King County Council chairman Dow Constantine, a West Seattle native, has announced that he will be running against fellow councilmember Larry Phillips for King County executive.

“The changes needed at King County now are too pressing for me to sit on the sidelines,” says Constantine. “We have an ongoing structural disconnect between the expenses of government and funds available which can only be solved with a fresh set of eyes and change in culture.”

Constantine says that after nearly seven years on the King County Council he knows how the county works, but hasn’t been around so long that he has become jaded or lost a fresh perspective.

He added that he is uniquely qualified because the district he currently represents as a councilmember is as diverse as the greater county, including Vashon Island, Burien, Tukwila, SODO, Pioneer Square and more.

Most of all, Constantine says he would serve the county wee because he does not hesitate to get involved in tough issues.

“I have jumped in when I saw an injustice,” says Constantine. “When I saw a problem that truly needed fixing I have suffered the slings and arrows to fix it.”

Speaking about his vision for county government, Constantine says we need to “hit the reset button,” especially in regards to government funded programs.

“We need to adopt a new way of thinking,” he says. “We can't be afraid to end programs that are no longer working or to reform those that have promise but are not operating at top efficiency.”

As an example of this idea Constantine mentioned the county’s animal shelter program, which was investigated and found grossly ineffective last year.

“We should focus our money where we can do the most good and partner with others where they can do the most good," says Constantine.

Constantine is also very conscious of the issues that concern West Seattle residents. When asked about the implementation of more bus service to West Seattle, including Rapid Ride, Constantine says that the current audit of Metro should reveal opportunities to move funds from management to front line services.

“(Transit) service is a commitment to the citizens,” he says. “My commitment is to do everything possible to keep exist service on the road and deplore Rapid Ride as soon as possible.”

Still, Constantine says that any tax increase, during the current economic recession, would not be an ideal solution to keeping buses on the road.

The councilmember has been very outspoken about his support of a deep-bore tunnel replacing the Alaska Way Viaduct.
“It is the only solution that preserves mobility, economic opportunity for businesses on either end and allows waterfront businesses to stay in business,” says Constantine.

Constantine has also voiced his opposition to a new jail in Highland Park or any other residential neighborhood. He argues that a new jail should be built in Downtown Seattle, and that ity and county governments should work together on the issue.

“This is an example of a different kind of leadership needed,” says Constantine. “Were talking about services needed to be provided by a number of regional partners. I think I have the ability to bring people to the table that will serve us well in future discussions like the jail.”
As a council member Constantine has also fought expansion of a gravel mine on Maury Island, pushed for a county ferry district and sought to save the historic First United Methodist Church in downtown Seattle.

Although Phillips began his campaign nearly a month ago and has already raised more than $97,000, Constantine says he is encouraged by the many offers of financial and volunteer support he has already received.

“It’s reminders of all the work I’ve done with people (throughout my career),” says Constantine.

Former executive Ron Sims was nominated on Feb. 2 to serve as deputy secretary at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, although he will not resign as executive until his appointment is confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

While both Phillips and Constantine are Democrats, the position of executive will become a nonpartisan office this year according to a county charter change passed by voters in November.

Constantine was appointed to the county council in 2002 and has been re-elected three times. Previously, he served as a state legislator and state senator.