Council approves appointment of Carol Gregory to fill vacancy in the State Legislature

December 8, 2014

Summary

Story

The Metropolitan King County Council today voted for the appointment of Carol Gregory to fill the vacancy created in the position of State Representative for the 30th Legislative District with the passing of Representative Roger Freeman.

Gregory is a retired educator and a former President of the Washington Education Association. Gregory is currently serving as the Chair of the Federal Way School Board and the Burst for Prosperity Director for the Northwest Area Foundation, a multi-year-funded poverty initiative.

“We deeply regret the passing of Roger Freeman who very capably represented the 30th District before his untimely death in October of this year. In accord with the Washington State Constitution, we took action today to appoint Carol Gregory to the Legislature, in keeping with the recommendations provided by the Washington State Democrats,” said Council Chair Larry Phillips. “The Pierce County Council will also need to act per the requirements of state law for a joint action as the 30th district includes 7 precincts in Pierce County.”

“I’m very excited to be selected by the King County Council to fill this vacancy,” said Gregory. “I’m looking forward to meeting with the Pierce County Council to continue the appointment process.”

Because the 30th District includes part of both King County and Pierce County, both the King and Pierce County Councils will vote on the appointment of the replacement for Representative Freeman.

Pursuant to the State Constitution, the Councils must choose from a list of three names submitted by the state central committee of the same political party as the legislator whose office is vacant The Washington State Democratic Central Committee submitted three names, identifying Carol Gregory as the preferred candidate of the 30th district Precinct Committee Officers, listing Richard Champion and Shari Song as second and third choices.

The candidates were interviewed by the King County Council before the final vote was taken. The Council selected Gregory to fill the vacancy.

This appointment is contingent on the Pierce County Council also appointing Gregory to fill this seat.