DWIGHT PELZ!

What do you mean Compton doesn't represent anything? He represents Seattles decadent chattering class. That would make Casey Corr the fitting choice.

The voters just gave Pelz the thumbs down last month in the 2005 Election. I'm all for Pelz, but the majority of voters aren't. So, it would not make sense for Council to appoint Pelz.

Pelz is a proven leader with experience in County Council and the State Congress. He is super progressive, tough and active. He received more votes than any other challanger in Seattle in Novembers election. Pelz would be a favorite to win when he had to run again in the next election.

No one else who isn't on the council received a majority of votes either. Don't see how that makes a difference.

Meinert-

Dwight Pelz is a candidate for Chair of the Washington State Democratic Party, so I don't know if he's ready to kiss the ass he'd need to get on the Seattle City Council.

Right, but Pelz was explicitly told No by the voters. I'm not saying appointing someone who hasn't gotten any votes makes more sense, I'm just saying it would be odd to appoint someone who got the the thumbs down. Although, it certainly wouldn't be the first time the council defied the voters.
Go Pelz!!

yeah, yeah, I know Pelz is a candidate for Chair of the Dems, but he faces a lot of competition there. I'd love to see him in either role.

SNCC Kid, so he lost the election in a year almost all incumbunts won. An open seat has nothing to do with that. Pelz has won several elections, is popular and well qualified. Who would be a better choice? Erica Barnett would be great. Chris Zazi. Who else?

Just for shits and giggles... Dominic Holden.

Cleve Stockmeyer would be ok, could get support

Have to agree....Dwight Pelz. True, he lost his race for City Council, but he did get 47% of the vote.

Dwight is a logical choice.

I am however, completely perplexed at Seattle politics. The Council itself gets to appoint a replacement? Maybe it's time to talk District elections (again)!

Although, we need to put another white, male, former journalist on the council. Someone who sometimes wears glasses...

Mike James, now is your time to shine.

This is a flawed statement:

"Pelz was explicitly told No by the voters. I'm not saying appointing someone who hasn't gotten any votes makes more sense, I'm just saying it would be odd to appoint someone who got the the thumbs down."

Your statement infers that 100% of Seattle's citizens do not see the man fit for City Council duty, when in reality, all that happened was that 53 out of every 100 Seattle residents who voted felt that McIver was a better candidate than Pelz. Losing an election to Richard McIver with 47% of the vote is not an indictment of your ability. Don't jump to conclusions. Or maybe that's just a conclusion you REALLY want everyone to jump to.

Meanwhile, I agree with Josh that our City Council seating policy isn't sound. Having Districts gives each member a responsibility to a portion of the citizenry. Having blind seats leaves members with no loyalty, which in effect makes it easier for big money interests to buy the favor of councilmembers, as those members only have to appease the city on a broad level, and don't have to answer to a concentrated constituency.

Pelz does seem like a strong, rational choice. Sure, he didn't win outright, but he was the strongest showing amongst those who lost. It seems analogous to a 'wildcard' posistion in sports playoffs; if you have an open slot to fill, fill it with the next highest vote getter. Plus, the council needs more hard drinkers.

You know, I'm for Dominic Holden.

He ran the I-75 campaign, which got 60%+ of the vote. He obviously connects with Seattle voters, reflects their values, etc. Holden!

And DISTRICTS!

Also on Pelz: It would be interesting to see if his 47% translated into more actual votes than some of the folks currently sitting on the council got when they were first elected.

NOT Cleve Stockmeyer!!! The man couldn't even win the SMP board election...how could he win enough support to be on the City Council? Plus, he's crazy. Anyone who's ever worked with him knows that he doesn't have the people skills required to do that job. I'm not saying I want a seasoned politician, but you have to at least know how to treat people with respect.

Absolutely crappy news. Now
we have the council selecting
a new council member.

I am afraid we'll see heavy
lobbying for and by the other contenders in the last election.
This would mean the following
people:

Paige Miller
Dwight Pelz
Casey Corr.

In that order.

Corr has the least chance since
he ran against the Council's
president. Miller is most likely as she is a friend of the president.

Considering the state of the
Port of Seattle, Miller, in my
opinion, would be a complete
and utter disaster as a city
council member.

I am truly afraid we are headed for
trouble....

Bring Judy Nicastro out of retirement!