When I came to City Council, I took a vow to represent every one of the 23,000 Maple Valley residents. As a sitting councillor, I attend countless meetings and community events throughout the year; Monday night meetings, committees, commissions, fundraisers, ribbon cuttings, organizational meetings for events, public outreach and so much more. Some events are more interesting and enjoyable. Frankly, some I could do without. But you know, that comes with the territory of public service. So, I attend what events I can.
Opting to not run for re-election, I have reflected on who I would like to see fill my seat at the end of my term. I know we need humility and an open mind. I know the community needs genuine dedication. I know we need someone who can fairly evaluate all sides of every issue; and I assure you, there is a far wider breadth of issues than even I realized before sitting on council. I know we need someone who will listen, and someone who will speak up. I know we need someone who can work with the city staff and the community alike.
Sean P. Kelly is the one face that I have seen at more council meetings than any member of the community, except maybe for seated councillors. I have never witnessed such dedication; he stays through the end of every meeting. I have had the honor of serving with Sean P. Kelly on the Public Safety Oversight Committee. Both police and firefighters endorse him. Sean P. Kelly is an inaugural member of Maple Valley’s Parks Commission. Experience? He already has his finger on the pulse of all the current council issues. He will hit the ground running.
Sean P Kelly’s calm, quiet leadership style in the Tahoma School District has earned him the endorsements of Public School Employees of Tahoma, the Tahoma Education Association as well as the respect of our teens (and when was the last time you heard a teen speak fondly of anyone in any school system). And, Sean P. Kelly has, for years, helped organize our wildly successful Maple Valley Days events.
So, why would Sean spend so much time on so many activities for so long, without any sort of formal obligation (like having sworn an oath of office)? It is because Sean P. Kelly is a dedicated, hard working, active member of the Maple Valley community. Sean P. Kelly is one for whom community service is a way of life.
I trust Sean P. Kelly to fill my council seat at the end of my term because I know he will represent all of us.
Please vote for Sean P. Kelly for Maple Valley City Council, Position 1.
Dana Parnello
Maple Valley City Council
Position 1
