This week is the official filing period for those in Washington state seeking political office. The Kirkland City Council has three seats up for grabs this year and all three incumbents have declared their intention to seek another term.

Councilwoman Shelley Kloba was the first to formally announce her intention to run for re-election to Position 2 on April 23. Kloba has formally filed paperwork with the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC). She has already raised more than $7,000.

Kloba has reaffirmed her commitment to smart growth, responsible budgeting and transportation solutions that work for everyone, according to a release.

“My daughter will graduate from high school in June, and that keeps me focused on the kind of community that we are leaving to the next generation,” Kloba said. “We must protect the quality of our air and water. We must maintain and enhance our infrastructure. We must also ensure that everyone, including our young people and our senior citizens, can afford to live here. “

Kloba has served on the council since March 2013. She chairs the Public Works, Parks and Human Services committee, and serves on the City/School District Coordinating Committee. She has been an advocate for the creation of a community aquatic and recreation center.

Kloba has lived with her husband Tony and daughter Kate in the Juanita area of Kirkland since 2001 and has served on the Kirkland Park Board, assisted on the Kirkland park levy committee, volunteered for the Lake Washington School District Citizens’ Levy and Bond  committee, and is a trustee of the Lake Washington Schools Foundation.

For more information, visit www.klobaforcouncil.com or www.facebook.com/KlobaforCouncil.

Toby Nixon announced May 8 that he will seek re-election to the Kirkland City Council. Nixon currently holds Position 4 on the council and was first elected in 2012.

“I see a bright future for Kirkland, and to build that future we need a city government that is fiscally responsible, encouraging to local businesses, and open and accountable to our citizens,” Nixon said in a relase. “I’ll continue using my experience, knowledge and skills, honed as your city council member, as a representative in the state legislature and as a fire commissioner, to serve you in building Kirkland’s tomorrow.”

Nixon is on the Public Safety Committee, Disability Board, Public Works, Parks and Human Services Committee, and he is the Chair of Tourism Development Committee. He is also a former state representative from the 45th Legislative District and commissioner of King County Fire Protection District 41.

“I am firmly committed to ensuring that citizens are never surprised by actions taken by the city,” Nixon said. “You have a right to participate in establishing the future policies of our city and to clear and fair notice when changes are proposed. Kirkland is already an example of openness and accountability and I will continue to work to ensure our city does an even better job being open, transparent and accountable to our citizens.”

Nixon, who has lived in the Kingsgate neighborhood since 1993, is the only council member from the 2011 annexation area and is the president of the Washington Coalition for Open Government.

“We need jobs and businesses in Kirkland to grow if we expect the best services for our neighborhoods and families. I will continue my work for business and zoning regulations as well as tax policies that accommodate innovation and growth while protecting the unique character of Kirkland and our neighborhoods,” said Nixon, who works as a senior program manager at Microsoft.

The councilman said his hobbies include singing in church and community choirs, playing the piano, volunteering web site management for several local organizations, and serving on the boards of charitable organizations. He and his wife Irene have been married for more than 32 years and have five grown children. According to the PDC, Nixon has raised $700.

Nixon said that Kirkland residents can call him at 206-790-6377 or email toby@tobynixon.com.

For more information, visit www.tobynixon.com.

Councilman Dave Asher has also filed to run for re-election with the PDC but has not released anything formal to the media. Asher currently serves on the Public Works, Parks and Human Services Committee, Public Safety Committee, and Chair of Legislative Committee. He is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel having served for 21 years as an aviator, infantryman, and long-range planning officer. Asher has lived in Kirkland since 1993, and retired from the University of Washington where he was the CFO for UW’s Professional and Continuing Education.

Asher is the longest serving member of the council, as he was first elected in 2000.

Prior to serving on the City Council he was the chair of the North Rose Hill Neighborhood Association and co-chair of the Kirkland Alliance of Neighborhoods. According to the PDC, Asher has raised more than $7,000 so far.

One of Kirkland’s representatives on the King County Council, Jane Hague, has also filed for re-election.

“I am heartened by the support I have received since I began my campaign in February,” said Hague, who is vice chair on the council. “I am proud of my record and proud to serve as the Eastside’s Advocate.”

Hague was first elected to the council in 1994.

Hague represents District 6 which, along with Kirkland, includes the communities of Bellevue, Mercer Island, Redmond, Medina, Clyde Hill, Hunts Point, Beaux Arts, Woodinville, and Yarrow Point. Hague has raised nearly $140,000 according to the PDC.

Bellevue Mayor Claudia Balducci was the first to challenge Hague and has already raised more than $60,000.

“I am honored to have such a great show of support for this campaign,” Balducci said.  “The Eastside has changed and grown tremendously in the past 20 years.  We need new leadership to focus on our shared opportunities and challenges.”

Balducci has been Bellevue’s mayor since 2014 and also served as deputy mayor. She was first elected to the council in 2004.

All PDC information is as of Reporter deadline on Wednesday morning. Candidates have until the end of the business day on May 15 to file paperwork.