Sanjeev Yonzon, a Renton Regional Fire Authority (RFA) Civil Service commissioner and small business owner, announced his campaign for Renton City Council on Feb. 22.

“My perspectives as a public servant, small business owner, and community leader have shown me that we need new perspectives and improved community engagement to make real progress on the issues we face,” said Yonzon. “I am running for City Council to be a voice for increased focus on safe and healthy communities, opportunity and affordability, and a sustainable future for our families.”

As a Renton Regional Fire Authority Civil Service commissioner, Yonzon oversees hiring and regulates working conditions to keep RFA employees and the community safe.

“On the City Council, I will do the same,” Yonzon said. “Coordinating with law enforcement, first responders, service providers, and community leaders to achieve long-term public safety and reduce crime.”

As an educator by training, Yonzon said he has helped lead the passage of levies to fund Renton schools, invest in infrastructure and make important safety updates. Now a restaurant owner, Yonzon said he still feels the struggle to recover from the pandemic.

“I want to apply that experience and business know-how to improve the conditions for local small businesses, foster growth and workforce development, and spur investment in our diverse businesses,” he said.

Yonzon left Nepal to escape violence, spending years supporting the U.S. military in Iraq through translation and supervising a laundry department, for which he won employee of the year, before moving to Renton. He said he wants to ensure Renton remains affordable and welcoming for today’s neighbors, and the next generation, including his eight-year-old son who he hopes will be able to remain in Renton as an adult.

“On the Council, I will drive strategic and comprehensive planning to protect affordability for homeowners and renters, prioritize state and county investments in our transit and infrastructure needs, and preserve parks and open spaces for all to enjoy,” he said in a statement.

Yonzon’s campaign says he has raised over $22,000 from local supporters and neighbors. He says he is running a grassroots campaign and will plan to speak with voters at their doors and across Renton in the coming months.