Community leader Sara Franklin plans to challenge incumbent Les Thomas for a seat on the Kent City Council.

Franklin announced her candidacy on Monday in a news release. She joins Hira Bhullar as a challenger to Thomas, who is in his 16th year on the council.

Franklin works for the King County assessor where she administers the senior citizen and disabled veterans’ property tax exemption program. She said she works with many residents, including those from Kent, to keep them in their homes and exempted from rising property tax burdens.

“I have the honor and privilege to work with the senior citizens who built our community and the veterans who protected it,” Franklin said. “Every day I hear their stories and see the challenges they are facing. I know all too well that government budgets and decisions have a real impact on people living in our community. Seniors are picking between paying their property taxes and paying for their prescriptions. As a local government we have an obligation to live within our means so we can protect our most vulnerable neighbors.”

Franklin serves on the Kent Cultural Communities Board, the board of the Greater Kent Historical Society, volunteers with KentHope, participates in the city’s Diversity Task Force and volunteers on the Board of Directors for the Nonprofit Assistance Center.

Candidates must file between May 13-17 with King County Elections. The primary election is Aug. 6 if there are more than two candidates in a race. The general election is Nov. 5.

Franklin and her husband reside on the East Hill and have four sons. She has lived in Kent since 2015. Her mother, Rosa Franklin, served as a state representative and then state senator representing Tacoma from 1990 until 2010.

As the former COPE Chair (political committee) for Amalgamated Transit Union Local 587, Franklin said she is very familiar with how to run a winning campaign and looks forward to talking to voters this year.

“During a time when national and state politics are divided I think we have a lot in common in Kent,” she said. “We all want safe neighborhoods, clean parks, smooth streets and access to good paying jobs. These aren’t partisan issues, they aren’t controversial – they are quality of life issues. If I am elected these will be the things I focus on; real issues where the residents can see real results and know I am working on their behalf.”

For more information, go to saraforkent.com.