Long-time resident, downtown business owner and community activist Penny Sweet announced her candidacy for Kirkland City Council on Tuesday, March 17.

Citing the need for increased fiscal responsibility and government transparency, Sweet intends to campaign vigorously for a seat on the council.

“The City of Kirkland is facing an enormous challenge with the current economic situation,” said Sweet. “My experience as a community activist, small business owner and director at a major healthcare provider will bring a valuable perspective to the Council.”

In addition, Sweet pledges a commitment to restore public confidence in local elected officials by ensuring that city advisory board recommendations are taken seriously by members of the Council. Last year, Council decisions to overturn recommendations made by City advisory boards resulted in board member resignations and citizen pleas to re-call members of the Council.

“I have heard from many citizens that the decisions and actions of some of our City elected officials have caused them to lose trust in the public process,” Sweet said. “I will work hard to earn and keep the trust of my fellow Kirkland residents.”

Sweet, co-owner of The Grape Choice, a retail wine shop, has held several leadership positions in Kirkland-based organizations. She currently serves as chair of the Market Neighborhood Association, on the Kirkland Downtown Association Board of Directors and is a member of the Kirkland Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee. Sweet is also Founder and President of Celebrate Kirkland, Inc., the non-profit organization responsible for the City of Kirkland’s annual 4th of July celebration.

The Kirkland City Council is composed of seven members, of which four positions are up for election in November.

Background

Sweet is an active alumni of Leadership Eastside’s inaugural class (2005), a current member of the Kirkland Heritage Society, a past recipient of the Anne G. Owen Award for Community Service and previously served on the steering committee for Kirkland’s Centennial Celebration. She is also a founding member of Friends of Kiwanis Park, and for three years has led a team of Kirkland participants in the annual One Night Count of the Homeless.

Penny Sweet recently retired from a career spanning more than 30 years as a Business Director for Group Health Cooperative. She resides in Kirkland, with her husband of more than twenty years, Larry Springer, and their two golden retrievers Beaune and Brix.

For more information about Penny Sweet please visit www.sweetforkirkland.org