Seattle has a new City Council member on board. Business owner Tanya Woo has been selected to fill the open citywide position, replacing Teresa Mosqueda who recently traded up to the King County Council, as reported by KOMO News. The appointment, which was confirmed on Tuesday, culminates 20 days of deliberation over Mosqueda's vacated seat.
Of the 72 hopefuls that threw their hat in the ring, only eight made it to the final nomination round. Woo managed to clinch the position with backing from several business groups and a notable history of volunteer work in the Chinatown-International District. As obtained by KOMO News, Woo's appointment potentially tilts the Council towards a moderate slant, with seven out of nine members now leaning to the center, according to the current political balance.
During the public commentary phase on Monday, two candidates, Woo and Vivian Song who sits on the Seattle Public Schools Board, received noticeable attention, as KING 5 Staff reports. The following day, Woo would emerge victorious, obtaining five votes from the eight available on Seattle's City Council and securing her place in the city's political landscape until an election next November decides the permanent holder of the position.
Seattle's City Council President Sara Nelson, who personally campaigned for several of the current moderate council members, including Woo, believes this is a turning point for the governing body. With a majority now comprised of like-minded moderates, policy decisions could see a shift from previous council directions. Woo takes her seat amongst the council with an imminent reelection campaign on the horizon, a challenge she seems well-prepared for, considering her recent, albeit narrow, defeat in the November election against Councilmember Tammy Morales. This information comes via KING 5.
