04.23.09

Cantwell: Sims Will Bring His Visionary, Pacific Northwest Perspective to Department of Housing and Urban Development

King County Executive Sims Will Tackle the Full Spectrum of Housing Issues Head On, Help America's Communities Through Tough Economic Times

WASHINGTON, DC –Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced King County Executive Ron Sims during his nomination hearing before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.   Sims has been nominated by the Obama Administration to be Deputy Secretary at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. 
 
Senator Cantwell’s opening statement, as prepared for delivery, is below:
 
“Chairman Dodd, Ranking Member Shelby, thank you for holding this important hearing today.
 
“I’m very pleased to introduce King County Executive Ron Sims. And, I urge my colleagues to swiftly confirm him as the next Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. 
 
“I look forward to working with Ron on the full spectrum of housing issues from promoting homeownership to making sure we have an adequate supply of affordable rental housing, to addressing the special needs of our homeless neighbors.  
 
“I’ve known Ron for many years, and I know that he is the ‘big picture’ kind of guy we need here to really get at solutions to these tough problems. And importantly, he knows how to manage effectively when resources are tight.
 
“Ron also understands how important it is to give back to our communities and he has dedicated his life to public service. 
 
“Before and after he was a city councilman, he walked the streets of Seattle to offer shelter and assistance to kids on the street and the homeless with a program called Operation Nightwatch. 
 
“And in his 13 years as King County Executive, Ron has worked to reform government, move past the status quo, and provide for our communities. This is just what HUD needs now.
 
“In 2003, Ron and I worked together to prevent the closure of the Branch Villa Health Care Center. The Branch Villa Health Center, now known as the Leon Sullivan Health Care Center, is a nursing home that provides services to King County seniors, most of whom are African American.
 
“When the property faced foreclosure by HUD, we did all we could at the federal level, the state level (with then Governor Gary Locke) and with Ron at the local level to figure out a way to transfer ownership of the property to a non-profit group so that we could keep the Center’s doors open. This success was more than just protecting a facility. It was about protecting our community’s seniors and striving to provide the best for our communities. 
 
“This is just one example of how Ron operates. He cares about the community and works collaboratively to solve problems. He understands HUD, and understands housing issues. 
 
“I know he will bring the same dedication and creative thinking to Washington, DC that he showed in Washington state.
 
“Ron will bring this smart, business-oriented approach to the Department. And I know he will ensure that limited resources are used efficiently to meet the agency’s critical mission.  
 
“As King County Executive, Ron was instrumental in maintaining a balanced budget and earning the county the highest available credit rating. 
 
“In 2006, Ron was recognized as Public Official of the Year by Governing magazine and in 2008, they named him one of America’s Innovative Leaders.
 
“Now he is bringing all that energy to HUD at a time when we need it most. 
 
“Housing has dominated the national conversation for more than two years. 
 
“I am glad President Obama recognized Ron’s innovative spirit and I am glad Ron agreed to bring his northwest perspective to this “other Washington” because it is exactly what we need. 
 
“Ron is the visionary leader with big ideas that we need alongside Secretary Donovan at this critical agency. 
 
“We need to get Ron on the job quickly so he can put his talents to use. 
 
“I very much look forward to working with him and encourage all my colleagues to support his nomination.
 
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