I would like to encourage Kirkland voters to cast their votes for a relative newcomer to the world of Kirkland politics: Amy Walen, a candidate for Kirkland City Council position 5.

I fully believe this may be the most important council election we have had in decades. The council will be dealing with the most severe of budget issues: selecting a new city manager, addressing all the issues of annexation and determining the role our city plays in the greater King County community.

Amy’s background is in law, he currently is the Chief Financial Officer for the Ford of Kirkland Company. She is active in a wide variety of volunteer endeavors and comes with an enthusiasm to serve and to work with fellow council members in a cooperative manner. This would be such a welcome change!

Amy is endorsed by the Kirkland Firefighters and the Seattle Times newspaper. She has met hundreds of Kirkland residents in recent weeks and has garnered much support. I urge you to vote for Amy Walen.

Sue Contreras, Kirkland