Ken Sharp
The Kent City Council Position No. 7 has attracted the attention of political hopeful Ken Sharp.
The 64-year-old Sharp has operated a business in Kent for the past nine years, Minuteman Press, and he stated he moved to the city in February.
This is the first time Sharp has jumped into the political ring.
He stated his activities with the Kent Chamber of Commerce, including the government affairs committee and serving on the board of directors for the Kent Downtown Partnership sparked his interest in running for office.
Some of the top issues for Sharp include impact fees and taxes that negatively affect businesses driving them away.
“I’m all for better parks and as a city we need to do more to raise funds to help schools,” Sharp said. “I believe city government has to set priorities. The state’s No. 1 priority is education, but they don’t do that. For the city, infrastructure is critical. We have to improve the quality of life for citizens and support the value of having businesses come into the city.”
Sharp said if elected he will bring “more of a business owners perspective to the council. With money short, they have to be smart.”
Michael Sealfon
Michael Sealfon has decided to test the political waters for the first time by running for Kent City Council Position No. 7.
The 67-year-old Sealfon said he is beginning his first foray into political campaigns because, “From what I have seen politically all across the land it is time to see if I can make a difference.”
He is an 18-year resident of Kent who was inspired to join in the political process after participating in numerous volunteer activities.
Sealfon has a doctoral degree in chemistry. He was the technical director at Labcorp regional medical laboratory in Kent and medical laboratory technician program director at Renton Technical Laboratory.
He is a member of the Citizen Advisory Committee for the Kent Regional Fire Authority and he is part of the Kent-4-Health Committee.
He is a retired Army officer serving in the medical service corp and a Vietnam veteran.
Sealfon said he is very familiar with emergency management issues and can bring his expertise to the Council if elected.
“I wouldn’t run if I didn’t think I could contribute,” Sealfon said. “I’d like to bring fiscal management to the Council and a fresh pair of eyes.”
He also noted he can “interact with the senior population very well.”
Along with being an amateur radio operator, Sealfon is also a flight instructor and flies for the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Dana Ralph has also announced she will be running for Position No. 7
The in-person filing periods for candidates is June 6-10 and by mail the period is May 20 through June 10.
The primary election is Aug. 16 and the general election is Nov. 8.
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