First-term incumbent Kirkland Councilwoman Penny Sweet has announced her intention to seek re-election in 2013.

Sweet’s first term on the council started in 2010, she served two years as Deputy Mayor before taking on a number of regional roles on behalf of Kirkland.

She joined the board of the Cascade Water Alliance and is now the chair of their Public Policy Committee. She also chairs the council’s Public Safety Committee and the council’s Tourism Development Committee. In 2012 she was appointed to serve on the Regional Emergency Management Advisory Committee by the Suburban Cities Association. She is an alternate on the Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Committee.

“Anyone who knows me knows my deep commitment and love for Kirkland” said Sweet. “I ran for office because I wanted to assure a great future for our city.”

Sweet believes economic development and growing jobs especially in the Totem Lake area is critical for Kirkland, now the 12th largest city in

Washington. Development of a comprehensive neighborhood planning process is one of her major goals, particularly given the growing number of neighborhoods in Kirkland due to annexation.

“Penny has been a tireless worker on behalf of Kirkland for nearly 30 years. She is a problem solver who always listens to everyone’s point of view before decisions are made. She is a very effective council member,” said Deborah Eddy, former Kirkland Mayor and state legislator.

Sweet, a retired health care administrator from Group Health Cooperative, with her husband, State Rep. Larry Springer, has owned and operated a retail store, The Grape Choice, in Kirkland for almost 30 years. She is active in many volunteer efforts throughout the city and is the founder and

organizer of Celebrate Kirkland!, which has put on the 4th of July celebration since 1999.

Her campaign will be hosting a campaign kickoff from 5:30-7 p.m. April 3 at The Wilde Rover in downtown Kirkland. Friends, family and supporters are invited to attend.