Summary

King County Executive Dow Constantine today submitted three names to the Metropolitan King County Council for consideration to fill the vacancy left by the election of Councilmember Bob Ferguson as state Attorney General.

Story

King County Executive Dow Constantine today submitted three names to the Metropolitan King County Council for consideration to fill the vacancy left by the election of Councilmember Bob Ferguson as state Attorney General.

“Each of these nominees has the experience, qualifications, and knowledge of the issues facing the county to serve the people of District 1 well,” said Executive Constantine. “I again want to thank members of the Citizens Advisory Committee for reviewing the applications and narrowing the field for this significant appointment.”

The three names sent today to the Council are, in alphabetical order:

• Rod Dembowski — Attorney, Foster Pepper PLLC
• Will Hall — Councilmember, City of Shoreline; Senior Legislative Analyst, Snohomish County Council
• Cindy Ryu — State Representative, 32^nd District

Until a few years ago, nominations of candidates to fill vacancies on the County Council were made by the precinct committee officers of the political party to which the departing member belonged. That changed in 2008, when voters amended the King County Charter to make all elections for County offices non-partisan. The state legislature then created a new process in 2010 that calls for county executives and chairs of county commissions to nominate candidates for appointment to vacancies on non-partisan county councils or commissions.

Thirteen North King County residents applied to fill the current vacancy in District 1. Executive Constantine named a Citizens Advisory Committee to review the applicants. The panel evaluated applicants based on their qualifications, including leadership skills and budget experience, their knowledge of issues facing King County, and their knowledge of issues specific to the residents of Council District 1. The panel unanimously recommended five names to the Executive, from which he today selected the three.

The Council has 60 days to make the final appointment from the date the position becomes vacant on January 16. The appointee will serve in office until certification of the next general election in November.