executive are unprecedented.

While King County remains a great place to live, the threats we face today are serious and growing: Our economy is in trouble, our people are hurting. At a time when people need help the most, King County government is faced with declining revenues, unmet human service needs, spiraling criminal justice costs, rapidly expanding transit demand, and a critical need to protect the clean air, water and food we rely on to support our quality of life. 

I believe that we can deal with these issues - but only if we are willing to look beyond business as usual. At this moment of change for our nation, King County needs change as well. Now is the moment to clear away that which is no longer working, improve that which is, and build an efficient, modern government that delivers for citizens across King County.

To meet these challenges, King County must make tough choices. That requires decisive leadership, and an emphasis on lasting solutions—not gimmicks that saddle future generations with even greater problems.

I am ready.

A life-long resident of King County, I grew up in West Seattle, graduating from West Seattle High and the University of Washington. I got my first lesson in community organizing early, as my grandparents and their neighbors successfully fought Atlantic Richfield and stopped the development of huge oil terminal that would have destroyed Snohomish County's Port Susan Bay. Today, Kayak Point is a beloved county park, enjoyed by thousands of families.

I got directly involved in grass-roots politics in the late 1980s, when we fought to preserve vanishing open space - the leafy ravines and hillsides of my youth. I practiced law, went on to the legislature in 1996, and in 2002 joined the County Council, which I now chair. I have stayed close to the people who elected me and the community that raised me. I have always worked to represent them as I would want to be represented.

I offer reform, and a track record of taking on tough issues. As budget chair, I asked that everyone follow one simple principle: Spend less and save more. The month I arrived at the council, Governing magazine gave King County a grade of “C” in “managing for results." That was unacceptable, so I authored legislation requiring King County departments to establish strong performance measures to manage for results.

In the legislature I introduced the first legislation on climate change. I have led the fight to stop an international mining company from destroying publicly-owned critical shoreline habit on Maury Island. I fought to preserve the historic, century-old First United Methodist Church building in downtown Seattle - and I succeeded. And, with Council member Julia Patterson, I have led the call for the County turn over its failing, inhumane animal shelters to those with a track record of providing better care.

I have taken on the toughest issues - and that’s what this moment requires. The old ways will not do. In this economy, we cannot ask taxpayers for more without proving that we are making the most efficient use of what we have. 

As Executive I will end programs that no longer work. I will invest scarce resources where they will deliver maximum value. I believe the measure of effectiveness is not spending more dollars, but getting the most for each dollar spent.

The time is now to set a new course. This race is not about who has served longest, or who has sought the office longest. It is about who is best equipped, by temperament and track record, to meet the challenges we face today.

With your support, we can set the foundation for a new prosperity: Real transportation choices, sensible and humane criminal justice, responsible environmental stewardship, and genuine regional leadership. Our county government can and will become a model of sustainable efficiency and innovation.

We can do this. I look forward to earning your vote.

Dow Constantine is running for King County Executive against fellow council member Larry Phillips. The primary is August 18. The general election is November 3.