King County Council appoints Rod Dembowski to fill vacancy in County Council District 1

February 11, 2013

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The Metropolitan King County Council today unanimously selected Rod Dembowski to fill the vacancy in Council District 1 created by the resignation of Bob Ferguson when he became Washington state Attorney General.

“I am proud and humbled to serve the residents of District 1 and all of King County,” said Councilmember Dembowski.

“I congratulate Mr. Dembowski for his appointment to the Council,” said Council Chair Larry Gossett. “Both his public policy experience and his commitment to his community will make him an excellent representative for the residents of District 1”

“I am confident that Mr. Dembowski’s knowledge of county issues and wide-support in the community will help him excel while serving on the Council,” Council Vice Chair Julia Patterson said. “I am impressed by Rod’s values and commitment to social justice, and I believe he will be a great addition to the Council and an advocate for extending opportunity to disadvantaged residents throughout the county.”

“I look forward to working with Councilmember Dembowski in my role as Vice Chair for Regional Coordination,” said Council Vice Chair Jane Hague.

Dembowski is currently working for Foster Pepper PLLC, Seattle. He has served as a special deputy prosecuting attorney for King, Pierce and Island Counties, and been named a “Rising Star” six times by Washington Law & Politics Magazine.

Dembowski served under former County Executive Gary Locke as an Executive Office Policy Analyst and was a member of the 2011 King County Districting Committee. A graduate of Renton’s Hazen High School, Dembowski has a degree from Georgetown University and he earned his law degree from the University of Washington.

“Councilmember Rod Dembowski is an extraordinary individual who has made significant public service contributions throughout his career,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “His successful efforts serving on the King County Redistricting Committee show that he is extremely capable of weighing public input and forging solutions, which will serve his district well on the King County Council.”

“I am very pleased to have Rod Dembowski joining us on the council,” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. “Rod’s ability to work well with others his previous legal work will serve the constituents of the 1st District well.”

“We had three wonderful candidates to review, and I welcome Rod Dembowski to join us on the Council,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “His experience with the local level of government will benefit the work of the Council. I look forward to working with him on issues of concern to the residents of North King County as well as countywide.”

“I very much look forward to working with the newest member of the County Council Rod Dembowski,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn. “We have a lot of important work before the Council this year and I have full confidence that Councilmember Dembowski will represent the residents of District 1 with distinction.”

“Mr. Dembowski has a proven record of service and collaboration. He is a life-long King County resident who knows firsthand how a strong safety net can help individuals reach their fullest potential. He has used his law degree to help those most in need, specifically victims of domestic violence,” said Councilmember Joe McDermott. “His extensive list of endorsements shows that he can bring together diverse interests. I know the residents of District One – and all of King County – will be well represented by Mr. Dembowski’s passion and commitment to serving his community.”

District 1 is up for election in 2013. Councilmember Dembowski will serve in office until certification of the 2013 general election.




With his father Al next to him, Rod Dembowski is sworn in by Council Clerk Anne Noris as the new Councilmember for County Council District 1