As Doug transitions to mayor the newly elected city council will appoint a council member to fulfill Doug's vacated term. The position will be subject to an election in two years.

Is Thomas a shoe-in? Will Hogan and Green be a factor in the appointment process? Will a non-candidate step up and ask to be considered?

Here's the text of the Olympia Municipal Code that governs this process.

In the event of the extended excused absence or disability of a councilmember, the remaining members by majority vote may appoint a councilmember pro tempore to serve during his/her absence or disability. In the event of an absence resulting from death, resignation or removal of a councilmember from office, the remaining members by majority vote shall appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy until the person elected to serve the remainder of the unexpired term takes office. If thirty days pass after the occurrence of the vacancy and the council is unable to agree upon a person to be appointed to fill a vacancy in the council, the mayor may make the appointment from among the persons nominated by members of the council. If the vacant position is the mayor's position, the deputy mayor shall make the appointment from among those persons nominated by the council, within thirty days after the occurrence of the vacancy if the council is unable to agree.