Mercer Island's Tana Senn Sworn as 41st District State Representative

Ed. Note: This post is based on a press release from the King County Council.

The Metropolitan King County Council today unanimously appointed Tana Senn to the vacant Washington state House seat in the 41st Legislative District.

Senn will replace former Rep. Marcie Maxwell who resigned the seat to accept a position in the office of Governor Jay Inslee.

“I am honored to hold this role as State Representative for the 41st Legislative District,” said Senn. “Like Marcie Maxwell before me, I will be a strong and tireless voice for residents hopes, concerns and priorities in Olympia.”

Per the State Constitution, precinct committee officers nominate and submit three names to the Council in the event of a vacancy. The Democrat precinct committee officers of the 41st submitted Senn’s name as the preferred candidate, along with the names of David Ellis and George Pieper II.

The 41st District includes southern Bellevue, Mercer Island, Newcastle and parts of Renton, Issaquah and Sammamish.

Senn was interview by the Council’s Committee of the Whole on September 4, and her name was submitted to the full Council for adoption.

“Tana Senn’s appointment comes at a critical time as Olympia struggles with a transportation package as well as the on-going discussion of the tolling of Interstate 90,” said Council Vice Chair Jane Hague, whose Council district includes the 41st Legislative District. “As a Mercer Island City Councilmember, her leadership on these issues will be welcome.”

Senn is a member of the Mercer Island City Council. Senn, who has a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from Columbia University, has worked as the Marketing and Communications Director for the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, as Senior Project Manager for Pyramid Communications, and as National American Affairs/Domestic Policy Director for Hadassah.

Senn, who was sworn in by Washington State Court of Appeals Judge Ann Schindler, will serve in the legislature until certification of the election of a successor in November of 2014.