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The Government Affairs committee develops the Chamber&rsquo\;s legislative agenda for issues addressed at the State legislature. The committee is comprised of small business\, corporate members and municipal leaders from Kent and around the region. The committee evaluates local\, regional and state issues that affect the business climate and quality of life (including initiatives and referendum). After extensive evaluation on issues the committee makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the Chamber&rsquo\;s position on issues.
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\nOur Policy Maker for April is newly elected King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove
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\nBio on Councilmember Upthegrove: \;Dave Upthegrove was born and raised in south King County. He began his public service career as a legislative assistant to then-Senator Julia Patterson. In 2001\, Upthegrove was unanimously appointed by the King County Council to fill a vacancy in the state House of Representatives. He served five terms in the Legislature\, where he championed transportation and environmental stewardship.
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\nAmong his many accomplishments\, he helped secure funding for light rail in SeaTac to help commuters and prioritized road improvements to congested intersections in Kent to ensure freight mobility. Upthegrove passed legislation to clean up toxics in the soil in playgrounds in Highline and Kent\, and kept local parks &ndash\; such as Saltwater State Park and Flaming Geyser State Park &ndash\; off the closure lists. The Washington Conservation Voters named him the 2011 Legislator of the Year.
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\nUpthegrove received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Conservation with a minor in Biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a Certificate in Energy Policy Planning from the University of Idaho.
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\nA certified basketball official\, Councilmember Upthegrove serves as a basketball referee for youth and adult basketball leagues throughout the region.
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