Incumbent Debbie Raplee takes on three challengers in the primary for Kent City Council Position No. 5 in Gwen Allen, Bill Boyce and Charles Lambert.

Ballots were mailed this week by King County Elections. The two candidates with the most votes in the race advance to the Nov. 8 general election. Ballots must be returned by Aug. 16.

Here is a look at the four candidates for Position No. 5.

Gwen Allen

Allen is making her first attempt at the political game. The 59-year-old candidate has lived in Kent since 2004.

She worked for 25 years as a meat wrapper. After retiring, she started a home business as a broker for credit card processing.

“I’ve never aspired to anythng close to politics,” Allen said. “This just happens to be the time.”

Allen said she became involved in business groups such as the Kent Chamber of Commerce and felt she could contribute as a council member.

“I’m always more about helping and serving,” Allen said. “I want to give back more than just saying things.”

Allen said she believes the city must “open up the (budget) books. Let’s find out what is exactly on all those line items. We need a clear picture what is going on.”

Allen said the city needs “clarity and transparency.”

The candidate said if citizens don’t know “what you’re doing, that is where the angst comes from. It’s about the people and what’s best for the people.”

Bill Boyce

Boyce is no stranger to local politics. He has served on the Kent School Board for 17 years.

The 53-year-old Boyce, who has lived in Kent since 1984, stated in a phone interview, “It has been an honor and privilege to serve on the school board. There were a lot of challenges and a lot of good challenges.”

Boyce ran for Kent City Council eight years ago and lost to Les Thomas.

“I have always had a passion for city government,” Boyce said. “I love Kent. Kent is growing like crazy. I want to bridge the gap between the powers that be.”

Boyce said he intends to bring leadership and “do what is best for the city of Kent.”

He said the property tax issue concerning the fire department and Regional Fire Authority is an important campaign issue.

“It is our duty and obligation to let taxpayers know what is going on,” Boyce said. “It’s all about communitcation. It’s all about transparency.”

Boyce said small businesses will, “help Kent get to the next level. We need to make sure we are helping. I’m a big supporter of small business.”

Boyce said he would also like to explore a partnership with the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club of America.

“I’m a strong advocate to get something for young kids,” Boyce said.

Charles Lambert

Lambert is in the midst of a legal battle with the city over his medical marijuana facility Evergreen Association of Community Gardens, formally Evergreen Holistic Center, and it is the central issue in his campaign.

The city closed the holistic center citing the business was operating illegally after Gov. Chris Gregoire vetoed a state Legislature bill allowing medical marijuana dispensaries and collective grow operations.

Lambert reopened Monday as the Evergreen Association of Community Gardens.

The 58-year-old Lambert said he moved to Kent in May 2010 to start the medical marijuana business.

He said he was prompted by a friend who has Parkinson’s disease and was having trouble getting marijuana for treatment of his symptoms.

“I believe when people bring a cause to you, you should do more than sit there and smile,” Lambert said.

He said after retiring from being an owner/operator with Atlas Van Lines he become involved with medical marijuana in California in 2003.

“I see what it does for people,” Lambert said. “I have always been into the holistic side of medicine.”

He stated concerning other city issues he learns quickly.

“I will help anyway I can to bring business back,” Lambert said. “I’m pretty much a conservative Republican.”

Debbie Raplee

Raplee is looking for a third term on the council. She serves as the chair of the Public Works Committee and Operations.

She is also chair of the Regional Fire Authority governance board.

According to the city website, Raplee has lived on Scenic Hill since 1990 and has worked for Boeing for 30 years.

Raplee could not be reached for comment prior to publication.