Kent City Councilman Les Thomas has decided to throw his hat in the political ring for a third term.
The 65-year-old Thomas was born and raised in Kent and he has served various elected positions, but finds the City Council the most rewarding.
After graduating from the University of Washington in 1968 he spent two years in the Army. Following his hitch in the Army he earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Puget Sound.
Thomas had a five-year stretch as a state representative for the 31st District in the mid-1990s. He also served a one-year appointment to the King County Council.
Thomas said he enjoys and appreciates the City Council as the best elected spot for him.
“Mostly because I enjoy working for the people who put me in office,” Thomas said. “There’s a lot I can do I couldn’t do in the Legislature.”
Thomas said in his next term the city will “want to attract more business.”
The councilman said the city has ownership of the unfinished parking garage at the corner of Fourth Avenue North and West Smith Street and three developers have bids in to develop the property.
Thomas expects the property will be a multi-use facility with apartments, retail and parking.
Thomas said continuing to move forward on the city’s transportation system is important. He also stated the city needs to complete the promise of soccer fields to replace the fields taken out when the ShoWare Center was constructed.
The councilman pointed to the annexation of Panther Lake as a successful story he supported.
Candidates have until June 10 to file for office. The Primary Election is Aug. 16 and the General Election Nov. 8.
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