Snohomish County Council can’t decide on a state House appointment

EVERETT — The Democrat-controlled Snohomish County Council balked Monday at appointing a Republican to an open state House seat.

Instead of choosing a replacement, the council voted 5-0 to let Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee fill the vacancy in the 44th Legislative District created by the July resignation of Republican Rep. Mike Hope.

Council members acted swiftly and without explanation after spending 25 minutes behind closed doors discussing three nominees submitted by the Republican Party. They did not vote on the candidates in open session.

“We’ve had a rousing discussion,” said Councilman Brian Sullivan, before making a motion to punt the decision to the governor.

State election officials said it’s the first time in recent history a governor will fill a legislative seat at the request of a County Council.

The council action didn’t sit well with the political director of the House Republican Caucus.

“Any of the three nominees would have done an admirable job during an appointment. But the Democrat council members refused to do their statutory duty because they are playing politics,” Kevin Carns wrote in an email.

Republican precinct officers nominated Mill Creek City Councilman Mark Harmsworth, Lake Stevens City Councilman Sam Low and retired Navy captain Doug Roulstone for the open seat.

On Monday, the County Council of four Democrats and one Republican interviewed each candidate in open session, then went into executive session.

Harmsworth was the top choice of the precinct officers, and Low and Roulstone both urged the council to appoint him.

But Harmsworth is also a candidate for the seat and bested Democrat Mike Wilson in the August primary, which might have been a factor in the County Council’s reticence Monday.

Council Chairman Dave Somers, a Democrat, declined to say why the council could not muster majority support for any of the candidates.

“There was clearly no consensus,” he said, adding that the council was in an “awkward position” with the seat becoming available in the midst of an election.

Republican Councilman Ken Klein said he fought for Harmsworth.

“I couldn’t get three votes,” he said. “I was surprised only because Mark was the most ready and he’d been working on these issues. As to the motivation for why, I can’t speak to that.”

Harmsworth, who seemed disappointed by the council’s decision, responded diplomatically to the experience.

“Politics is politics. I don’t want to assume what they were deliberating behind closed doors,” he said. “I was ready to serve. We’ll see what the governor does. The real thing is the election in the fall, and we’ll see what happens then.”

Inslee will have 30 days to make an appointment after he receives the County Council’s request.

The governor must choose from the nominees submitted to the council. Whoever is appointed will represent the district until results of the Nov. 4 election are certified, at which point the winner will be sworn into office for a full House term.

Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Girl, 11, missing from Lynnwood

Sha’niece Watson’s family is concerned for her safety, according to the sheriff’s office. She has ties to Whidbey Island.

A cyclist crosses the road near the proposed site of a new park, left, at the intersection of Holly Drive and 100th Street SW on Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett to use $2.2M for Holly neighborhood’s first park

The new park is set to double as a stormwater facility at the southeast corner of Holly Drive and 100th Street SW.

The Grand Avenue Park Bridge elevator after someone set off a fire extinguisher in the elevator last week, damaging the cables and brakes. (Photo provided by the City of Everett)
Grand Avenue Park Bridge vandalized, out of service at least a week

Repairs could cost $5,500 after someone set off a fire extinguisher in the elevator on April 27.

Riaz Khan finally won office in 2019 on his fifth try. Now he’s running for state Legislature. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Ex-Democrat leader from Mukilteo switches parties to run for state House

Riaz Khan resigned from the 21st Legislative District Democrats and registered to run as a Republican, challenging Rep. Strom Peterson.

Shirley Sutton
Sutton resigns from Lynnwood council, ‘effective immediately’

Part of Sutton’s reason was her “overwhelming desire” to return home to the Yakima Valley.

Michelle Bennett Wednesday afternoon during a meet-and-greet with Edmonds Police Chief finalists at the Edmonds Library on August 4, 2021.  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Edmonds police chief accidentally fires gun inside police vehicle

Michelle Bennett was at a city fueling facility when her gun went off. Nobody was injured. Edmonds Mayor Mike Rosen was reviewing the incident.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Darrington in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Gunshot prompts massive police response near Darrington; ends peacefully

A man wanted for robbery fired a shot when deputies converged. Authorities shut down Highway 530 near Darrington. No deputies were injured.

Everett
Dog rescued, 10 displaced after apartment fire south of Everett

Fire crews rescued a dog from the third floor of an apartment building, where sprinklers confined the fire.

Marysville
Marysville man arrested in alleged murder conspiracy in Anacortes

Jesse Michael Allen, of Marysville, is the fifth suspect police believe participated in an alleged kidnapping in September.

Construction occurs at 16104 Cascadian Way in Bothell, Washington on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
What Snohomish County ZIP codes have seen biggest jumps in home value?

Mill Creek, for one. As interest rates remain high and supplies are low, buyers could have trouble in today’s housing market.

Rylee Fink, 3, left, stomps through the sand while other children run through the water during a low tide at Howarth Park on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Stock up on sunblock: Highs in 80s could be coming to Snohomish County

Everett could hit a high of 79 on Saturday. Farther inland, temperatures could reach as high as 86 this weekend.

Neighbors stand in Lisa Jansson’s yard to get a view of the wall of processed wood remains, or “hog fuel,” building up along the property’s border with DTG on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Snohomish, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
After complaints, county shuts down DTG’s Maltby recycling facility

For months, neighbors have reported constant noise and pollution at the facility. By July 15, DTG must stop accepting material there.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.