From our news partner, The Seattle Times
State Rep. Cindy Ryu told members of the Metropolitan King County Council that her perspective as a Korean-American woman makes her the best candidate for the council’s vacant seat.
Shoreline City Council member Will Hall touted his experience as a planner, working his day job as a staff analyst in Snohomish County.
And attorney Rod Dembowski said in addition to his legal background, “I’m easy to get along with. You will like working with me.”
The three finalists advertised their best attributes before the King County Council Wednesday morning in the final phase of the appointment process for the seat vacated by newly elected Attorney General Bob Ferguson. He represented District 1, in northern King County. The council — officially non-partisan but made up of four Democrats and four Republicans — plans to appoint one of the three finalists (all Democrats) Feb. 11.
The interviewees gave somewhat predictable answers. All three candidates said they are devoted to working collaboratively in a nonpartisan manner. They all said they are committed to diversity, increasing funding for human services, and improving transit and bus service.
As each completed his or her 30-minute interview, Council member Julia Patterson, who was chairing the meeting, declared every candidate “extraordinary.”
Though the Committee of the Whole were very courteous to the candidates, the meeting could have been run better. Councilmember Hague needs to learn conference call ettiquette, such as muting her phone when not speaking. Hall and Ryu were ushered off to the 'blue room' before Chair Patterson described the interview process, leaving only Dembowski to hear the instructions in person. To his credit, Councilmember Gossett attempted to raise this point of order. Hall was told all 3 candidates would be asked the same questions. Dembowski and Ryu were not told this. etc.
ReplyDeleteFortunately, all 3 candidates remained nonplussed.
Both Hall and Ryu represented Shoreline very well during the interview.