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.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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.”<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
“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\u2019s successful election to the King County Council,” Albertson said.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Albertson said that opportunity led to her decision to not seek re-election to the council.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
“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.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Albertson said she hopes Barbara Phillips decides to run to replace her on the city council.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n