Over the past few weeks there has been a great deal of discussion about King County’s budget for 2002.

Although I did not support the final budget, my work on specific projects throughout the year paid off in funding for some key projects in our community.

First, I want you to know that my primary reason for not supporting the budget created by council members Hague and Phillips is based on what I believe are the priorities for county government.

Cuts were made to human services and law, safety and justice agencies in order to increase funding for the arts, public housing subsidies and cell-phone use by county employees. These are not appropriate funding choices in tight economic times.

It should be noted, however, that a few critical projects benefitting the Snoqualmie Valley did make it past the partisan bickering due to the commitment and hard work of staff and community members throughout the entire year. These projects are funded in the 2002 budget:

* Friends of the Trail, to continue the outstanding job they do hauling out debris left illegally on or near local trails;

* Fall City’s wastewater assessment project will continue forward with scientific assessment and testing;

* North Bend and Snoqualmie flood hazard reduction projects;

* Acquisition of property near Three Forks Natural Area;

* Tollgate Farm acquisition;

* Improvements to local bridges including Tolt, Preston, Edgewick and Mount Si;

My thanks and appreciation goes out to the citizens who work on these projects and the many others who take an interest in committees, projects and studies, all in an effort to improve our region. Your time and energy will be key resources in moving forward the next few years.

David Irons represents Issaquah, Sammamish, Snoqualmie, North Bend and parts of Bellevue, Covington, Maple Valley and Newcastle on the Metropolitan King County Council. You can contact Councilman Irons at (206) 296-1012, or e-mail him at david.irons@

metrokc.gov.