Tye Whitfield announced on Wednesday that she will run for the Kent City Council.

“I’m running for Kent City Council because I believe it’s time for all voices to be heard and be involved in the decision-making process that moves our city forward,” Whitfield said in a media release. “Now more than ever, I believe that all residents of Kent deserve a seat at the table.”

Whitfield will run for Position No. 2 to replace Jim Berrios starting in 2018. It will be an open position because Berrios is running for mayor this year rather than re-election to the council. His four-year council term expires at the end of this year.

If more than two candidates contend for a council race, the position will be on the Aug. 1 primary ballot. The top two candidates advance to the Nov. 7 general election. Filing week for candidates is May 15-19 with King County Elections. Several Kent candidates have filed with the state Public Disclosure Commission but have not formally announced campaigns for mayor or the council.

City Councilwoman Dana Ralph announced last year her run for mayor to replace Suzette Cooke, who decided not to seek another term. Her council term expires at the end of 2019. Berrios also announced last year his run for mayor.

Council members are considered part-time positions and receive $14,808 per year. The council president gets $15,612 per year. The full-time mayor receives $144,996 per year.

Whitfield is a mother, small business owner, community advocate and non-profit director. Her non-profit and advocacy work focuses on helping to empower youth and families through skill-building, coaching and connection with resources.

She has also supported other community events, serving as emcee for Kent’s annual You Me We resource fair, hosting the Kent International Festival and worked with local businesses to create the first free Taste of Kent cultural and traditional dinner for families.

Whitfield’s service to the community also includes:

Puget Sound Service District, chairperson, 2004 through 2007; Washington State Association of Head Start and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, community Representative and voting board member, 2005 through 2007; White Center Early Learning Initiative, board member, 2005 through 2007; and city of Kent Parks and Recreation Commission, commissioner, 2016 through present.

“I will work tirelessly to break down barriers of communication between our residents and our city, look to build on Kent’s many assets to attract more businesses and build a family-friendly economy, and continue to improve and expand our parks and recreation system – a system that supports countless families in our community,” Whitfield said.

Whitfield has lived in Kent for eight years, raising her children here and sending them to Kent public schools. She holds a degree in human services and an entrepreneurship certificate from Highline College in Des Moines and is a certified home care aide.