Walen announces run for re-election to Kirkland City Council

February 20, 2017 1:30 am
Kirkland Mayor Amy Walen. Reporter file photo
Kirkland Mayor Amy Walen. Reporter file photo

Mayor Amy Walen has announced her intention to run for re-election to the Kirkland City Council. She was first elected to the Kirkland City Council in 2009 and will seek a third term in November 2017.

Walen has served as mayor since 2014. Resident-elected council members select the mayor from among its ranks every two years.

“My work as a business owner in Kirkland has made me a better councilmember,” Walen said. “I have advocated for investment in economic development and replenishing reserves for our city. As a long-time Kirkland resident, I also know we must work together with citizens to manage our unprecedented growth, create better parks and open spaces, maintain public safety, and retain the unique attributes of Kirkland neighborhoods.”

Walen said she is proud to see the start of major developments at The Village at Totem Lake, and Kirkland Urban, as well as partnerships between private companies such as Google and the city to provide additional sports fields and open spaces to serve children in the community.

“I have been impressed with Walen’s ability to balance the needs of businesses and neighborhoods in Kirkland,” said Kirstin Larson, resident of the Market neighborhood.

Besides serving on the Kirkland City Council for eight years and acting as mayor for four years, Walen has served on the Legislative and Finance Committees for the City of Kirkland. She is also the vice president of the Sound Cities Association and a member of the Puget Sound Regional Council Transportation Policy Board. In addition, she has been awarded the All Star Advocacy for the Association of Washington Cities Award and the Elected Official of the Year Award for the Alliance of Eastside Human Services. She also serves on the Board of Trustees of the EvergreenHealth Foundation. Walen owns Ford of Kirkland with her husband Jim, is a cancer survivor, and is raising a teen, who attends Lake Washington High School.

Walen said that her official campaign kickoff is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at Juanita Pub, located at 9736 NE 120th Place, Kirkland, 98034.