Simpson appointed to fill vacancy

Published 9:00 pm Tuesday, January 6, 2004

In a surprising move, the Snohomish County Council voted along party lines to appoint former Everett city councilman David Simpson to the 38th District seat in the state House of Representatives left empty by Jean Berkey’s move to the Senate.

Democrats had earlier said that Mike Sells, the secretary-treasurer for Snohomish County Labor Council, was their top choice for the seat.

On a 3-2 vote Wednesday morning, Republicans John Koster, Gary Nelson and Jeff Sax voted to appoint Simpson to the position. Democrats Dave Gossett and Kirke Sievers voted against the selection.

The council picked Berkey as the senator for the 38th District Monday. The position opened after Aaron Reardon resigned his seat to take over as Snohomish County executive, a job he won in the November election.