Kent to throw farewell reception for Councilwoman Ranniger

A farewell reception to honor outgoing Councilwoman Deborah Ranniger will run from 6:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8 in the Council Chambers lobby at Kent City Hall, 220 Fourth Ave. S.

The reception will provide residents, members of the business community and others the opportunity to thank Ranniger for her service and wish her well. After serving three, four-year terms, Ranniger opted not to seek reelection.

First elected in 2003, Ranniger has served on each of the five council committees, including 10 years as chair of the Parks Committee. She has also served on numerous advisory groups including Kent’s Human Services Commission, Arts Commission, Land Use and Planning Board and Drinking Driver Task Force.

In 2014, Ranniger was appointed to the Domestic Violence Initiative by the Sound Cities Association and was named chair of that committee in 2015.

Mayor Suzette Cooke said Ranniger has been an unwavering advocate for social justice initiatives and a vocal proponent of fostering inclusiveness as one of the council’s strategic goals.

“I’ve admired Debbie’s sensitivity and recognition of all of the diverse interests of Kent’s residents,” Cooke said in a city media release.

Jeff Watling, Kent’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services director, said he respected Ranniger’s knowledge and passion for parks and open space, human services and the arts.

“Debbie’s advocacy and support for community livability has been unwavering, even during the most challenging of budgetary times. I have always appreciated her strong voice and dedication,” Watling said.

An award-winning ballroom dancer, Ranniger is also the executive director of Etta Projects, an international non-profit working with impoverished communities in rural Bolivia to improve public health, sanitation, water and develop community leadership capacity.