King County Executive Ron Sims recently appointed 21 commission members to review the county's charter.

Two of those appointed are from the Highline area: Tara Jo Heinecke of Des Moines, the former chairwoman of the 33rd Legislative District Democrats, and former Burien City Manager Gary Long of the Suburban Cities Association.

The King County Charter Review Commission will convene over the next 15 months and dissolve after the general election in November 2008.

During their term, the commissioners will review the charter and make recommendations to the county council on any changes or improvements they consider necessary.

County council members then will determine what changes or improvements to put on the ballot for voter approval.

The charter, which serves as the constitution for King County government, provides a basic long-term structure for accountability, checks and balances, and promoting an effective, efficient and responsive government.

This is the fifth time the commission has convened since the charter was adopted in 1969.

The next Charter Review Commission meeting is scheduled for March 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 Fifth Avenue, on the 40th floor. Meetings are open to the public.

For more information about the commission, go to www.metrokc.gov/exec/charter, call Mark Yango, charter coordinator, at 206-296-4628, or e-mail charter.review@metrokc.gov.