SEATTLE, Wash. – In response to Sound Transit’s announcement that King County Executive Dow Constantine is the choice to be their next CEO, King County Assessor and candidate for Executive John Wilson said:
“I want to congratulate Dow Constantine on his nomination as the next CEO of Sound Transit. I have worked closely with Dow for years and consider him a friend. However, this is a glaring example of why the public is so skeptical of government and too many insiders taking care of each other instead of the public.
As King County Executive, Dow has appointed more than half of the Sound Transit Board, including both of my opponents. Now my opponents have backed Dow for a new job with a salary of up to $650K per year.
And you wonder why the public has so many questions about Sound Transit? We need more public transit options – Sounder, Link but also bus rapid transit like Rapid Ride, and to explore how are transportation needs are changing.
The status quo doesn’t cut it. Sound Transit is millions and millions over budget and years behind schedule. We need fresh eyes to look clearly into the future, not in the rear-view mirror of what we’ve always done. We need a County Executive who will tell the public the truth, and the truth is Sound Transit is massively in debt and simply can’t afford the current version of ST3.
As your next King County Executive, I will do just that. I will propose reforming the Board to assure at least one member has actual transportation planning and operational expertise. And, most importantly for the thousands we ask to pay for Sound Transit through higher taxes, I will fight to directly elect a portion of the board by the voters of King County.
Our future is riding on these decisions. No more insider status quo. It is time for real reform. Real accountability. A reality check. I will be that change agent King County government needs and deserves. That’s why I want to be your County Executive.”