These are turbulent times for King County government. The County Council officially shrinks in size from 13 members to nine with this fall's election, some for two-year terms, others for four. The public has serious questions about county land-use policies, the elections office and the county as provider of regional government services.

Voters would do well this election season to support the relative newcomer Bob Ferguson and two more-seasoned hands, Larry Gossett and Larry Phillips.

In two previous election endorsements, Ferguson was a close second. This time, he is unequivocally recommended for re-election as a King County councilman in a redrawn, North-End District 1.

Ferguson is an urban Democrat to be sure, but he can be the contrary voice who tweaks County Executive Ron Sims on spending priorities and policy matters. Two-thirds of District 1 is more suburban than Ferguson's Northeast Seattle base, but there is no reason to believe he will not work hard for new constituents in Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and Bothell.

Attorney Ferguson is smart, tenacious and independent. The public would be well-served.

Republican Steven Pyeatt got into politics when a tent city site appeared headed for county land near his home, between Bothell and Kirkland. Pyeatt helped raise a ruckus that pushed the county toward a constructive, coherent set of rules for homeless encampments. Pyeatt is a self-described small businessman and political moderate. He lives in unincorporated King County, which is too bad. He should be honing skills and testing his interest in public service on a local planning commission or city council.

Incumbent Gossett, the Democrat in District 2, covering the eastern neighborhoods of Seattle from the University District to north Renton, should be returned because he ably represents a strong constituent group. His opponent, Brian Thomas, is not endorsed by the King County Republican Party. This is not the Brian Thomas who served well in the Legislature. Gossett is a good fit for the district.

In District 4, covering Queen Anne, Magnolia and Ballard, the endorsement is a closer call but the advantage goes to Phillips, who works tirelessly on behalf of his district. Most notably of late, he has been everywhere he needed to be to oppose the move of Southwest Airlines from Sea-Tac Airport to Boeing Field. Someone had to speak on behalf of neighbors who bristled at the idea of increasing flights and flight noise over their homes.

As council chairman, Phillips is a leader, though not always the easiest politician to do business with. He opposed reducing the size of the council. He can be way too partisan, but he has led the council through difficult times. He has a steady grasp of growth coming to the county and the many steps that must be taken to prepare for it.

That said, Ed Pottharst, a political independent, is one of the better challengers this year. He works as a neighborhood coordinator for the city of Seattle and from that has an impressive customer-service ethic. He is refreshing and the council could benefit from his independent thinking and problem-solving skills. His position on the Alaskan Way Viaduct — he favors a surface street — is impractical considering the community's daunting transportation needs.

Tomorrow: County Council Districts 5, 7, 9.