Raplee seeks return to Kent City Council as Sharp’s replacement

Add Debbie Raplee to the growing list of people who want to replace Ken Sharp on the Kent City Council.

Raplee ran in November as a write-in candidate against Sharp and Bailey Stober. She served eight years on the council before losing in the 2011 general election to Bill Boyce.

Sharp resigned last week after just two weeks into a four-year term because of pending first-degree theft charges for allegedly stealing $297,500 from his 93-year-old mother’s bank account and putting the money in his account.

“I feel very qualified to fill the vacancy left by Ken Sharp’s resignation,” Raplee said in an email. “As a former city council member, I have the experience and working knowledge of the role and responsibilities of the office, the knowledge and requirements of the many committees along with the operations of the Mayor’s office and city staff.

“From experience, it takes a good year in this position to understand the functions of city government and become an effective member. I am able to step in and perform with confidence.”

Raplee, a Boeing staff analyst for nearly 35 years, said people asked her to run last fall because they didn’t like the options of Sharp and Stober with so many questions about each candidate.

Stober and Wade Schwartz also said they plan to submit their names to the council, which will pick a replacement for Sharp.

The council is expected to work out details at its 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21 regular meeting about how it will replace Sharp.

State law does not set out any specific procedure for vacancies except that the new appointment must occur within 90 days. The person appointed by the council will serve until an election for the seat in November 2015, according to city officials. 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.