Pierce County Council approves new member

Paul Herrera, a Puyallup Tribal police officer and military veteran, is the newest member of the Pierce County Council.

By a 6-0 vote at the council’s Aug. 9 meeting, he was appointed to the District 2 seat vacated by Republican Hans Zeiger, whose resignation was effective July 31.

District 2 includes most of north-central Pierce County, from the Milton-Edgewood region through Puyallup and into South Hill.

Herrera beat out two other candidates – Tom Swanson and Will Gunderson – and was appointed to the council after all three candidates were questioned by councilmembers, followed by public comment.

“We’re grateful that the Pierce County Republicans sent us a diverse slate of highly qualified candidates. Each brought their own strengths, making it a difficult choice for the Council,” Council Chair Derek Young said in a statement following the appointment. 

“Mr. Herrera’s qualifications and experience should provide the constituents of District 2 good representation but also bring his unique perspective to the Pierce County Council,” he continued. “We welcome Mr. Herrera joining the Pierce County Council and look forward to working with him to create a better Pierce County.” 

The Pierce County Charter requires that when a member of the council resigns midway through an elected term, that the member’s political party submit three candidates to the council to be considered for the position.

Herrera will serve out the remainder of Zeiger’s term, which ends on Dec. 31, 2024.