Belleci Announces Her Election Bid

has announced her election bid for the University Place City Council.

The incumbent made the announcement during a gathering of supporters Friday at . Her announcement marks the first sitting UP City Council member to announce a bid to remain on the dais this year.

Earlier, Mayor Debbie Klosowski as an elected city leader.

There has been a relative slew of challengers vying for a spot on the dais, including Howard Lee, whom Belleci will face in November for Position 7. She was appointed to the UP City Council after longtime Councilwoman Jean Brooks died in 2009.

For Belleci, she will campaign on her experience and leadership on the City Council and the UP Planning Commission, which she was a member of since the city's incorporation in 1995. She has also been involved with community events such as the Duck Parade and Cider Squeeze at .

In a released statement, Belleci said she will continue moving the community forward by focusing on public safety, economic development and ensuring a balanced budget.

“What attracted me to University Place 25 years ago is what attracts new residents today – the quality of life and the feel of community," Belleci said. "I am running for City Council because of my love for this city, my deep commitment to community service and my desire to make this community a strong and vibrant community to live and work.”

Patch will have more information on this story later.