The news was published earlier in the press, but on Friday Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke made it official – she’s running for a second term. Her announcement came out via e-mail.
“Four years ago when I asked Kent voters to allow me to lead our city, my promise was to run a customer-friendly government that responds to residents’ requests and respects the value of people’s tax dollars. Working together, I believe we have kept that promise,” Cooke said in her announcement to seek another term.
She’ll be competing with challenger Jim Berrios, a Kent businessman and school-board president, for the mayoral position.
Cooke cited a number of citizen advisory groups, Kent’s new Neighborhood Program with 16 neighborhood councils, and a progressive City Council as major reasons for the things that have been accomplished in Kent over the past three-and-a-half years, she said.
Additionally, an expanded public safety program that includes public participation has helped reduce Kent’s crime rate, she stated in her announcement. “The hundreds of people who volunteer their time to provide advice on policies and improve Kent’s services really adds value to our community,” she said.
The incumbent said major strides have been made in achieving her top priority of building “a vibrant livable city.” Improvements include safer neighborhoods and parks, diverse businesses with good-paying jobs, enhanced shopping areas, and improved transportation services.
“Economic development is even more critical to our future as we respond to reduced revenues caused by streamlined sales tax (SST) and the recession,” she said.
She also noted the successful completion of the ShoWare Center.
“Building Kent’s new ShoWare Center is a good example of what we can do when we all work together to make positive things a reality for our city,” she said. “Thanks to support from the governor, our state legislators, the City Council and public participation, we were able to secure a regional attraction that provides jobs, new customers for Kent businesses and convenient entertainment – without added taxes.”
Cooke pointed to her experience in government, including six years as a state Representative, 12 years in parks and recreation – six as director of Kent’s Senior Activity Center – 11 years as executive director of the Kent Chamber of Commerce and 25 years as a Kent business owner.
As mayor, Cooke chairs the new King County Flood Control Zone District Advisory Council, serves on the executive board of the four-county Puget Sound Regional Council, is past chair of the South County Area Transportation Board, and has represented the city with the King County Suburban Cities Association and the Regional Law, Safety and Justice Committee.
Cooke will have an election celebratory event from 7-8:30 p.m. June 12, at the Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E Smith St. For reservations or information: e-mail suzette@suzettecooke.com or call 253-631-5021.
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