SEATTLE—Snohomish County Executive Bob Drewel has been elected to a one-year term as President of the Puget Sound Regional Council. The Regional Council develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth and transportation in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties.
Drewel was elected at the annual General Assembly of the Regional Council membership by over 150 government leaders representing a combined 3.1 million people. Renton City Councilman Bob Edwards was elected Vice President.
"This is a time for concerted action," said Drewel. "Our region is blessed with a vibrant economy, and a quality of life and environment that are nationally renowned. If we work together, the pieces are in place to continue to nurture a robust economy while protecting the things we hold dear," said Drewel. "Let's resolve to make this region work."
"Our focus must be on making things happen. Transportation is a top priority of our citizens. And if there is the public will, we can meet this challenge," said Drewel. "Together we can -- and must -- do more to ease traffic congestion and move freight."
"Times are good here and now. The decisions we make and actions we take on transportation, growth management and our economy will define us and what kind of home this region is for the next 50 years," Drewel said. "Our actions on issues like transportation, open space, industrial land supply, affordable housing and other growth planning issues will be key."
Snohomish County Executive Drewel has served as Vice President of the Council for the past year. He is also Board Chair of the Sound Transit (formerly the RTA). Drewel was elected County Executive in 1992 and 1995. He previously served as President of Everett Community College. Drewel succeeds Kirkland City Councilman Dave Russell as Regional Council President.
Renton City Councilman Bob Edwards serves as a Regional Council representative of the King County Suburban Cities and is Chair of the Regional Council's Transportation Policy Board.