“I have a high personal regard for Dean Logan, both for his professionalism and how he conducted himself under some extraordinary circumstances. He stuck with the job despite the most personal of attacks and didn’t quit when we needed him the most. Under his leadership the Elections Sections has made great strides to stabilize and improve their systems. As a consequence, the last several elections have gone on without a hitch or controversy – despite the Republican Party’s best efforts to create one.

“His stature in the profession is borne out by the opportunity he’s been given to help run the largest county elections system in the nation. I’ll miss him. I liked him a lot. I want to thank him for his commitment to outstanding public service and wish him and his family nothing but the best.

“I’m proud that this Council as a body exercised its policy oversight to help turn around our elections systems. We created the Citizens’ Elections Oversight Committee and brought on board The Elections Center to guide us in adopting legislation that was met with concurrence by Dean Logan and was signed by the Executive. We did our job.

“It is unfortunate that partisan rancor by some members continues to undermine the positive gains made in King County Elections. I hope that our discussions from this point forward can be conducted in a civil manner and a respectful tone.

“Our task now is to continue the progress that’s been made, and through Council oversight provide the stability that’s needed to continue the transformation of King County Elections and the transition to all-mail voting. We urge the County Executive to bring us a candidate for confirmation who meets two criteria: someone who is a proven elections professional, and a strong manager who is capable of leading the Elections Section and taking it to the next level.

“The vote-by-mail ordinance remains on our agenda for action on June 19. We will be talking with the Executive this week on a plan for moving that legislation forward.”