Elections 2011: Meet Jane Hague, Incumbent Candidate for King County Council District 6

Jane Hague

Where do you work and what is your job title?

Councilmember, Metropolitan King County Council (District 6). I also serve as vice chair of the council.

Where do you live now and how long have you lived there?

Bellevue. I’ve lived on the Eastside now for almost 40 years!

Spouse or domestic partner if any:

Ed Springman

Children:

One son, David

Education (include graduation date(s), if any):

• 4 years, Western Michigan University

Memberships and affiliations with clubs and other organizations:

Metropolitan King County Council (1994-present)

Various committees and appointments, including: Vice Chair, Council (2009 - present); Chair, Committee of the Whole (2010 - present); Chair, Employment and Administration Committee (2009 - present); Chair, Operating Budget Panel, Annual Budget Reconciliation and Adoption Committee (2006); Member Transportation Committee (1994 - 2008); Member, Legislative Steering Committee (1997 - present); enterpriseSeattle (2006 –present); King County Council Eastside Representative, Eastside Transportation Partnership; Puget Sound Regional Council Operations Committee (2002 – present); SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Project Executive Committee (2006)

Other clubs and activities

Board of Directors, King County Boys & Girls Club (1999 – 2006); Member, Act One Guild, Performance Arts Center Eastside (PACE) (2004 – present); Chair, Kids Auction, Boys & Girls Clubs of King County (2005); Board Member, Bellevue Community College Foundation (1991-1993);  Advisory Committee, Youth Eastside Services (1998 – present); Board of Trustees, the Overlake School) 1994-2000); Board Member, Eastside Sexual Assault Center for Children (1991-1992); Chair, Bandage Ball – Overlake Hospital; Member, Bellevue Downtown Rotary Club (1989-present)

Have you or a business you owned (or had principal interest in) ever filed bankruptcy?

No.

As an adult, have you been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation?

On June 2, 2007 I was arrested and later charged with a DUI. I pleaded to a lesser charge of reckless driving. Among the conditions in pleading to this lesser charge included 75 hours of public service and recording three public service announcements which aired on local radio stations. The experience was humbling for me. I made mistakes and I have paid for them. But, it was also an “a-ha” moment that has shaped me into a more compassionate public servant. I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to serve.

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE(S):

Elected:

Bellevue City Council, 1989-93

Other campaigns for public office:

Back in 2004 I seriously considered running for Congress in the 1st Congressional District. *

THIS CAMPAIGN:

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

I am energized and excited by the challenge of rethinking county government. Our financial resources force us to do more with less – to recreate the government so that it is efficient, with a sustainable budget that maintains vital services.

I have worked hard to bring people together – bridging partisan political differences and soothing personal animosities. While I don’t always succeed, I believe I have built up a level of trust on budget, transportation, and land use issues, which helps the whole Council find consensus.

In my next term I will continue working closely with my colleagues on the Council, Executive Dow Constantine, and the county’s labor partners to make King County a model of collaborative government services.

I have already been a leader in building this foundation. I supported the Executive’s pledge to cut at least three percent worth of inefficiencies each year. Under my leadership as Chair of Committee of the Whole (COW) the Council has passed the Countywide Strategic Plan which sets up performance measures in all county departments. I have also co-sponsored audits of Metro, which prevented major service cuts, and the Sheriff’s office.

By solving the structural gap in the budget, we will be ensuring that our safety nets are not neglected or underfunded. Social services are frequently the last resort for families in need. We need to carry on the fight against domestic violence, homelessness, and substance abuse.

Last year, I co-sponsored the Executive’s reorganization of the Department of Development and Environmental Services (DDES). These reforms significantly reduce consumer costs and bureaucratic red tape and increase efficiency through a more focused management. I also led the way in opposing last year’s regressive sales tax increase.

My own district also needs to build upon its transportation resources. During the next four years I look forward to preserving Metro bus service and creating new transportation options for the greater Eastside.

Finally, I would like to ensure that we are committing enough resources to public safety. The prosecutor’s office and our sheriff’s deputies have taken the brunt of the budget cuts. We need to look for innovative ways to fund these departments so King County can protect the public and avoid further layoffs. I also plan to work with cities within District 6 to increase access to parks and to provide recreational activities.

What will be your top three priorities if you get elected and why?

With the ongoing economic downturn, elected officials have a unique opportunity and responsibility to reform government. Nowhere is this more true than in King County. This is why my top three priorities include:

1) Getting King County on the right track towards fiscal sustainability. In my next term I plan to work extensively with my colleagues on the Council, Executive Dow Constantine, and our labor groups to make King County a model of efficient government services. The foundation for this reform is currently in place. The Executive has pledged to cut at least three percent worth of inefficiencies each year. As a complement to that, the Council has passed the Countywide Strategic Plan which aims to set up business-like performance measures throughout all county departments.

There are other benefits to getting King County’s financial house back into order. By solving the structural gap, we will be ensuring that human services are not neglected or underfunded.

2) Enhancing transportation on the Eastside. Ask anyone in King County and they will tell you that transportation and citizen mobility – or lack thereof -- is the number one problem in the county. Roads, bridges, the viaduct, bus routes, improved schedules, light rail, commuter rail – the competition for our transportation dollars is fierce, especially given our current economic client. Mobility is also key to the vitality of our business community. Transportation must continue to be a high priority of the Council and the Executive.

The biggest challenge we face at the county-level is the sustainability of Metro. I believe that we need to take a hard look at how Metro does business and come up with a solution that provides the framework for making Metro more financially viable. Two years ago I sponsored an audit of Metro which saved over 300,000 hours of bus service. By utilizing tools like these and thinking outside the box, we can turn Metro around. Additionally, we need to come up with a solution that provides service to all of King County – service that strikes a healthy balance between efficiency and geographic equity.

Another challenge the county faces concerns roads in the unincorporated areas. In the past, the tax for roads has been used to finance public safety (i.e. sheriff patrols). However, King County is now at a critical juncture. Many unincorporated roads need immediate repair. If proper maintenance not completed soon, the county risks having to pay for costly replacements in the future. I’m eager to work with my Council colleagues and the Executive in finding a solution to this problem during my next term.

Earlier this month the Governor appointed a transportation task force which will review the state’s long-term transportation needs and provide the 2012 legislature with a 10-year plan. Obviously much of this plan will concern the future of King County. I will follow the group’s progress and I look forward to seeing their findings.

3) Improve our local economy. I have always believed that government needs to be a partner in fostering economic growth. Specifically, King County can do this by reforming regulations that may be overly burdensome or redundant. Given the current economic climate, it is critical that county government maintain this focus over the next four years.

I’m proud to say that over the last four years King County has been doing these things. Last year, I co-sponsored the Executive’s reorganization of the Department of Development and Environmental Services (DDES). These reforms significantly reduce consumer costs and bureaucratic red tape and increase efficiency through a more focused management. I’ve also been a key player in Council’s ongoing effort to revitalize the local building economy in the wake of the recent housing meltdown by extending building permits. Once again, this provides relief for local businesses by avoiding the costly permitting process.

What sets you apart from the other candidates and/or previous office holders?

I have a record on the Council of getting things done. My opponents do not. I “walk the talk” and I believe my bipartisan policy choices are reflective of my greater Eastside constituents. Just look at my diverse list of supporters: http://www.janehague.com/endorsements/

I’m proud to run on my record of accomplishment and I don’t consider myself running “against” anybody.

How much money do you expect your campaign to spend on this election?

Our projected campaign budget is around $500,000.

CAMPAIGN INFORMATION:

Web site: www.JaneHague.com

Email address: info@janehague.com