 |
| Whatcom County Executive | |
|---|---|
Incumbent since January 1, 2020Satpal Sidhu | |
| Appointer | Electorate Whatcom County Council (unexpired terms) |
| Term length | 4 years |
| Inaugural holder | Pete Kremen |
| Formation | January 1, 1996 |
| Website | 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]
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]
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]
| Order | Executive | Party | Took office | Left office | Terms | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John Louws | nonpartisan | January 1, 1979 | January 1, 1984 | 1 | ||
| 2 | Shirley Van Zandten | nonpartisan | January 1, 1984 | January 1, 1996 | 4 | ||
| 3 | Pete Kremen | Democratic | January 1, 1996 | January 1, 2012 | 4 | ||
| 2 | Jack Louws | Republican | January 1, 2012 | January 1, 2020 | 2 | ||
| 3 | Satpal Sidhu | Democratic | January 1, 2020 | Incumbent | 2 | ||