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

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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

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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

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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

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References

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Notes

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

Citations

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  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.
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