In 2008, a group of "political reformers" successfully passed a measure making county government non-partisan. Today that reform is just three months old, but already poised to passits first major test. To the general benefit of the County, the Obama administration has appointed Ron Sims (after the County survived 12 long years of his presence as our County Executive) to a position in the Obama Administration - a blessing for the county, though at a cost to the nation. Sensibly and ethically, there is talk of choosing a "caretaker" to hold the fort until the voters can make a choice of their own.
Sadly, this is opposed by Mr. Pelz and his supporters in the State Democratic Party. The voters might (Unlikely as it is in a County where Seattle rests) choose a Republican, after all, if the fix isn't put in early by putting a Democratic candidate in to complete Sims term and get a head start on name familiarity and campaigning.
I agree with Pelz that succession of office is an important test of our democracy. H is correct in stating that when a government official resigns or passes away, provisions are made for that position to be filled and for government to continue.
For partisan offices, state law assigns the political parties a role which has allowed vacancies to be filled in an orderly, timely, and predictable fashion. The Precinct Committee Officers (PCOs) from the affected jurisdiction meet and choose three member of the party of the departed official, and forward that list to the County Council or County Commissioners, who pick one person. Fortunately, that is no longer the case - the County Council may now choose the best qualified person, regardless of their party, to serve out a vacated office - which is where Pelz takes exception, not surprisingly.
Pelz tells us of his trip in January '09 to Walla Walla to chair the meeting a meeting of local Precinct Committee Officers convened to fill the vacancy left by the passing of Bill Grant. The PCOs placed three Democrats on a list forwarded to the 12 County Commissioners of the four counties in the 16th Legislative District. On February 21st Laura Grant-Herriott, Bill Grant's daughter, was chosen for the position and immediately sworn in.
Twelve years ago in King County, Precinct Committee Officers met to create a list of three Democrats to fill the office of then-County Executive Gary Locke, then departing serve as Governor. Ron Sims was selected for that list, and once appointed, the power of incumbency proved an insuperable advantage for twelve years, precluding a fair debate on equal ground before the voters of King County.
Thankfully, the PCOs and the Democratic Party will play no role in 2009 in filling this most recent vacancy and talk of a place-holder candidate is growing. State law declares when vacancies occur in a non-partisan office, the nine members of the King County Council are charged with the responsibility of naming the next County Executive. As an unintended benefit of some of the Council members vying for the job themselves, the Council appears unable to assemble five votes for a strong successor. I would urge them to choose someone competent but unelectable.
Today, instead of the terms "executive" and "leader," we hear talk of choosing a "caretaker" or a "placeholder." What Pelze hears as cliches about "letting the voters decide the next County Executive, not the Council members", is the sound of an ethical choice, however arrived at. This is clearly the time for a placeholder. This is the time for the nine members of the King County Council to provide leadership. They need to take a hard vote and appoint a leader, not a caretaker.
King County faces enormous challenges. The County's economy was seriously screwed up even before recession depression hit, with the market seeming to dive further every time Obama opens his mouth. 2009 will require a year of retrenchment, with an Executive with no illusions of holding office past the election. Unpopular cuts will need to be made in County services, and those will include our Courts, public defenders, prosecuting attorneys, our jails, and virtually every area of county government
The decision for a long term County Executive need not be taken now, rushing to ramrod a Democrat into office in hopes of their surviving the election. With what the County faces, the normal rules do not apply - whoever takes this position will be ending their political career, barring miracles.
We are tired of the endless bickering of two political parties, and their drag on the process. Congress would make better decisions without majority and minority caucuses - individual members would have to think for themselves, committees would have real authority, and less and better legislation would emerge. Our State Legislature would function better, if not more efficiently, without the drag created by the parties. It is time to thank the reformers for their reform and celebrate more open process non-partisan government has given King County?
The time for PCO's making decisons in smoky back rooms is long past. The best solution would be to hold a special election for the remainder of Sims term as Executive, and the present notion of a "place holder" is an acceptable compromise until State law can be modiffied to require a special election in such circumstances, perhaps within 30 days of such vacancies occuring.
Note; the above is a HEAVILY fisked and redacted version of Pelz letter, re-written to consider the best interests of King County and its residents - rather than those of the Democratic Party.
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