I have lived, owned a business, served in leadership and partnered with the city in our Renton community for many years.

In this year’s elections, I’m a strong supporter of Jami Smith for Renton City Council. At first glance, both Perez and Smith appear to be strong women of color who share similar values and skills. But it’s telling when five of six city council colleagues and the mayor have chosen not to endorse incumbent Ruth Perez. It’s concerning that Perez sent a letter to the council and city administrators notifying them of her intent to resign from council in June 2016 (though she didn’t follow through). It’s concerning that Perez stormed out of the council’s key annual retreat this year rather than working on city goals, needs and issues. It’s concerning that Perez has written name-calling emails and social media posts too often. None of this demonstrates productive elected leadership or collaboration.

Jami Smith serves on the City of Renton’s Planning Commission where her colleagues speak highly of her work. She also serves on Mayor Law’s Inclusion Task Force. Smith’s education includes a computer science degree and an MBA. Her career has spanned small business ownership plus technology and organizational management in business.

Those who’ve seen both of these candidates in action are also standing strong for Jami Smith – including King County Executive Dow Constantine, former Executive Ron Sims, Deputy Executive & Former Senator Fred Jarrett, Port Commissioner Courtney Gregoire, Representative Tana Senn, Senator Lisa Wellman, plus Renton Mayor Denis Law, Bellevue Mayor John Stokes, Kirkland Mayor Amy Walen, Renton’s Democrat districts 5, 11, 37, 41, Young Democrats and the King County Democrats.

Please ask me if you need information about this race or see www.jamiforrenton.com. And, please join me in voting for Jami Smith for Renton City Council.

Marcie Maxwell

Renton