Renton Councilwoman Witschi Leaving Council In August

RENTON, WA — Councilwoman Carol Ann Witschi announced at the Monday night City Council meeting that she'll be leaving public office by the end of August. Due to the timing, the Council may not have to name a replacement for Witschi before the November election.

Witschi told Patch on Tuesday that she's leaving Renton to move back to North Carolina with her family. She had announced earlier in 2019 that she would not run in this year's election.

According to Witschi, the Council could choose to leave her seat vacant until a new member is elected. That's because she'll be leaving within 90 days of the election. However, the Council will discuss options for the seat at the next Committee of the Whole meeting, which is scheduled for Aug. 5.

Four people — Valerie O'Halloran, Max J. Heller III, Linda M. Smith, and James Alberson — are vying for Witschi's position 3 seat. Only two of them will advance beyond the Aug. 6 primary election.

Witschi was first elected in 2015, and is chair of the Council's community service committee.