Jim Berrios, who ran for mayor four years ago, announced plans to run for the Kent City Council.
Berrios, owner of the Golden Steer Steak ‘N Rib House on the East Hill, plans to run for Position No. 2 held by Jamie Perry.
Besides Perry, Councilmembers Dennis Higgins and Elizabeth Albertson four-year terms also expire the end of this year. Higgins said in a phone call that he is running again. Albertson said in an email she will issue a statement next month about her plans. Perry said she will not seek re-election.
Candidates can officially file May 13-17 with King County Elections, although many declare earlier and must file with the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission once they announce their candidacy, place ads or raise campaign funds. The Primary Election is Aug. 6 and the General Election Nov. 5. The two candidates with the most votes in the Primary advance to the General Election.
Berrios, current president of the Kent Chamber of Commerce, ran unsuccessfully for mayor against incumbent Suzette Cooke in 2009. He served on the Kent School Board from 2007-2011. He said the council and mayor continue to face city budget problems. Voters last year turned down a property tax increase to pay for street and park repairs.
“It’s not going to get any easier the next two to three years but we need to think differently on issues rather than just go to the community or businesses for more tax money,” Berrios said.
The council last year approved a city business and occupation (B&O) tax that started this year and is expected to raise about $5 million to pay for street repairs.
Berrios has concerns about the ability of the council to work with each other and the city administration.
“We all need to work as a team,” he said. “We can have differences but I’d like to see more of the council and the administration working as a team.”
Berrios and his wife, Suzanne, bought the Golden Steer in 1999. The restaurant hosts numerous community meetings and offers a free Thanksgiving meal each year for people who receive vouchers through the Kent Food Bank, churches or the Kent School District.
Before buying the Golden Steer, Berrios was senior director of operations for Denny’s, where he worked his way up from night-shift cook to managing a half-billion-dollar budget and more than 20,000 employees.
“Having owned a business you learn to be tenacious in tough economic times and be creative,” Berrios said. “We need more of that on this council because of its financial responsibilities and the $425 million budget it oversees. I’ve looked at the city the last six to seven years and our challenge is not only how to grow revenue but not just depend on an increase in taxes. We need to look at expenditures. I believe I can help with that.”
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