The Municipal League of King County - A History by Walt Crowley
This article was published by the League in1985.
Foreword

The history set forth in these pages is in briefest essence the history of the accomplishments of committed volunteers in bringing about improved governmental structures and practices in Seattle and King County

Over the past 75 years, the Municipal League of Seattle and King County-and more recently its affiliated East-side Municipal League-have functioned as nonpartisan education and research organizations, They have assisted the community in identifying and defining its problems and its opportunities in challenging the opportunity with new ideas; in developing recommendations for change in policy and in action, and in guiding the citizenry generally in the selection of effective public servants.

From its 1910 advocacy of creation, of a Port Commission to its 1985 study and recommendations dealing with the mental health problems of the homeless in our midst, the League has maintained its determination and its capacity for serving the community. Even members unable to commit time to League studies and recommendations are beneficiaries of our public education efforts. Notably, these include public forum programs which pinpoint problems and the policy options associated with them, and the evaluation of candidates and ballot issues.

And that may be just the place to stop this foreword, for in the current reform and strengthening of the candidate evaluation process and other League programs, we give promise of community service extending into year seventy-six and beyond.

Phil Swain, President