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Inside Scoop from Councilmember Jan Drago
CONTENTS:
2009-2010 Budget
We all are feeling the effects of a downturn economy, and even here in Seattle where we are typically more stable,
predictions of financial shortfalls meant the 2009-2010 budget season was more about saving vital programs from cuts than implementing new ideas. Difficult decisions were made: some community project funding was reduced, a few City jobs were cut, and programs were streamlined to reduce costs. In fact, the annual budget for 2009 represents a $15 million decrease in spending from 2008, representing even more fiscal discipline when the rising labor, fuel, and materials costs are taken into consideration.
But importantly in the face of this crisis, the City Council maintained its goal to serve the most disadvantaged and put people first by pledging $2.5 million for homeless services, and an additional $1 million for food supplies for those in need, and capital funding toward the creation of 32 new housing units. The Council also ensured vital community programs kept funding. We put $800,000 towards our Library system, and restored nearly $1 million in community-based anti-violence programs.
Budget forecasts are getting gloomier. I hope that we will not need to make further cuts and adjustments to the budget next year because of shortfalls, but it is a possibility. I will continue to be a steward of the public’s trust and money as we move through (and out of) this recession.
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Major Projects
This year the City Council affirmed its support for two major transportation projects: The Mercer Street Corridor and the Spokane Street Viaduct. Through a series of votes, the Council has continued to support moving these two projects forward with the goal of completing them before the Alaskan Way Viaduct is removed.
The Spokane Viaduct Project is already under construction! This project will improve the stretch of roadway that connects the West Seattle Bridge to I-5 by expanding it to three lanes in each direction and adding on- and off-ramps, including one exclusively for buses. While the improvements will help move transit, freight, and vehicles on the Viaduct, they will also provide better access on Spokane Street (below the Viaduct) for pedestrians and bicyclists.
The Mercer Street Corridor Project will build a grand, two-way boulevard on Mercer Street in South Lake Union that will widen sidewalks, support economic development, and create safer travel for freight, transit, pedestrians, and private vehicles. Two-way Mercer Street will also add signals, crosswalks, and a center median. At the same time, the Mercer Project will transform Valley Street by adding a bike path and making urban design changes to make it possible for all to more fully enjoy the new, world-class Lake Union Park.
During the budget session, City Council authorized up to $30 million in spending on the Mercer Corridor Project and as well as authorized full spending on Spokane Street. Early next year, the Executive will come back to Council with an updated funding plan. Both projects could possibly receive funding from the federal government’s “Infrastructure Stimulus Package” that will be considered under the Obama administration. That is great news for Seattle!
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Streetcar
This was a busy year for Streetcar legislation! In early 2008, the Council authorized the Executive to create a Streetcar Network Report and to identify possible streetcar extensions. In May, the Council reviewed the Streetcar report and this summer I held four streetcar forums to gather input on the most promising routes that include First Hill/Capitol Hill, Eastlake/U-District, Fremont/Ballard, and Central District/Downtown. Many citizens were supportive of creating a streetcar network that would connect neighborhoods and provide for additional economic development.
In November, voters passed Proposition 1, Sound Transit expansion. This package includes funding for the First Hill Streetcar line. Seattle will now have two streetcar lines: South Lake Union and First Hill. We need to continue providing our residents with options and alternatives to driving alone. Some people will still use the bus, soon people will start using light rail, and people already use the streetcar, and a network will provide more connections. That is why I sponsored the legislation to create the Streetcar Network, which passed in early December.
I celebrated the opening of the South Lake Union Streetcar on December 12th. You can ride the streetcar for free now through December 26th!
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Disaster Preparedness and Home Safety Center
Do you know what to do in a major earthquake, where in a fire to point an extinguisher, or how to get out of a smoke-filled room? On a study mission to Fukuoka, Japan in 2007 colleagues and I were introduced to their state-of-the-art Disaster Preparedness and Home Safety Center. There, the public could learn and practice what to do in emergency situations. We also learned that more than 65 cities in Japan have some similar sort of training center.
After that trip, a number of us met to discuss the possibility of creating a similar center for the Pacific NW region. Just one year ago, I was able to obtain funds via our City Consultant budget for a feasibility study, which concluded there was indeed a need for such a disaster preparedness center, that it would not supplant or compete with any existing agency’s emergency services programs but would be a complement to them. I also convened a large group of stakeholders to discuss how to put the study into action, and we have been working toward that end.
We are currently seeking local corporate contributions for the next development phase and will seek federal funding as well. We feel that such a center in the Pacific Northwest could serve as a national demonstration model.
To learn more visit http://www.seattle.gov/council/Drago/disaster_preparedness.htm .
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DC – Here I Come!
I am excited about being able to go to Washington DC for the inauguration of President Barack Obama! This will be my second experience at a presidential inauguration – in 1997, I went to President Clinton’s inauguration for his second term. There is such a sense of wonder and awe at being in our nation’s capitol during this important period.
While I am there, I will also be lobbying with various members of Congress and the Obama team to try to get funding within the economic stimulus package for Seattle transportation projects and for the regional disaster center project.
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Tashkent/China Trip
2008 marks the 35th anniversary of the Seattle-Tashkent, Uzbekistan Sister City Association. The relationship was formed in 1973 during the Cold War, and was the first of its kind between a U.S. and a Soviet city. We began the 35th anniversary Alumni Reunion year in April with over 200 people attending a celebration, including former Seattle mayors Uhlman and Royer, and Uzbekistan Ambassador Kamilov.
In August I led a delegation of 19 to Tashkent to renew our Sister City partnership. We celebrated the signing of the original Sister Cities agreement in Seattle Peace Park in Tashkent with a ceremony featuring mayors Uhlman and Kazimov, and attended by many citizens of Tashkent.
We also met with Mayor Tukhtaev and Mahalla (District) leaders and toured the city, the Amir Timur Museum, the U.W. Library, and the Chorsu Bazaar. We were also hosted by the Mayor at a banquet and attended the 17th Independence Day celebration.
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Tashkent 35th Anniversary
In early December we hosted a delegation of 17 in Seattle. In honor of the Tashkent 35th anniversary, not only did I visit Tashkent in September, but a large delegation came here to Seattle in early December. The group was led by Deput Mayor Mukhamedjanov and comprised of various business and community leaders. They met with the Trade Development Association, several City departments, and toured Boeing. The visit was topped off by a wonderful reception at ACT Theatre, complete with traditional food and music to complete our year of celebrations.
To learn more about the Seattle-Tashkent Sister City Association please visit www.seattletashkent.ning.com
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A Happy New Year to All!
I’m looking forward to my fourth year as Chair of the Transportation Committee. We have several big projects in 2009 – moving forward on the construction of Mercer Corridor and South Spokane Street Viaduct Projects, and implementation of the plan for the Alaskan Way Viaduct.
Here at the Drago Office we’d like extend our holiday greetings, and wish everyone a very happy New Year. We’ll see you in 2009!
-Jan, Barbara, Jodie, and Katherine
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