After Bob Sternoff resigned from his Position 2 seat on the Kirkland City Council in March, the council was forced to make a quick decision to appoint a new council member by April 16.

Cynthia Hudson is one of 17 candidates vying for the seat.

Background: Hudson lives in the Juanita neighborhood and has lived in Kirkland for about 12 years. She graduated Vanderbilt University and the University of Washington with a doctorate in pharmacy.

Experience: Hudson has held various board positions at preschools and in the PTA.

Reason for running: Hudson loves living in the City of Kirkland and she believes joining the council would give her ample opportunity to continue her work in community service.

Top issues facing the city: Hudson thinks parking in Kirkland is a problem as well as keeping small businesses in business for the longterm.

“Maintaining the small town charm that drew me to Kirkland is a balance between positive growth and saying ‘no’ to certain demands,” she said in an email. “Urban growth needs to be regulated and encouraged but at a pace that supports the ideals and living standards of the residents who have made this city great.”

The Totem Lake neighborhood’s situation is also on Hudson’s radar and thinks the city should offer incentives for businesses to invest or relocate the to that area.