Ron Harmon to retire from Kent City Council position after two terms

Kent City Councilman Ron Harmon decided it is time to hang up the political gloves after nearly two decades of public service.

Harmon is completing his second term on the Council and he has been involved in public service in Kent for 17 years.

“I’ve spent a lot of time in meetings,” Harmon said. “Now I intend to spend some time with my wife and grandkids.”

He has three grandchildren.

Harmon moved to the city in 1986. In the early 1990s he joined the city’s Land Use and Planning Board, which he served on until he was elected in 2003 to the Council. He was reelected to a second, four-year term in 2007. That term expires at the end of 2011.

Along with serving on planning and economic development committees, Harmon is currently a member of the Public Safety and Public Works committees.

Harmon said one of his approaches to representing constituents is, “I have to walk in someone’s shoes to grasp what their issues are.”

According to Harmon, one of highlights of his career was the dedication of the South 228th Street bridge, which was named after retired Col. Joe Jackson, a medal of honor recipient.

Harmon also cited the residential housing ordinance as a highlight.

“It gets away from the requirement of cookie-cutter houses,” Harmon said. “Hopefully, we will see some new designs.”

The councilman said he has always been a supporter of police and the departments proactive approach to police work.

“We must have a safe city,” Harmon said. “Without a safe city we will not have all the amenities.”

Harmon said the vote to approve the Kent Station shopping mall was his first “truly controversial vote.”

He voted yes for Kent Station.

“It’s all about the city,” Harmon said. “I think we have improved the quality and safety of the city at the council level.”

Harmon’s seat has drawn three candidates – Dana Ralph, Michael Sealfon and Ken Sharp. The primary election is Aug. 16 and the general election is Nov. 8.