Passing the torch: Kent Council gets new president

Jamie Perry quickly has moved up the Kent City Council ladder.

The Council unanimously elected Perry (formerly known as Danielson) Tuesday as Council president for the next two years.

The Council appointed Perry just 17 months ago to fill a vacant position after the death of Councilman Bob O’Brien. O’Brien died of cancer at age 76.

The Council president helps set meeting agendas and takes on a more active role in working with the mayor, city staff and the six Council members.

“I want to thank my colleagues for their faith in me to do the job of Council president,” Perry said at the meeting.

Perry, 28, the youngest Council member, was elected by voters in November to Position No. 2 for a four-year term. She ran unopposed. Perry was appointed to the Council by Council members in July 2008.

Councilwoman Debbie Raplee nominated Perry to be Council president. Raplee served the past two years in the position.

“That was a concern,” Raplee said after the meeting about the short time Perry has served on the Council. “But she has been such a quick study. She’s very engaged in her decisions, and even more importantly, she does her homework.”

Perry changed her name after she married Matt Perry on New Year’s Eve in Tacoma. Matt Perry works as a field representative for U.S. Congressman Adam Smith (D-Tacoma) out of the District 9 office in Tacoma.

Perry works as an attorney with Hanis Irvine Prothero of Kent. She practices family law, trusts and estates, and land use. Perry grew up in Kent and graduated from Kentwood High School in Covington.

“I’m excited to step in,” Perry said after the meeting. “I think I have natural mediating skills from being an attorney that lend itself to my role on the Council.”

Raplee expects Perry to excel in her new role.

“She’s very knowledgeable,” Raplee said. “And her skills as an attorney and mediator will be a huge benefit. I think she will do a great job.”

Perry said as Council president she needs to be a strong communicator to the rest of the Council as well as with Mayor Suzette Cooke and Chief Administrative Officer John Hodgson. Perry will meet weekly with Cooke and Hodgson.

Council members are paid $13,752 per year for their part-time positions. The Council president receives $14,496 per year.

Councilwoman Deborah Ranniger congratulated Raplee at the meeting for her two years of work as Council president.

“She has done an outstanding job,” Ranniger said. “She dealt with a difficult budget this past year and the passing of a Council member. I want to thank you for everything you have done.”

Ranniger served as Council president for the two years prior to Raplee.

“I’ve been Council president myself and I know you are relieved to pass the role on,” Ranniger said. “It is a lot of work to be the Council president and the pay is not so great.”

Raplee said she appreciated the opportunity to lead the Council.

“I want to thank the administration for the work they have done and I enjoyed working with all of you,” Raplee said. “I want to thank the Council for their support and friendship. It has been fun and challenging.”

Council members serve on committees

New Kent City Council President Jamie Perry (formerly Danielson) handed out committee assignments to fellow members Tuesday at the Council’s first meeting of the year.

The Council’s committees and members are:

• Planning and Community Development – Perry, chair; Elizabeth Albertson and Debbie Ranniger, members.

• Parks and Human Services – Debbie Ranniger, chair; Albertson and Dennis Higgins, members.

• Public Works – Debbie Raplee, chair; Ron Harmon and Higgins, members.

• Operations – Les Thomas, chair; Perry and Raplee, members.

• Public Safety – Harmon, chair; Higgins and Thomas, members.

The Council meeting marked the debut of Higgins, who was elected by voters in November to replace Tim Clark. Clark ran for the Kent School Board rather than the Council and was elected to the board.