John Boyd said he is running for the Kent City Council to help the community deal with homelessness, drug, alcohol and mental health problems.

Boyd, a Boeing retiree and Navy veteran, announced his campaign in a press release. He has filed for the position held by Les Thomas. As of May 17, Kelly Wiggans-Crawford and Jamie Lee also have filed for that position, according to King County Elections. Candidates have until May 19 to file for office.

“My top priorities will be dealing with homelessness, drug, alcohol and mental health problems,” Boyd said. “I also want to improve public safety, attract new business and help get people back to work. Maintaining fiscal responsibility and making sure your tax dollars are spent wisely is important to me, too.”

Boyd has lived in Kent for 27 years. He worked 37 years at Boeing prior to retiring in 2022. He was a lead quality assurance inspector supervising a team of inspectors for the commercial airplane company. Boyd is a member of Machinists 751.

“I am running for Kent City Council because I want to help the city of Kent make the right decisions as the city deals with the challenges of growth in the coming years,” Boyd said. “I want to make Kent a better place to live, work, play and raise a family.”

Boyd, and his wife Cheryl Boyd, have been married for 32 years and raised two boys. Cheryl Boyd is a retired registered nurse. Their two sons graduated from Kent-Meridian High School.

Auburn City Councilmember Larry Brown supports Boyd.

“Boyd’s degree from Highline College in human service with a certification in chemical dependency will be a valuable asset to the city of Kent with drug and alcohol addiction being a growing problem,” Brown said in the press release.

Boyd has been a volunteer board member for Therapeutic Health Services for eight years, according to his campaign website. The nonprofit helps people overcome drug and alcohol addiction and mental health problems.

With at least three candidates running for the council position, Boyd, Lee and Wiggans-Crawford will be on the Aug. 1 primary. The two candidates with the most votes in the primary will advance to the Nov. 7 general election.