Seattle Council Picks Abel Pacheco To Replace Rob Johnson

SEATTLE, WA — The Seattle City Council on Monday afternoon picked a replacement for retired Councilman Rob Johnson. Abel Pacheco was one of 12 people who applied for the job.

When Johnson stepped down, Council President Bruce Harrell said he wanted someone who would act as a caretaker for the District 4 seat until a new Councilmember is elected in November. Pacheco had intended to run in this year's election for Johnson's seat, but now says he will not run.

Pacheco was an instructor at North and Central Seattle Colleges, and is now the engagement director for the University of Washington’s Washington Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement program.

Johnson stepped down from Council on April 5. He recently accepted a job as a transportation advisor with Seattle's new NHL team. Pacheco will take over as chair of the Council's planning and zoning committee, which among other items, will hear a proposal soon to up-zone the central part of the University District.

The District 4 City Council race has already drawn 10 candidates. Some of the leading contenders, at least as far as money raised, include: Alex Pedersen, a former Tim Burgess legislative aide; Democratic Socialist Shaun Scott; and King County Labor Council member and doctor Emily Myers.