King County Councilmember and West Seattle resident Joe McDermott held his reelection campaign kick-off Thursday night, May 26, at Roxbury Lanes in White Center. He won the District 8 seat for one year when Dow Constantine vacated and became King County Executive. Now he will run for a four-year term. McDermott was introduced by Burien Mayor Joan McGilton. His parents and domestic partner, Michael Culpepper mingled in the crowd.

Said McDermott to a huddled loyal pack of about 50, with more entering the lanes, "We have not only completed the funding package and secured the funding agreements but actually have broken ground on the South Park Bridge (…) Transit, the legislature has given us the opportunity to enact a $20 (annual license) fee that would give us the opportunity to fund about 200,000 hours of bus service across King County that would otherwise have to be eliminated. There will still be cuts to service, but we can make sure people can get to work, to the doctor, to wherever they are going to other regions."

McDermott also mentioned the Maury Island Gravel Pit that will now be a marine park, an accomplishment due in large part to King County government, and received applause.

"I'm here supporting Joe McDermott because he stands up for my neighborhood, White Center," said Liz Giba, who attended. "He's written a letter to the King County Library Service Board telling them to keep the White Center Boulevard Park libraries open and helped close Club Evo. That place was bad and violated a lot of rules and regulations."

Jack Block, Jr.. Father lives in West Seattle. "Joe has been an outstanding advocate for the City of Burien since he was our state representative, senator," said Jack Block, Jr. of the Burien City Council.

"Considering we were seat mates forever, we are great friends and he is doing a great job for King County," said Rep. Eileen Cody of the 34th District.