Susan Hutchison Announces Transition Team

10/29/2009

King County, WA—“With the specter of flooding, pandemic flu, and the continued effects of the county’s financial crisis looming ahead, I am prepared to take leadership on November 24th,” Hutchison announced today.

Hutchison went on to list several members of her transition team. “These individuals have distinguished themselves by their years of experience and service to our region, and I am humbled by their stepping forward to accept this new challenge,” said Hutchison.

Many of Hutchison’s bi-partisan and non-partisan campaign supporters have agreed to serve on her transition team, including:

•    Brian Sonntag – Washington State Auditor
•    Rob McKenna – Washington State Attorney General & Fmr. King County Councilmember
•    Bob Herbold – Fmr. COO, Microsoft
•    Walter Liang – American Red Cross Board of Governors & Fmr. Dept. of Labor Official
•    Suzette Cooke – Mayor of Kent
•    Wes Uhlman – Fmr. Mayor of Seattle
•    Dini Duclos – CEO Multi-Service Center
•    James Williams Attorney, King County Charter Review Committee
•    Fernando Martinez—CEO Northwest Minority Supplier Development Council

Hutchison reiterated her appreciation for current Executive Kurt Triplett. “I have a great respect for Executive Triplett, his years of service to King County, and his leadership in these tough times. I will look to his continued counsel in the months ahead.”

Normally, the King County Executive would take office the first week of January, providing close to two months for transition. The next Executive, however, will inherit the remaining months of Ron Sims term, and take office on November 24, 2009.

Hutchison also said that she would call on several department directors and senior staff to remain with the county during transition, and indicated that many of them may be asked to stay on permanently.

“We read in the newspapers everyday about another disaster brewing at King County, but we rarely hear about the thousands of dedicated employees, many of whom are in leadership positions, who discharge the duties of their office with great professionalism and a spirit of service. I look forward bringing these directors, staff, and front line employees into my administration.”

“While my team and I work to streamline government services and reform our ailing county my chief priorities will remain public safety, law and justice, and public health.”