The Times endorses
King County Charter: Vote for option 1B in Charter change

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The first question posed in a pair of charter amendments on the King County ballot is the easy one: Yes, the King County Council should be reduced in size from 13 members to nine.

But voters can protect themselves by insisting that it be done right. The 13-member council has proved too big and unwieldy at a time when county government's influence and reach is shrinking.

Incorporations and annexations have reduced county revenues and the county's ability to provide a broad range of services. The County Council has a sizable staff and the council itself could work more efficiently if it were smaller.

At a time when all aspects of county government are fair game for budget reductions, the County Council also should be trimmed to a more manageable number.

The other question before voters is when should the change be made. Although this editorial page long has supported a smaller council, option 1B on the ballot is preferable because it provides a more deliberative process for redrawing nine new council districts.

There is not a compelling reason to do the hurry-up job prescribed in option 1A.

Amendment 1A would provide for redistricting council district boundaries beginning in mid-November this year with completion by Jan. 15, 2005. Under this scenario, elections for all nine council positions would be decided in November 2005.

This alternative potentially would work but prescribes a process too fast and ripe for mistakes.

Alternative 1B provides the more thoughtful approach and is in sync with the county charter, which describes a redistricting process that could take up to a year and 15 days. In this plan, elections would take place in September and November 2007.

Although this proposal significantly delays the change, it has the best chance of garnering the faith and respect of the people represented by council members.

Vote yes on the charter amendment to reduce the council's size, but give a new redistricting committee time to get it right. Vote for alternative proposed charter amendment 1B.