I'm pretty late to this party. But once again, newly minted Democrat, Sen. Fred Jarrett of Mercer Island, sent me an invitation.

Who will replace Ron Sims, who's on his way to Washington D.C. and the Obama Administration?

March 11, 2009

Dear Joe,
You may have read recent press reports that I might be a candidate for King County Executive this year. Over the past several months many of my friends and supporters have encouraged me to consider entering this race.

I am currently occupied with my Senate duties and will be until the session ends. That is my priority. I am deeply involved in strengthening education and the challenges of our budget, and the economic situation our state faces. Even if I decided to run, I am prohibited from doing so during the legislative session. Consequently, I've answered those who've suggested the race that while I saw the opportunities a new county executive would have, I didn't know how it could be done

This weekend, Susan and I talked about the race. What it would mean for our family and what I could bring to the race. We decided we should take a closer look into whether such a candidacy would be feasible.

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This is not a matter I entertain lightly. King County faces enormous challenges. The next County Executive must be able to work hand-in-hand with public officials from all of our cities and suburban jurisdictions, state and federal officials and leaders of our unincorporated communities to strengthen our economy and provide essential services to county residents. Those who've suggested I run tell me that my experience as a private sector business manager, school board member, mayor, state legislator, Chair of the Metro Transit Committee and Chair of the Joint Regional Planning Committee that created Sound Transit equips me to meet that challenge. A voice from a suburban resident with a history of involvement in important regional issues would add to that debate.

While there are many uncertainties that lay ahead, one thing is certain; King County needs to change the way it does business. With the county's financial solvency in jeopardy the stakes in this election could not be higher. King County must have an executive who can articulate the vision for what a 21st Century County government can accomplish. We can't afford the same approaches to regional challenges. We need new answers. Our problems will only be solved when we confront them directly, make the tough decisions to solve them and measure each decision against how it impacts the lives of individuals and families from Woodinville to Federal Way, from Vashon to North Bend.

Because this is the first King County Executive election without an incumbent we have an opportunity for robust public discussion and debate about the direction of county government .

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and for all of your past support and encouragement. As always, I value your thoughts and comments.
Take care,

Fred

Fred Jarrett