Whatcom County Executive

The Whatcom County Executive is the head of the executive branch of Whatcom County, Washington. The position is subject to four-year terms (with a term limit of 3) and is a nonpartisan office.[1]

Whatcom County Executive
Incumbent
Satpal Sidhu
since January 1, 2020
AppointerElectorate
Whatcom County Council (unexpired terms)
Term length4 years
Inaugural holderPete Kremen
FormationJanuary 1, 1996
WebsiteWhatcom County Executive

History edit

County voters approved the adoption of a home-rule charter for Whatcom County on November 7, 1978, creating the position of a seven-member county council.[2] The position of county executive was created in 1996. Prior to the adoption, the county government was led by three commissioners elected at-large.[3]

Duties edit

The Executive submits legislation to the Whatcom County Council for consideration. The Executive has veto power over ordinances passed by the council. The Council requires a vote of five of the seven council members to override the Executive's veto.[4]

List of executives edit

Order Executive Party Took office Left office Terms
1 Pete Kremen Democratic January 1, 1996 January 1, 2012 4
2 Jack Louws nonpartisan January 1, 2012 January 1, 2020 2
3 Satpal Sidhu Democratic January 1, 2020 Incumbent 1[a]

See also edit

References edit

Notes edit

  1. ^ Executive Sidhu's first term expires in January 2024.

Citations edit

  1. ^ "Article 3 The Executive Branch". Whatcom County Charter Review. Retrieved November 26, 2021.
  2. ^ "2015 Whatcom County Charter Review Commission | Whatcom County, WA - Official Website".
  3. ^ "History | Whatcom County, WA - Official Website".
  4. ^ "Whatcom Council allows executive's veto of property tax hike to stand". Retrieved 2023-10-20.

External links edit