Kim Komoto will take on a new role for the city of Kent as city clerk.
Komoto has worked as a legal analyst for the City Attorney’ Office since 2010 and first joined Kent in 2008 as a legal secretary. She will start her new job on Oct. 17.
The City Council on Tuesday approved Mayor Suzette Cooke’s appointment of Komoto, who has years of experience in public records law and compliance. She replaces Ronald Moore, who resigned in June after three years on the job.
The city clerk facilitates and supports Kent’s legislative process, provides access to many of the city’s official records, preserves its history and partners with all city departments to ensure transparency and accessibility to information and services.
Komoto says the new position is a perfect transition from her responsibilities in the City Attorney’s Office.
“I see it as a great opportunity on multiple fronts,” Komoto said in a media release. “I’ll get to utilize my previous experience in records law, and expand my municipal knowledge while continuing to work with such a great city team.”
Cooke likes Komoto’s attention to detail and that she is results-oriented. The mayor said those are critical skills needed in the City Clerk’s Office.
“Kim is passionate about public service, as well as finding efficiency in government,” Cooke said. “With her background and focus on new technologies to make government more transparent, I’m confident she’ll continue to be a tremendous asset to our organization and the community. I’m thrilled she’s accepted the job.”
Komoto is a fourth generation Kent resident and a 1978 graduate of Kentridge High School. She earned her associate of applied science degree in paralegal studies from Highline College in Des Moines.
Fourteen people applied for the job and seven were interviewed, according to city staff. The city paid $7,500 to Issaquah-based Prothman, a consulting firm, to help find candidates. Komoto will receive an annual salary of $87,948.
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