Top Renton administrator on Constantine transition team wouldn't take county job

Jay Covington, the City of Renton's chief administrative officer, is part of the transition team for county executive-elect Dow Constantine.

But Constantine need not bother offering Covington a job in his new administration.

"I wouldn't accept a job," Covington, the city's long-time top administrator, said in an interview Monday night.

Also on Constantine's transition team is Fred Jarrett of Mercer Island, who will give up his state Senate seat representing part of Renton to become Constantine's chief deputy.

Some had wondered whether Covington was in line for a job in Constantine's administration.

Constantine takes over as county executive next week, after defeating Susan Hutchison in the Nov. 3 general election. He replaces Ron Sims, who was appointed to a top job in the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development with the Obama Administration.

Kurt Triplett was the interim executive.

Constantine's victory comes as King County is facing what Covington called "immense" challenges financially.

Covington addressed his role on Constantine's transition team at a City Council Committee of the Whole meeting Monday night.

He assured the council his spot on an advisory committee wouldn't conflict with his city duties. He had discussed the matter with Mayor Denis Law, too.

Covington is serving on a committee to find ways to improve the county's performance.

Covington said serving on Constantine's transition team will help the City of Renton develop a relationship with the new county executive.

He's seeing a "real effort" on Constantine's part to reach out to suburban cities.

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