As the race for Kirkland City Council is on, some voters have already pulled out their political microscopes and are scrutinizing the candidates carefully.

Vying for position No. 5 with current and former Planning Commission members Karen Tennyson and Matt Gregory, Amy Walen is under the light this week.

Walen has been busy with phone calls and allaying voters concerns about speculation circulating through the community, including on local blog Kirkland Views.

One of those rumors: whether Walen is a Kirkland resident.

“I am a Kirkland resident and my voter registration is current,” said Walen, Ford of Kirkland CFO. “I hope my opponents look forward to discussing public safety and balancing the budget instead of my voter registration.”

A question has also arisen about some of Walen’s contributions. According to PDC filings, she received a $500 contribution from Ford of Kirkland and another $500 from Hyundai of Kirkland – both owned by she and husband, Jim.

“We are contacting the City Attorney for clarification regarding the city’s brand new contribution limits that took effect April 26 of this year,” Walen said.

She added she is also “immediately returning that contribution until we have a definitive answer from the City Attorney.”

She invites the public to join her for coffee as she listens to voters about their concerns and comments every Wednesday from 8-10 a.m. at St. James Espresso, located at 355 Kirkland Avenue.

Contact Walen at 425-381-1909 or visit www.amywalen.com.