Albertson won’t run again for Kent City Council; wants state House seat

Elizabeth Albertson won’t be running for re-election this year to the Kent City Council as she plans to seek a House seat in the state Legislature.

“It has been my honor to represent the progressive voice of the people, who call Kent home,” Albertson said in an email. “I have enjoyed serving my community over the last eight years as your city council representative.”

If State Rep. Dave Upthegrove, D-Des Moines, is successful this year in his race for the Distrct 5 seat on the King County Council, Albertson plans to seek the appointment to replace Upthegrove, who has one year left in his two-year term.

“After meeting with many (King County Democrats) Precinct Committee Officers of the 33rd Legislative District, I have been encouraged to actively pursue an appointment to the House of Representatives, should it become available, upon Dave Upthegrove’s successful election to the King County Council,” Albertson said.

Albertson said that opportunity led to her decision to not seek re-election to the council.

“I do not feel it would fair to the voters of Kent to support me for another council term, if I am working to earn the appointment,” she said.

If Upthegrove earns a seat on the county council, he must give up his legislative position. The Precinct Committee Officers can forward three possible appointments to the county council which then would pick Upthegrove’s replacement until the 2014 election.

“I have the support of many in the 33rd district, but even if a majority of the County Council does not select me for the position, I plan to run in 2014, unless Rep. Upthegrove is seeking another term,” Albertson said. “Kent as the sixth largest city in the state does not currently have any representatives in Olympia who live here and I would like to change that. I care about South King County and I will use my local and regional government experience to work on behalf of my entire district. I am sad to leave the Kent City Council, but I am not leaving the important issues facing our community that need attention.”

Albertson said she hopes Barbara Phillips decides to run to replace her on the city council.

“I hope that Barbara Philips will consider running for Position 6, she brings a clear understanding of the issues facing our city, through her long service on Kent’s Land Use and Planning Board,” Albertson said. “Her committee makes recommendations to the council on important issues concerning neighborhoods, zoning and transportation. She has the heart, integrity and the experience needed to work for the people of Kent on day one.”

Candidates have until Friday, May 17 to file for office with King County Elections.

As of noon Wednesday, Ken Sharp is the only one who has filed for Albertson’s seat.

Albertson, whose term expires at the end of this year, said several of her accomplishments stand out over the last eight years.

“When I came to City Hall, I wanted to increase our sense of community and I was an early supporter of (Councilwoman) Deborah Ranniger’s popular Neighborhood Programs Initiative,” Albertson said. “And as we move in to graduation season, I am proud that our South King County schools have access to the ShoWare Center for our students. It has been difficult to watch this facility struggle through the tough economy, but it is a wonderful addition to our region.”

But keeping on top of human services funding by the city looms largest with Albertson.

“I am most proud that this council changed the Human Services funding allocation from a percentage of the general fund to a per capita system that ensures even when “times are tough” we can keep our commitment to the safety net, when our residents need us most,” she said.

The councilwoman also views the new business and occupation (B&O) tax as the right step to take. The council approved the new tax last year and collections began in 2013.

“I supported passing a business & occupation tax to repair our failing roads when our “outside” consultants confirmed that businesses were not “stepping up to the plate” when it came to being good community partners,” she said. “Never again, will Kent be a place where the residents are asked to subsidize successful businesses.”

During her eight years on the council, Albertson has served as the chair of both the Economic and Community Development Committee and the Public Works Committee. She is also a member of the Parks and Community Services Committee, including serving several terms on the Human Services Commission.  Regionally, she has served on the South County Area Transportation Board, the Flood Control District Advisory Board, the King County Regional Water Quality Committee, and is an active member of the Sound Cities Association.

City Councilwoman Jamie Perry announced in March that she would not seek re-election in order to focus more on her job and family. So far, Jim Berrios is the only candidate for her Position No. 2.