Ron Sims lauded as he prepares for post in D.C.

Fresh from confirmation hearings in the other Washington, outgoing King County Executive Ron Sims returned home Friday in time to hear Gov. Chris Gregoire's proclamation of April 24 as Ron Sims Day across the state.

Actually, he heard the governor's husband, Mike, read the proclamation, representing the absent governor at what was billed as Sims' appreciation soiree in the downtown Seattle Westin's grand ballroom. Upward of 500 people had reservations for the two-hour affair.

As Sims moves closer to confirmation as deputy secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the Obama administration, supporters Friday lauded him as the right man for the job. They noted his passion for housing issues and his leadership in areas such as gay rights, the environment and immigrant rights.

Sims' aide Carolyn Duncan said his supporters had contributed to pay for the send-off.

"People wanted a gathering," she said. "So many people wanted to see him and say goodbye."

The information in this article, originally published April 25, 2009, was corrected July 15, 2009. King County Executive Ron Sims is President Obama's choice to be deputy secretary of Housing and Urban Development. A photo caption incorrectly said he was nominated for deputy secretary of health, education and welfare.