Ron Sims facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ron Sims
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| 7th United States Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development | |
| In office May 8, 2009 – July 31, 2011 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Roy Bernardi |
| Succeeded by | Maurice Jones |
| 6th King County Executive | |
| In office January 15, 1997 – May 8, 2009 |
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| Preceded by | Gary Locke |
| Succeeded by | Kurt Triplett (acting) |
| Member of the King County Council from the 5th district |
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| In office January 1, 1986 – January 15, 1997 |
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| Preceded by | Ruby Chow |
| Succeeded by | Dwight Pelz |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Ronald Cordell Sims
July 5, 1948 Spokane, Washington, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Cayan Topacio |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Central Washington University (BA) |
Ronald Cordell Sims, born on July 5, 1948, is an important American politician. He served as the Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development from 2009 to 2011. Before that, he was the King County Executive, a top leader for King County in Washington state. He also ran for U.S. Senator in 1994 and for Governor of Washington in 2004, but he didn't win those elections.
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Early Life and Education
Ron Sims was born in Spokane, Washington. His parents were Reverend James C. Sims Sr. and Lydia T. Sims. He went to Lewis and Clark High School.
After high school, he studied at Central Washington University in Ellensburg. He earned a bachelor's degree in psychology. Before becoming a politician, he worked in different jobs. These included working for the Washington State Attorney General's office and the Federal Trade Commission. He also helped with a program for young people in Seattle. Ron Sims is also an ordained Baptist minister.
Ron Sims' Political Journey
Starting in King County
In 1985, Ron Sims was elected to the King County Council. He was re-elected two more times, in 1989 and 1993. During his first term, he worked with another council member, Bruce Laing. They led a campaign to change the name of King County.
Originally, the county was named after William R. King, who owned slaves. In 1986, they successfully changed the name to honor Martin Luther King Jr., a famous civil rights leader. This change was officially made into state law in 2005.
Running for Higher Office
In 1994, Ron Sims ran for the United States Senate. He was a Democrat. However, he lost to the Republican candidate, Slade Gorton.
In 1996, he became the King County Executive. This happened after the previous executive, Gary Locke, was elected governor. Ron Sims was re-elected as King County Executive three times: in 1997, 2001, and 2005.
In 2003, he announced he would run for governor of Washington state. During his campaign, he suggested a new tax plan. He wanted to replace the state's sales tax with an income tax that would be higher for people who earn more money. In the primary election in 2004, he lost to Christine Gregoire, who was the state's Attorney General.
Working for the U.S. Government
On February 2, 2009, President Barack Obama chose Ron Sims for a big job. He nominated him to be the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The United States Senate approved his nomination on May 6, 2009. He officially started his new role on May 8, 2009.
In June 2011, less than two years after starting at HUD, Ron Sims announced he would resign. He said he wanted to spend more time with his family in Seattle. Some groups questioned his travel to Seattle while working for HUD. A HUD spokesperson said that all his trips were for official speeches or events.
Important Issues in King County
During his time as King County Executive, Ron Sims dealt with several important local issues.
Brightwater Sewage Plant
One major project was the Brightwater sewage treatment plant. This plant was built by King County in a neighboring county, Snohomish County. The project faced several challenges. These included a lawsuit between the counties. There were also concerns about the plant's cost going over budget. People were also worried about fault lines (places where earthquakes can happen) running through the site.
Tent City 4
In 2004, Ron Sims planned to temporarily allow a tent city (a camp for homeless people) on county land. This was near Bothell, Washington. He asked the King County Council to find a more permanent spot for it. However, people who didn't like the plan filed a lawsuit, and the move was stopped.
Later, in 2005, the council voted for a one-year ban on homeless camps on public land. This ban was meant to allow time to study suitable locations. The study was never completed, so the ban is still in place. Homeless camps now move between church properties in east King County.
Critical Area Ordinance
In 2004, the King County Council passed a rule called the Critical Area Ordinance (CAO). This rule aimed to protect sensitive natural areas like wetlands and streams. It also limited building in dangerous areas like floodplains and steep slopes prone to landslides.
Many landowners and developers were unhappy with this rule. It prevented them from building on parts of their property that were considered "critical areas." For example, it required rural landowners to keep 50% to 65% of their land in its natural state if they hadn't already cleared it.
Groups tried to get the public to vote to cancel the ordinance. However, a lawsuit stopped the vote. A court later ruled that a state law requiring local governments to protect critical areas meant local votes could not overturn the ordinance. In 2008, a court found that part of the CAO was an illegal "tax." It said King County had to show how clearing land for a lawn could cause harm before restricting it.
Rails to Trails Plan
In 2005, Ron Sims announced a plan to buy a 47-mile railroad line. This line, called the Woodinville Subdivision, runs through east King County. His plan was to remove most of the tracks and replace them with a bicycle trail.
While some supported buying the railroad to prevent its owner, BNSF Railway, from selling off parts of it, others had concerns. Rail transportation supporters, environmental groups, and people who used the Spirit of Washington dinner train (which ran on these tracks) were worried. A group called Eastside Rail Now! formed to stop the track removal. They wanted to use the tracks for rail transit service.
In 2007, an agreement was made between the Port of Seattle, King County, and BNSF. The Port would buy the rail line from BNSF. Then, the Port would trade the line and $66 million to King County. This money would pay for removing the tracks and building a bicycle trail.
Boeing Field Airlines Proposal
In 2005, Southwest Airlines suggested building a passenger terminal at Boeing Field. They wanted to move their flights from Sea-Tac Airport to Boeing Field. Alaska Airlines also showed interest in a similar plan.
However, people living near Boeing Field, many politicians, and the Seattle Chamber of Commerce opposed these plans. After several months of pressure, Ron Sims stopped the proposals in October 2005. He explained that the area around Boeing Field might have handled Southwest's plan with small road changes. But it could not support both Southwest and Alaska Airlines without huge improvements to roads and other facilities.
Personal Life
Ron Sims and his wife, Cayan Topacio, live in the Mount Baker neighborhood of Seattle. They have three sons: Douglas, Daniel, and Aaron.
See also
- List of African-American United States Senate candidates
