March 31, 2005 ♦ Edition 3

This issue of the Ferguson Flyer focuses on my strong commitment to the environment. This is a particularly important issue to me because my wife Colleen and I spend much of our free time in the outdoors. The preservation of open space and wild places is fundamental to my politics because these are the very places I go to relax and recharge, and I believe they must be protected for future generations. I am an avid backpacker and mountaineer. Indeed, two of my life goals are to climb the 100 highest peaks in Washington State and to reach the highest point in all fifty states. I am close to reaching the latter goal—just five states to go!

I would be honored to have your support and I hope you will consider completing the enclosed endorsement card.

If you have any questions about my campaign, please call me at home at 206-523-7245 or email me at bob@electbobferguson.com.

See you on your doorstep!

My Lifelong Commitment to Protecting our Environment

My commitment to preserving our environment did not begin with my election to the King County Council. Before joining the Council, I donated free legal advice to groups preserving open space in King County. One of these groups is the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation located in Shoreline. Art Kruckeberg is the co-founder of the Washington Native Plant Society and author of well-known books such as “The Natural History of Puget Sound Country.” I handled the Foundation’s legal matters, including working to get the group incorporated and establish their non-profit status.

My wife Colleen and I recently visited Mr. Kruckeberg’s beautiful five-acre property, which is now preserved from development. This natural, park-like setting is home to an incredibly rich collection of native and exotic plants. I am honored to have Mr. Kruckeberg’s endorsement for my re-election campaign.

Since being elected to the King County Council, I’ve helped secure funding to acquire open space along Thornton Creek, Seattle's largest watershed. These acquisitions will benefit wildlife through habitat restoration. I am a strong supporter of daylighting Thornton Creek on the Northgate South Lot. 

As a member of the Council's Natural Resources and Utilities Committee, I oversee Conservation Futures, a voter-approved levy fund dedicated to open space preservation. As a committee member, I help make final recommendations to the Council on open space acquisitions.  For 2005, the Council approved over $8.8 million dollars of dedicated funds for open space including $200,000 for Thornton Creek. 

I also support funding for EarthCorps, a youth service program dedicated to environmental restoration and education.  Last spring, my staff and I volunteered with EarthCorps at Licton Springs Park.  We spent the day pulling non-native weeds to help restore natural vegetation. When County funding for EarthCorps was threatened last year, I worked with my colleagues to restore funding for this valuable organization.

Looking forward, King County must do more to preserve and protect our environment. King County must continue to protect our region’s environmentally special places, protect our wildlife, clean our water, and encourage government and private businesses to operate in environmentally sensitive ways. We need to invest in renewable energy, which is why I support local organizations such as Shoreline Solar Project. I am committed to these important goals and look forward to working with you to achieve them.

Thank you for reading this issue of the Ferguson Flyer. Please feel free to contact me to discuss issues important to you.

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