Snohomish County Council honors Ken Klein with unanimous resolution

The Snohomish County Council on Wednesday unanimously approved Resolution 26-004 honoring Ken Klein for his years of public service and leadership, including oversight of public works, planning and development services, finance and other departments.

Councilmember Nehring, who sponsored the resolution, praised Klein’s "steady presence" during crises such as the COVID-19 response and for mentoring newer officials. County Executive Summers, after jokingly saying he "would like to speak against the resolution," thanked Klein and offered best wishes. Klein told the council he was "so thankful for each and every one of you" and called his 12 years with the county "the best time of my life."

The written resolution, read into the record, details Klein’s career: service on the Snohomish County Planning Commission (2008–2013), a stint on the Arlington City Council, election to the Snohomish County Council (2013–2016), and his appointment in 2017 as executive director by Snohomish County executive Dave Summers. The resolution lists responsibilities that included oversight of "approximately 1,100 employees and a budget of $650,000,000" and cites projects such as a $74,000,000 courthouse renovation. It also notes Klein’s pending appointment as city administrator for the City of Snohomish following confirmation by that city’s council.

Council members offered brief personal tributes on Klein’s mentorship, institutional knowledge and work ethic. After the remarks, Councilmember Nehring moved approval of the resolution; the motion was seconded and approved by a recorded voice vote, 5–0. The council recessed briefly to take photographs.