The Kent City Council is looking for a new member.
Residents have until 5 p.m. Friday, April 20 to submit their letter of interest and resume to fill the seat being vacated by Tina Budell. Budell announced Tuesday she is moving to Chicago for a new job and her final day on the council is April 13.
The council will have a special meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, in executive session to consider the qualifications of the candidates and determine which applicants to interview, according to a city news release. Council members will interview the finalists and could make an appointment to replace Budell at a special meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 8 at City Hall.
Interested applicants are required to submit a resume and a cover letter explaining why they want to serve on the City Council, along with the unique skills and relevant experience, as well as any experience with civic, professional or volunteer organizations and other city boards or commissions.
Letters and resumes may be submitted online at Kentwa.gov/government/kent-city-council/city-council-application; via email to CityClerk@KentWA.gov or postmarked and mailed no later than April 20 to the attention of the Kent City Clerk, 220 Fourth Avenue South Kent, WA 98032.
State law does not set out any specific procedure to replace council members except that the council must act to fill the position within 90 days.
The new council member will serve until an election for the post takes place in November 2019. The appointed council member also will be eligible to run for the position. The elected individual would take office as soon as the election is certified. Budell had just under two years remaining on her four-year term.
The council consists of seven members who are elected for four-year terms. The council establishes law and policy by passing ordinances and resolutions. Each council member receives a monthly salary of $1,265.
To be eligible to apply, state law requires candidates to be U.S. citizens, registered voters and to have been a resident of the city for one year.
For more information about the application process, contact City Clerk Kim Komoto at 253-856-5728 or email Kkomoto@KentWA.gov.
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