Former Councilmember Juarez Applies as "Caretaker" for Vacant Council Seat, Along with 21 Other Applicants
Juarez appears to be a shoo-in for the position.
By Erica C. Barnett
Former City Councilmember Debora Juarez has submitted her application and resume for the open District 5 City Council position that was just vacated by Cathy Moore, who quit after just a year and a half on the council. Juarez reportedly already has the support of a strong majority (perhaps as many as eight) council members for the appointment, making her selection effectively a fait accompli.
The city clerk just published the entire list of applicants for the appointment on the council vacancy website, which has been in heavy use over the past year and a half with the departures of Teresa Mosqueda, Tammy Morales, and now Moore, at the end of the day today.
In her cover letter, Juarez wrote:
"The question I am sure many are asking is, 'why return?'. It’s simple: I was called to serve. I understand the challenges our city currently faces—from housing affordability to public safety to protecting residents from the harms of the Trump Administration and federal funding cuts. I am ready to step in immediately and work alongside my fellow Councilmembers to ensure that our city remains a vibrant, welcoming, and innovative place for all residents. I would be honored to bring my “Elder Auntie” experience, wisdom gained with no regrets, and vision to this important role once again, this time as a caretaker of the seat until a new Councilmember can be elected."
The list of candidates for the position, which were just posted on the City Clerk's website Friday morning, include three people who ran for District 5 in 2023: Nilu Jenks, Shane McComber, and Justin Simmons.
The council will narrow down the list of candidates to a set of "frontrunners" over the next week. They'll discuss the appointment and hear from candidates at meetings on July 17 and July 22; a public forum, which will reportedly be held at North Seattle Community College (although the city's website still says "TBD"), will be held on Monday, July 21.
Under the city charter, the council has 20 days after the day a council member leaves office to appoint someone to fill that position. Because Moore's resignation took effect on July 8, the council will take a vote on July 28.
Because Moore announced her resignation after the filing deadline for this year's local elections, voters won't be able to choose her replacement until 2027, the next general city election. As a result, District 5 will be represented by someone people in the district did not elect for about 16 months, until Moore's permanent replacement takes office in November 2027.
Juarez claimed it's simple.becizz she hated council business and loved the accoutrements of power always rubbing it in colleagues faces about her free Kraken jersey and tickets
One wonders if there could have been an agreement between Moore, the Council, and Juarez that Moore's announcement would be made after the deadline, so that the Council could make the appointment. Also, why now, Juarez, after you made it plain that you were through with Council work? This is not good for District 5's ability to have any choice in their representative.