In 1989, Pullen was elected to the King County Council representing the 9th Council District, narrowly winning by 306 votes.[2] He would chair the Law and Justice Committee and from 1994-1995, he would serve as the chair of the King County Council.[3][4]
Ideology
Pullen described himself as a conservative who could work well with others.[2] He strongly supported unions, labor rights, and county employees, unlike his republican colleagues.[2][5]
He would be a strong supporter of civil rights by passing legislation that prohibits disciplinary action against workers who speak a language other than English on the job,[5] and voting against legislation clamping down on teenage "cruising."[5]
Pullen supported law enforcement and victims of crimes.[3] As chair of the Law and Justice Committee, he would pass laws that created stricter penalties for sex offenders,[3] supported victims of crime and victims of domestic violence.[2]
Pullen was pro-gun rights, and had the nickname of "pistol-packin' Pullen".[5] While in the Washington State Senate, While on the Washington State Senate floor, Pullen openly carrying a Smith & Wesson and would successfully pass legislation allowing gun owners to leave their firearms in their cars.[5]
Pullman was a longtime supporter of alternative medicine.[6] He assisted in establishing the King County Natural Medicine Clinic in Kent, Washington, the first government-subsidized natural medicine clinic in the United States.[7]
Death
In March 2003, Pullen announced that he was ill with a minor adrenal gland problem but denied any serious illness.[6] He received both traditional and nontraditional care.[6] On April 13, 2003, Pullen was admitted into Enumclaw Community Hospital, where he would die later that day.[2]
After his death, the King County Council voted to name the Regional Communication and Emergency Coordination Center after him.[4]
