After two decades of service, County Council Chair Larry Phillips announced today that he will not run for reelection.
He writes:
?I like to say, “The beauty of King County and our great natural resources are only surpassed by the energy and creativity of the people who live here.”? For me, that has never been more true than in serving with my Council colleagues, County personnel, and especially my personal staff in meeting the needs of the people we represent.? Individually they are extraordinary public servants; collectively they are a powerhouse of institutional strength for our community.? As an elected official, and as a citizen, I will always be grateful for their steadfast commitment to, and accomplishments on behalf of, King County and our region.
…I will leave my service on the King County Council knowing the great landscapes of King County are far better preserved than when I started.? Our air, waters, and natural resources are better protected, and the people living here enjoy a healthier environment and more prosperous community.? I also know in leaving we have at King County enhanced the arts, parks, open space and recreation, fiscal responsibility, and government efficiency and reform, and substantially begun to address our transportation, transit, and mobility needs.? Each of these adds to our quality of life; as such, my tenure on the Council has been time well spent.? This is, after all, a place?and a community?worth fighting for with optimism, intelligence, and resolve.
Metropolitan King County Councilmember Larry Gossett released this statement after today?s announcement:
?Larry Phillips is a friend and colleague who has been at the forefront of change throughout Martin Luther King, Jr. County. When it comes to the challenges of the County Budget, transportation, climate change, and racial inequities within the communities that make up King County, Larry has been a tremendous leader and resource for getting us to think ?outside the box? in getting the Council to focus on real solutions for making meaningful social changes for low income and working class citizens who reside in the great Pacific Northwest.”
Phillips has served on the Council since 1991, representing the fourth district, which includes the Seattle neighborhoods of Queen Anne, Magnolia, Ballard, Fremont, Belltown, South Lake Union, and Downtown.