MONROE – The city’s newest councilman said he wants to help the city leave political turmoil behind and focus on issues.
David Kennedy, 47, a lawyer, was selected by the Monroe City Council this week.
“I would hope to be an agent for change,” Kennedy said Wednesday.
The council interviewed 11 candidates. The city originally had 12 candidates, but one withdrew before an interview, Mayor Donnetta Walser said.
Kennedy’s pay is $100 per meeting, said Carol Grey, the city’s finance director. The council usually meets four times a month.
Kennedy was sworn in Tuesday, replacing former City Councilman Ken Berger. The longtime councilman resigned in April, saying he wanted to spare the city from discord caused by a recall effort against him.
Last fall, Berger agreed to pay the state $20,000 to settle allegations that he concealed his identity as a contributor in city elections. His political foes began a recall effort after the settlement.
Kennedy served on the city’s parks board and planning commission.
“I thought that is strong experience,” Walser said. “It is important in order for a council member to come in and hit the ground running.”
Kennedy said he also serves on the board of trustees for the Snohomish County Bar Association. He has lived in Monroe for about three years, he said.
“I have a vested interest, for one. We have small children,” said Kennedy, a father of three.
Facing explosive population growth, Monroe has many issues to tackle, Kennedy said. He wants to help the city define its identity and revitalize its downtown along Main Street, he said.
Kennedy said he was impressed with the number and quality of candidates who applied for the council position.
“It speaks volumes about how people feel about the city,” he said.
Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@heraldnet.com.
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