For the Reporter

King County Executive Dow Constantine on Monday appointed five local leaders to join him on the Sound Transit Board of Directors, including two new members, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and Kenmore Mayor David Baker.

Constantine reappointed three board members: King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove and Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus.

“I am pleased to appoint local leaders who share my commitment to creating a world-class regional transit system that knits together our rapidly growing region,” Constantine said. “They will provide the combination of valuable experience and new ideas we need to meet the strong demand for high-capacity mass transit.”

A list of the appointees by geographic region:

South King Subarea

Pete von Reichbauer, King County Councilmember

Dave Upthegrove, King County Councilmember

Nancy Backus, Auburn Mayor

North King Subarea

Jenny Durkan, Seattle Mayor

East King Subarea

David Baker, Kenmore Mayor

Durkan, who was seated early in order to join the Sound Transit Board for its December meeting, will be reappointed for a full term. Durkan will play a key role in ensuring Sound Transit and Seattle coordination succeeds in shortening the timelines for planning and implementing the West Seattle and Ballard Light Rail extensions.

Von Reichbauer has been instrumental in leading on issues regarding the Federal Way alignment in his 14 years on the board. Upthegrove has been leader on Sound Transit issues in South King County and was active in the planning for siting the station at Highline College.

Backus has been a strong presence in her first term on the Sound Transit Board as a leader in securing Sounder and bus services for Auburn and Southeast King County.

The King County Council must confirm Constantine’s appointments.