Constantine expects to name nominees for Council vacancy early next week

By Evan Smith

King County Executive Dow Constantine expects to announce his three nominees for the soon-to-be-vacant seat on the County Council early next week.

A spokesman for Constantine said Tuesday that Constantine expects to name the nominees before incumbent Councilman Bob Ferguson is inaugurated as state attorney general Jan. 16.

The eight remaining Council members will have 60 days to appoint a replacement for Ferguson.

If a majority of the Council can’t reach agreement within the 60-day period, Governor-elect Jay Inslee will make the appointment from Constantine’s three nominees.

Constantine will name his three nominees from the five candidates approved by a citizens’ committee. The five candidates are Seattle attorney Rod Dembowski, Democratic 32nd District State Rep. Cindy Ryu, Shoreline City Councilman Will Hall, Shoreline Planning Commission member Keith Scully and King County deputy ombudsman Chuck Sloane.

The person selected will represent the 1st County Council District through the November election. The District includes Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Woodinville, the King County part of Bothell, north Kirkland, unincorporated areas between Bothell and Kirkland, and north Seattle.