I've posted K.C. Council Member Larry Phillips' official press release below the jump.

Two questions, though.

1. The whole rap against incumbent King County Executive Ron Sims is that he's been there too long, and it's time for a change. (Sims has been the KC Exec since 1996, and was first elected to the Council in 1985.) But does Phillips fit the "change" profile?  He's been on the KC Council since 1991. If I'm doing my math right, isn't that like 70 years ago? 

2. As I've reported, reliable sources tell me Sims is taking a job with the Obama administration in HUD. If Sims' seat becomes vacant now, and there's a scrum among the current Council Members to fill the vacancy—and Phillips doesn't get it—does Phillips candidacy lose momentum?

 

Seattle, WA – Larry Phillips will launch his campaign for King County Executive at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, January 27 at The Labor Temple: 2800 1st Ave, Seattle, Hall 6.

 

“I’m running for King County Executive to chart a new beginning for the county,” said Phillips. “Times are tough right now, and the public deserves a county government that is more relevant, inclusive, cost-effective and productive.”

 

Six months ago, Phillips formed an exploratory committee to measure the grassroots support for a campaign for King County Executive. Since then, he has received hundreds of responses and contributions from people from all over King County with the same message: Go For It Larry!

 

Phillips has a strong record of public service as a King County Councilmember. He has worked to keep sheriffs on our streets, to protect thousands of acres of forest lands and to solve our region’s transportation gridlock.

 

During the campaign, Phillips plans to travel to every corner of the county to learn from the public about what they want to see happen in their own communities.