Kirkland Council to Interview Five for Open Seat

At its April 15, 2013 Special Meeting, the Kirkland City Council selected five applicants to be interviewed for City Council Position No. 2, out of a pool of 17 applicants who all sought to fill the vacancy left by the recent resignation of Bob Sternoff. 

The five finalists for the position (with links to their council applications) are:

Shelley Kloba

Kloba says she and her husband have enjoyed making connections since moving here from Everett in 2001. "Getting involved in the park board, the school district, and various levy committees has made me aware that it takes the hard work and vision of committed citizens to step up and make a community great," she writes on her application.

Jon Pascal

Pascal is a Finn Hill resident and Totem Lake business owner. He says on his application: "I care about our community and have the expertise, passion, and energy to make a positive impact. Being a Finn Hill resident, I bring a perspective and background that is not currently represented on the Council. Local government issues including land use, transportation, and public safety are my primary interests."

Santiago Ramos

Ramos says he brings a unique perspective to the position as a local businessman and a bilingual Hispanic resident. Ramos writes on his application: "I want to be part of the process that helps shape what Kirkland will look like in the future, and to help ensure that the city continues to provide the residents of Kirkland with the quality of life they deserve."

Jay Arnold

Arnold and his wife are raising their three children in Kirkland. He writes, "Kirkland has been a leader and an example regionally at building a sustainable city—maintaining our quality of life amidst dramatic growth over the last 25 years. However, our current ways of doing business are beginning to break down," citing the need for neighborhood planning and how the city engages busy citizens as examples.

Michelle Goerdel

Goerdel says she brings knowledge of business and finance to the table with her. "I have always been interested in opportunities to serve my community and have previously been involved with a number of non-profit and city boards and commissions in order to fulfill that desire to serve. It is very important to me that I use my time and talents to collaboratively create a better community for all of us," she writes on her application.

The interviews will be held during a Special Meeting on Tuesday, April 16, 2013, to begin at 4:30 p.m.

Following the Special Meeting and during the Regular Meeting, which begins at 7:30 p.m., the appointment will be made by a majority vote of the remaining Council Members.  The Special Meeting and Regular Meeting will be held in the City Council Chambers, 123 Fifth Avenue.   Candidate applications are posted on line at www.kirklandwa.gov (Search: Council Vacancy).  The appointed Council Member for Position No. 2 will be required to take the Oath of Office prior to assuming his/her duties. 

--Information from the City of Kirkland