Rotarians welcomed King County Executive Dow Constantine, who began by saying that as a native of Seattle, he has watched over the last almost 58 years as the city has rapidly changed around him. His pride in the city and county became evident as he outlined the changes that have been made possible because of the county’s ability to empower its employees to be creative, passionate advocates for the people they serve. By empowering people, we allow them to become aligned behind the changes that are necessary to meet our needs and grow our infrastructure. Regional services such as sewage, transportation, and public health have improved because of that approach to improvement.
The King County Executive explained that animal care has improved to the degree that the save rate has gone from 60% to 95% and has become a model for the state and country. Through the help of his assistant, Fred Garrett, who recently retired, the county is thriving through its focus on the people of the county. He spoke to the domino effect that homelessness has on other public health issues such as the spread of communicable diseases and the ability to receive a public education. “Our people need jobs, jobs that will allow them to make a living in order to obtain affordable housing.” That will lead to more successes.
“The housing crisis is real,” he stated and illustrated that by saying that becoming homeless can thwart the forward momentum that allows people to become contributing citizens. He explained that the recent opening of two facilities has allowed homeless people to stay longer in these facilities and to receive the assistance they need from other human beings in navigating how to obtain housing, schooling, and other resources.Constantine also spoke to the environment by explaining that the county is working to knit together all of the current parcels of protected lands to preserve our wilderness. Salmon habitat is being preserved along with these efforts.
During the brief question and answer session, Constantine expressed his pride in the fact that the county’s finances are on the upturn. He informed the attendees that the county now has a AAA bond rating. He also tactfully and humorously avoided commenting about a question regarding the governorship in 2020.President Cindy Runger rang the bell and asked members to share their experience with either being saved or saving someone. She then introduced Howard Crabtree and accompanist Burr Stewart who tried a new tune on the group, I’ve Got Rhythm, I’ve Got Music. And the attendees got both.
Past President Skip Kotkins provided the inspiration, invoking the motto of Rotary, “Service Above Self,” in reflecting on a 1911 Rotary meeting when “one profits most who services best” was discussed as the motto. At that time, Rotary was a mutual acquaintance business society. Skip’s comments gave each of us time to think about our purpose in serving others and ourselves for the betterment of all.Shell Stone and George Twiss introduced guests and all visiting Rotarians, then President Cindy welcomed Joe Phillips to introduce new member Judy Kaiser, who has been a cancer and infectious disease researcher at Fred Hutch for the past eight years. The Maine native, who grew up in Idaho, earned her degree in nursing from Eastern Washington University. She is committed to curing cancer by utilizing immunotherapy rather than chemotherapy.
George came back to the podium to introduce new member David McDonald, a real estate specialist who was born in Germany but grew up in Tacoma, his father was in the US Army. The graduate of Mount Tahoma High School and Western Washington University will be married in May.Lauri Hennessey of the Woodland Park Zoo drew the Recruiter Reward, which was won by Trent Mummery, and then George, Shell, and President Cindy recognized membership anniversaries.
Steve Tyler encouraged members to become involved in the #BoldforBlood Blood Drive. The bloodmobile will be parked at 2014 4th Avenue on Monday, April 15. Steve shared some startling facts that resonated with the group: there is a need for 5000 weekly donations; 3 of 10 individuals will need a transfusion sometime in their lives yet only 1 in 10 donate blood. Steve refused in a very civil pose to leave the stage until 33 members volunteered to give blood on Monday. After some brief coaxing the goal was met and sergeant-at-arms Ken Grant breathed a sigh of relief.President Cindy invited Kela Hall to the podium to introduce guest speaker King County Executive Dow Constantine. She informed us that Constantine was born and raised in West Seattle, Washington, graduating from West Seattle High School, where he was student body president and an Eagle Scout. He attended the University of Washington (UW), receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and graduated as a member of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. Constantine earned a law degree from the University of Washington School of Law and obtained a master's degree in urban planning from UW in 1992. He currently serves as King County Executive, an office he has held since November 2009. He was previously in the state legislature and on the King County Council, chairing the latter before his election as Executive. With 2.2 million residents in 39 cities and unincorporated areas, King County, which is the nation’s 13th-largest county, has one of the most diverse populations in the United States.
President Cindy invited Heather Fitzpatrick to provide a teaser about next week’s program, which will feature Wellspring Family Services. Heather commented that over 20,000 children will spend at least one night a year without housing. The meeting will be held at the Westin.
President Runger thanked the program's participants and closed with a quote from Nelson Mandel, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
