As we move slowly closer to the filing deadline for this year’s elections, one more councilmember has announced her plans to run for re-election this year.

Ruth Perez this week announced she will run in November to hold on to the seat through 2017.

Perez was selected in December by the council to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Terri Briere, but by law must face election to maintain the seat through the remainder of the term.

“Now, I’m hitting the streets, knocking on doors and talking with business leaders all over our growing city – as I am determined to win the voters approval just as I succeeded in winning my City Council colleagues support,” she said in a press release announcing her intentions.

Perez, 46, was born in Mexico City and has lived in Renton since 2007. She has a bachelor’s degree in communications and a Masters of Business Administration and has worked as a magazine editor, a production coordinator for television and as a cultural liaison and local media coordinator for the Washington State Department of Trade and Economic Development.

Perez currently serves, since 2009, as chief administrative officer of Checkerboard Consulting Services, a Renton-based business consulting firm. Prior to that, Perez worked at the Mexican Consulate in Seattle as director of the Program for Mexican Communities Abroad.

As a councilmember, she serves as chair of the Community Services Committee.

“Both as a journalist and as a trade facilitator, I have learned the art of listening, getting the facts and asking the right questions – the same priorities for serving in office,” she said. “And I love this place – Renton is the heart of the working people of the state and it is a privilege to serve its families.”

Perez said her priorities were “not new” but touted a fresh approach to issues such as transportation funding.

Perez is the second councilmember to announce their intentions to run for re-election this fall, joining Don Persson. In total, five council seats will be up for election as Marcie Palmer, Ed Prince and Greg Taylor are reaching the end of their terms. Mayor Denis Law is also running for re-election.

Candidate filing week is May 16-19. For more information on filing to run for office, visit www.sos.wa.gov.