For the primary time in 15 years, there’s a new King County govt, albeit on an appearing foundation.
Shannon Braddock assumed the reins after Dow Constantine decamped to be CEO for Sound Transit. The Metropolitan King County Council will subsequent identify an appointed govt to complete out the time period.
Braddock, who’s now deputy govt, is an excellent selection to steer the county for the following few months, till the November election. The Metropolitan King County Council should not be tempted to call another person within the interim. Particularly, the council ought to not place one of many present candidates for King County govt in short-term management.
The council might put ahead a movement to nominate Braddock, who mentioned she shouldn’t be operating for the everlasting job, till the election is licensed or they may take into account different candidates.
King County Councilmembers Girmay Zahilay and Claudia Balducci are vying for the highest submit. So is King County Assessor John Wilson.
Any one in every of them would derive the unfair good thing about incumbency if named by a council majority as appointed govt.
Braddock has vowed to serve solely in a caretaker capability. It’s best to depart the job in her succesful fingers till voters have the ultimate say. Balducci launched a movement on Thursday to nominate Braddock by November. The laws might be thought-about as quickly because the April 15 council assembly.
Serving as Constantine’s deputy for the previous few years, Braddock has lengthy expertise in native politics.
Braddock labored for King County for the final 15 years, beginning within the workplace of then-Councilmember Joe McDermott and transferring to the King County govt’s workplace in 2017. She labored as deputy chief of workers, chief of workers and finally deputy county govt.
In 2015, she misplaced a Seattle Metropolis Council seat by 39 votes, out of greater than 25,000 solid. Three years later, she misplaced a state Senate race in her West Seattle district.
Braddock told The Times that she sees her position as making certain day-to-day authorities capabilities, with two large extra tasks — proposing a “accountable price range” and making ready for the transition to a brand new elected govt. To not point out coping with persevering with uncertainty from the federal authorities.
King County is fortunate to have her.
Let Braddock lead the federal government for a short while whereas candidates for govt debate the course for the following 4 years. There may be a lot to debate. The appointment of an interim govt should not be a distraction from the problems to be totally vetted by voters within the subsequent seven months.
