The owner of a spa in historic downtown said she decided to run for Kent City Council to help rebuild the town by harnessing the qualities of diversity, hard work and grit.
Jamie Lee, who opened All Aglow Spa, 224 W. Meeker St., in 2020 and is a lifelong Kent resident, plans to run for the council position held by incumbent Les Thomas.
“My vision is to see Kent rebuilt by harnessing the same qualities we are woven from: diversity, hard work, and grit,” Lee said in a May 15 press release. “I promise to be transparent, collaborative and keep top of mind that everything our council does will reflect the needs of all.”
Lee grew up on the East Hill and graduated in 2003 from Kentwood High School prior to attending Green River College and becoming a licensed esthetician.
“I will represent each of my neighbors of every background with respect and empathy,” Lee said. “That is where the work gets done. With this love for my hometown, I want to be the voice for fellow small business owners to come to Kent to set up shop. Rebuilding our small downtown business presence for both tourism and our hyperlocal economy is vital to the health of Kent residents.
“I will be the bridge between the extreme politics from both sides to help focus on our shared goal: a healed, thriving city. Let’s get things done.”
The filing period for candidates with King County Elections is May 15-19. The primary is Aug. 1 and the general election Nov. 7.
After opening her spa, Lee said she was asked to join the board of directors of the Kent Downtown Partnership (KDP) to help the community after the pandemic. She has helped recruit help for Kent Cornucopia Days, hosted many KDP events at her business and helped raise funds for nonprofits like DAWN (Domestic Abuse Women’s Network), Battlefield Addiction and the Humane Society.
Lee said while raising two boys, ages 10 and 13, as a single parent, she has become a sports mom, volunteered as a Kent Parks coach, an art docent in the Kent School District, a children’s ministry director and advocates for those escaping abuse of all types using her business as a channel.
Lee said she has an inside lens on the opiate crisis through her volunteer work and she has walked beside friends battling addiction. She has witnessed how recovery and mental health services can restore someone’s life.
“I want to bring that compassion for those suffering from addiction and balance it with the accountability and work that must be done to ensure our communities are safe for all,” she said.
Lee said she wants to work as a council member with the mayor, law enforcement and the Legislature to create new compassionate and proactive ways to increase successful recovery for those that need it and address the public safety concerns.
“The drive in me to act is so strong, and I will continue to act whether I am elected or not,” Lee said. “There is too much at stake in our community. The time is now. With passion and energy, I believe our community and neighbors can come together to create a city where citizens are involved: Where we lead other cities in Washington with common sense approaches to the drug and homelessness crisis.”
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