Rod Dembowski, who grew up in Renton and is a candidate for King County Council Position 1, was appointed Monday to the King County Council. Friends and family joined him as the County Council made its announcement Monday afternoon.

“Growing up in a single parent home in Renton, selling socks at swap meets to pay the bills and getting my healthcare from neighborhood clinics, a day like today seemed all but impossible,” Dembrowski said in a press release. “But because of our shared investment in health care for the needy, public K-12 education, and a top-notch public University, I was able to attain my dreams of public service. I pledge that I will do everything in my power to pass those opportunities on to the next generation and will work tirelessly to ensure King County remains the best place in the world to live, work, and raise a family.”

“I am thankful to the King County Council for their faith in my ability to join them as a colleague in public service,” he continued. “I am so grateful to the many endorsers and organizations that supported me in the appointment process, especially the many state representatives, mayors, and city council members. I look forward to working with them as we develop regional plans to benefit all of King County. I am especially grateful to Bernie Talmas, Mayor of Woodinville and Chair of the Eastside Transportation Partnership and Denis Law, Mayor of Renton and President of the Sound Cities Association, for their unwavering commitment to my appointment.”

Dembowski also thanked the other two finalists, State Representative Cindy Ryu and Shoreline City Councilmember Will Hall for their public service.

“I look forward to working with Representative Ryu in the legislature on behalf of the citizens of King County and I hope to work with Councilmember Hall as we develop regional plans that benefit our suburban cities,” he said.

Dembowski will attend the Kenmore and Shoreline city council meetings this evening. The council district serves north King County.

Dembrowski will need to defend his seat on the King County Council in the general election this November. He has already raised over $70,000 for the race from hundreds of contributors and has announced his plans to hold his seat in November. More than 100 people attended his very successful campaign kickoff yesterday at the Meadowbrook Community Center, where supporters packed the auditorium.

After the appointment, Attorney General Bob Ferguson immediately announced his endorsement of Dembowski for the position.