Nicole Brodeur / Times staff columnist
Is Sims ready for Olympia?

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You leave Ron Sims alone, a friend warns me.

That's not easy to do these days.

In the last few months, the King County executive has performed some choice pratfalls on the county political stage, raising doubts about whether he should take his show on a statewide road, and possibly end with a four-year, starring role in Olympia.

Two months ago, when cities above and below Seattle were issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, Sims refused, saying his hands were tied by the state's Defense of Marriage law, which allows marriage only between a man and a woman.

Yet Sims untied himself long enough to ceremoniously open the doors of the King County Administration building for six same-sex couples, who then ceremoniously requested — and were denied — marriage licenses.

Those of us in the audience were pleased at Sims' intentions — but confused by his approach in this passion play.

Days later, Sims admitted that he had asked the Northwest Women's Law Center and Lambda Legal to round up those couples to sue the county, forcing the gay marriage issue into court. It was the only way, he said.

Why didn't he just say so?

"I never negotiate in public," Sims said at the time.

Last month, though, Sims tried to do just that — and got panned.
 
It started when he offered county land near Bothell for a temporary Tent City for the homeless. Neighbors were outraged at not being told sooner. After an ugly meeting with Sims, they sued the county.

Sims was forced to bow out of the offer. Tent City pitched itself on land owned by St. Brendan Catholic Church.

They might offer some prayers for Sims' political soul.

Consultant Frank Greer worked on three Sims' campaigns: A failed U.S. Senate race and two successful runs for county executive. He's now working for state Attorney General Christine Gregoire — Sims' Democratic rival in the governor's race.

Greer admires the willingness to take risks, "but it is not a virtue in itself," he said.

"You have to take risks in ways that actually accomplish what you're trying to do," Greer said. "And sometimes with Ron, it is taking risks for taking risks' sake."

Sims is willing to risk a debate with Gregoire, but Greer will pass: "It would only help the Republicans."

"I think Ron should continue serving as our King County executive," Greer said. "He needs to focus on that."

But Sims said he's demonstrating the chops for top billing. Those aren't missed cues, he said — they're the stuff of leadership.

"I do what I do because I believe in an honest portrayal of me as a public official," Sims said. "In an era of politics where everyone has gone gray, I will act on my beliefs."

There are things he wishes he could have done differently, he said, "but sometimes there is not an opportunity."

How it all plays in the seats, well ...

"We always pride ourselves for saying we want people to lead," Sims said. "Until they do."

Nicole Brodeur's column appears Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Reach her at 206-464-2334 or nbrodeur@seattletimes.com. More columns at www.seattletimes.com/columnists.

She's waiting for Bill's book.