Today, Pelz introduced a measure that would make the council a non-partisan body. The council is currently composed of seven republicans and six democrats. Councilmembers are voting as a block of democrats or republicans, and little of substance is getting done. This measure would end the fighting and lead to more sound decision making. Pelz argued that issues which come before the county council such as growth management, improving transportation, and protecting water quality are not partisan issues.
King County provides basic regional services.
Seattle, Bellevue, Federal Way and 39 other cities in King County all legislate with non-partisan city councils. The partisan battles of the past several years led Pelz to introduce his legislation. The members of this council are some of the most intelligent, hard-working elected officials in America. The sad fact is we are not harnessing that talent. A non-partisan Metropolitan King County Council could emerge as one of the finest legislative bodies in the region, one capable of effectively addressing the many challenges facing the people of King County.