File #: 2018-0321    Version:
Type: Ordinance Status: Passed
File created: 7/16/2018 In control: Government Accountability and Oversight Committee
On agenda: Final action: 7/30/2018
Enactment date: 8/2/2018 Enactment #: 18775
Title: AN ORDINANCE naming the 500 Fourth Avenue block, and any building on the block, the John Spellman Block and Memorial Building in honor of the late John Dennis Spellman, former King County Commissioner, former King County Executive and Governor of the State of Washington.
Sponsors: Reagan Dunn, Pete von Reichbauer, Joe McDermott, Claudia Balducci, Dave Upthegrove, Larry Gossett, Rod Dembowski, Jeanne Kohl-Welles, Kathy Lambert
Attachments: 1. Ordinance 18775.pdf, 2. 2018-0321 legislative review form, 3. 2018-0321_SR_Spellman_Block_and_Building.docx, 4. 2018-0321_ATT1_Proposed_Ordinance.docx, 5. 2018-0321_AMD1_Block_Location.docx, 6. 2018-0321_REVISED_SR_Spellman_Block_and_Building.docx
Title
AN ORDINANCE naming the 500 Fourth Avenue block, and any building on the block, the John Spellman Block and Memorial Building in honor of the late John Dennis Spellman, former King County Commissioner, former King County Executive and Governor of the State of Washington.
Body
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
1. John Dennis Spellman served the people of King County and the state of Washington with distinction, earning the respect and admiration of constituents and colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
2. John Dennis Spellman was born in Seattle, Washington on December 29, 1926, served in the United States Navy during World War II and was educated at Seattle University and Georgetown University Law Center, earning his baccalaureate and law degrees from those institutions.
3. John Dennis Spellman was elected to the King County commission in 1967.
4. John Dennis Spellman was elected King County's first county executive in 1969. As executive, John Dennis Spellman worked to modernize county government, consolidating previously independent departments and instituting a merit system. He oversaw the construction of the Kingdome and Seattle's expansion as a major league sports city with the addition of the Seahawks and Mariners. He was twice reelected to the office in 1973 and 1977.
5. John Dennis Spellman was elected governor of the state of Washington in 1980. As governor, he is best known for blocking the proposed Northern Tier Oil Pipeline under Puget Sound, proclaiming the Sound "a national treasure" and the pipeline "a very real threat." He served in that office from 1981 to 1985.
6. John Dennis Spellman passed away on January 16, 2018.
7. John Dennis Spellman was a dedicated and effective public servant who throughout his career led with honor and grace. He will be remembered for these qualities and for his advocacy for his county, his state and the things we hold dear.
8. The 500 Fourth Avenue block, on which the King County Administration Building is curr...

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