Regional group wants Drewel
Published 9:00 pm Wednesday, December 3, 2003
A four-county planning agency is expected to choose Snohomish County Executive Bob Drewel as its executive director today in Seattle.
Drewel, who has been county executive for 12 years, leaves office at the end of the month. He could not seek re-election because of term limits. State Sen. Aaron Reardon will take over as county executive in January.
Rick Olson, director of government relations for the Puget Sound Regional Council, said Drewel is the top choice to replace outgoing executive director Mary McCumber.
McCumber has been director since the council was formed in 1991. The agency coordinates growth and transportation planning in King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties.
The committee formed to find a replacement for McCumber, who is retiring, will recommend Drewel for the job. After an executive session to discuss a contract, the council’s 26-member executive board is expected to vote on McCumber’s replacement, Olson said.
Drewel declined comment on the pending job offer.
He spent part of Wednesday putting mementos from his 12 years in office into cardboard boxes. His office walls, once covered with photos and accolades, were bare except for a clock and a framed poster of an eagle with the headline "Leaders."
The regional council has a staff of about 50 and a biennial budget of about $17 million. The agency controls the annual distribution of about $100 million in federal highway and transit funds, and also supports the region’s economic development.
Olson said 61 people expressed interest in the job, and four finalists were interviewed last month.
Terms of a potential contract for Drewel will not be available until the board discusses the contract in executive session, Olson said. McCumber was paid an annual salary of $125,000.
Don Hopkins Jr., a Port of Everett commissioner who also is a member of the regional council’s executive board, said Drewel would be an excellent choice.
"I couldn’t imagine anyone more suited," Hopkins said, adding that Drewel has a record of leadership and is well-versed in transportation and other issues. "His knowledge and background, I think, fit right in," Hopkins said.
Reporter Brian Kelly: 425-339-3422 or kelly@heraldnet.com.
