Wondering who replaces Dow Constantine as your councilmember?

We asked this morning for information on the process to fill the County Council seat – representing West Seattle, White Center, Vashon Island and other areas – once Dow Constantine is sworn in as King County Executive on Nov. 24th. The info just came in – according to the process that’s being proposed, they’d be taking applications shortly for an appointed councilmember to serve until next year’s fall elections – read on for the details:

With Tuesday’s election of Council Chair Dow Constantine as King County Executive, the Metropolitan King County Council may consider legislation Monday establishing a process for evaluating candidates for appointment to succeed him in representing Council District 8.

“It is important that the Council act quickly to ensure representation for constituents in District 8,” said Council Vice Chair Bob Ferguson. “Timely appointment will also allow the new councilmember to transition into the position, hire staff, and hit the ground running in the new year.”

A proposed motion introduced today would create a 10-member panel of community leaders and elected officials who live or work in Council District 8, and who represent the geographic, economic and ethnic diversity of the district that encompasses West Seattle, North Highline, Vashon/Maury Islands, Burien, Normandy Park, SoDo, the International District/Chinatown, Pioneer Square, East Beacon Hill, and portions of the cities of SeaTac and Tukwila.

As currently drafted, the proposed legislation calls for applicants for the position to submit application material to the Clerk of the Council by Monday, November 16.

The selection committee is proposed to meet no later than November 25 to interview qualified applicants and recommend two to five candidates for consideration by the Council, but not state any preferences among the recommended candidates.

The King County Council has final authority for making the appointment. Under the proposal, the Council’s Committee of the Whole would interview recommended candidates on Monday, November 30, with final Council action on an appointment no later than December 14. The appointee would serve in office until certification of the next general election in November 2010.

The proposed process is similar to that adopted earlier this year to fill vacancies in the offices of County Executive and County Assessor. Under the old partisan form of government, the political party of the official vacating office would submit nominees for an appointed successor, but voters last year amended the King County Charter to make most countywide offices non-partisan.

The proposed legislation establishes criteria to be used by the selection committee in evaluating the qualifications of eligible candidates, including:

· Knowledge of the functions of King County government;
· Knowledge of the issues and challenges facing King County government;
· Knowledge of the issues affecting the constituents of Council District 8;
· A demonstrated ability to develop a responsible budget;
· A demonstrated ability to respond to public concerns;
· Demonstrated leadership skills; and
· A commitment to the immediate business of King County that would make it unlikely that the individual would run for any elective office while serving as appointed councilmember.

Council Chair Constantine is scheduled to be sworn into office as King County Executive as soon as the results of the general election are certified on November 24.

7 Replies to "Wondering who replaces Dow Constantine as your councilmember?"

  • NY Vinnie November 5, 2009 (5:59 pm)

    Sounds like it’s right up my alley! Why not?

  • WSB November 5, 2009 (6:23 pm)

    Media to politics not exactly an untrodden path :) While Susan H failed, I think I heard John Curley, former Evening Magazine host, made it onto an eastside City Council … TR

  • miws November 5, 2009 (7:52 pm)

    Go for it Vinnie!

    .

    I was thinking that Greg Nickels will soon be looking for a job, and he’s certainly familiar with the position! ;)

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    “Media to politics not exactly an untrodden path….”

    And going back even further, Jim Compton, Charles Royer, and perhaps others that don’t come to mind right now.

    .

    Mike

  • Claire j November 5, 2009 (8:10 pm)

    I would like to see someone who is from the area, has respect for its past, cares about the locals and isn’t making a profit as a slum lord.

  • celeste17 November 5, 2009 (9:06 pm)

    NY Vinnie I would vote for you.

  • Tim Nuse November 6, 2009 (10:31 am)

    Senator Joe McDermott has the skills, experience, and deep understanding for the area. He is a logical and great choice.

  • 4thGenWestSide November 6, 2009 (11:06 am)

    Is Skyelar Hailey out of the joint yet? He seems to know the area really well! (joking of course.)

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