Larry Phillips launched his campaign for reelection to a fifth term as a King County Council member on May 19 during a salmon bake at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center. Joined by a huge crowd of supporters that included local and national officials, community leaders and residents of the county's Fourth District, the longtime Magnolia resident was running unopposed as of last weekend.
Among Phillips' supporters was U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott, who said he'd known him for a long time. "I know you all came for the salmon," the Queen Anne resident quipped. But what's really important about the event, McDermott added, was the reelection of "a great county councilman." Phillips has a strong commitment to serving local residents, the congressman said.
"Sometimes people take people for granted in politics," McDermott observed. "I think it's very important we don't do that." It's also important to have politicians like Phillips who are committed to the common good at every level of government, McDermott said.
Phillips described McDermott as an inspiration, and he thanked 450 sponsors for their support. Among those mentioned were longtime King County Prosecutor and Magnolian Norm Maleng, former mayor Charlie Royer, King County Assessor Scott Noble, Port Commissioner Alex Fisken, Speaker of the House Frank Chopp, 36th District Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson, fellow county councilmen Dow Constantine and Larry Gossett, King County Sheriff Sue Rahr, former county councilman and head of the state's Democratic Party Dwight Pelz, Seattle City Council members Jean Godden and Sally Clark, and a number of candidates for office.
Phillips said his goals for a fifth term included protecting the Puget Sound, preventing sprawl and cutting down on traffic congestion. He also said he supports the plan to expand Sound Transit and the Regional Transportation Development Initiative (RTID) goal of improving mobility. "We're moving those proposals forward," Phillips said of the county council.
Phillips said he also supports "social justice" and helping the least powerful citizens among us with human services, housing and health care. "We will always take care of those most in need of help in our community," Phillips promised.
It was a comment picked up on by Gossett, who was there as a member of the so-called "Four Amigos," a group that also includes Roberto Maestas, Bob Santos and United Indians of All Tribes' CEO Phil Lane, who has taken the place of original member, the late Bernie Whitebear. "Larry Phillips has stood tall on all the social issues that affect our communities," Gossett said.
Wrapping it up, Phillips said, "I'm still engrossed; I'm still dedicated." He also thanked his supporters again and said, "We're going to win."
Staff reporter Russ Zabel can be reached at rzabel@nwlink.com or 461-1309.
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