Thanks to Diane for the tip: seattlepi.com reports that King County Assessor Scott Noble, who lives in West Seattle, pleaded guilty this morning to vehicular assault in connection with a drunk-driving crash revealed earlier this spring. The report says he is expected to be sentenced to nine months in jail. 5:54 PM UPDATE: We have received the letter that King County Council Chair Dow Constantine sent to Noble re: the timing of his “intent to resign” and asking that he speed up the timetable – read on:

Dear Mr. Noble:

Thank you for your letter of this morning informing me of your intent to resign as King
County Assessor. I very much appreciate your efforts to take personal responsibility for
your actions and support your decision to plead guilty to the charge of vehicular assault.

I am writing to address your statement that you intend to tender your formal resignation
“shortly before sentencing.”

I have been informed by the attorney for the Elections Department that if you have not
resigned by June I-the start of the formal candidate fiing period-the candidates for
offce of Assessor cannot appear on the August 18 primary ballot. Instead, they will
appear only on the November 3 final election ballot. This would mean that a candidate
could be elected to the Assessor’s office without obtaining a majority of votes cast, but
merely a plurality.

I think that the voters of King County deserve a full, fair elections process to choose a
new assessor.

Therefore, I am making a personal request that you submit your resignation before the
end of May to allow for this proper transition.

Thank you for your long and faithful service to the people of King County and best
wishes to you in your future endeavors.