Snohomish County Council chairman John Koster underwent surgery for prostate cancer Monday and is doing well, his aide said.
Koster, 52, is being treated at Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington. He is expected to stay there two more days, said Larry Stickney, Koster’s legislative aide.
The cancer was not detected in his soft tissue or lymph nodes.
"It went well. He’s resting comfortably," Stickney said.
Koster, an Arlington Republican who represents District 1, took over as chairman of the County Council this month.
Vice chairman Gary Nelson will take over as council chairman during Koster’s absence.
The councilman will be out of the office for roughly two weeks.
"He’ll be recovering at home," Stickney said, and should return to work Jan. 26.
Koster was elected to the County Council in 2001. He also serves as chairman of the council’s Planning and Community Development Committee. The councilman won’t miss any meetings of his committee, however, because one was moved to an earlier time this month, and the next one will be held after he returns.
Koster has spent much of the past decade in public office. He served three terms representing the 39th Legislative District in the state House of Representatives. He ran for Congress in 2000 but lost the 2nd District race to Democrat Rick Larsen.
He ran for Larsen’s seat on the County Council in 2001 and was elected over Democrat Mike Ashley.
The 1st District spans north Snohomish County and includes Marysville, Arlington, Stanwood and Granite Falls.
Reporter Brian Kelly: 425-339-3422 or kelly@heraldnet.com.
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