Politics & Government

Meet Kent Keel, Candidate For University Place City Council

Keel is running for Position 2 against Steve Smith.

Kent Delano Keel

Where do you work and what is your job title? US Department of Veterans Affairs, Financial Analyst

When and Where Were You Born? 1958, Fort Worth, TX

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Where do you live now and how long have you lived there?
University Place, Homeowner for 24 years

Spouse or domestic partner if any: Married 29 years to Renee Keel

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Children: We have adult children and toddler grandchildren.

Education (include graduation date(s), if any):

MBA, Engineering & Technology Management, City University of Seattle – 1998
BS, Computer Information Systems, City University of Seattle –1986

Military Service (include year(s) of discharge, if any):

Army (Active Duty) – 1976 to 1979, Honorable

Army (Reserve) – 1981 to 1994, Honorable

Army (Reserve) – 2009 to Present

 

Memberships and affiliations with clubs and other organizations:

University Place Cityhood Technology Sub-committee Member

University Place Parks & Recreation Youth Coach

University Place Spring Flower and Plant Sale Volunteer

University Place Treasures in the Park Volunteer

Curtis High School Viking Scholarship Committee Member

2010 United States Amateur Golf Volunteer Marshal

Past President, Safehaven (Low-income Housing Non-profit)

New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ Food Bank Volunteer

Roosevelt Heights Church of God in Christ Member

 

Have you or a business you owned (or had principal interest in)ever filed bankruptcy? No.

As an adult, have you been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation? No.



CAMPAIGN INFORMATION:

Web site: www.kentkeel.com

Email address: kent@kentkeel.com

Phone number: (253) 273-5519

Campaign manager: None

 


PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE(S):

University Place School Director Position #3, 2002 – 2003

University Place School Director Position #3, 2004 – 2007

University Place School Director Position #3, 2008 – Present

 

Other campaigns for public office:

Pierce County Auditor, 2010

 

THIS CAMPAIGN:

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

I am committed to the Town Center vision, but I am also committed to business growth, and the physical and financial security of families. I believe these goals are not mutually exclusive.

As your council member, I will demonstrate my commitment and belief by proposing and supporting solutions that will reduce debt, attract business, increase public safety and support recreation.

 

What will be your top three priorities if you get elected and why?

I actually have four priorities and they are:

Same Vision – Different Decisions

1. Reduce Debt – Stop Borrowing & Complete Town Center: Our debt is over $50 million. We need to stop borrowing money and complete the Town Center. I support devising a plan to pay down our debt versus pushing debt payments into the future.

2. Attract business – Make our taxes and fees competitive: We are losing the limited new business openings to adjacent cities mainly because our costs are the highest. I support structuring city fees, taxes, processes and laws to encourage business growth in University Place during this down economy.

3. Increase Public Safety – Bring back the two police officer positions: There has been an increase in loitering, panhandling, prowling and vagrancy. These are gateway infractions to more serious crimes. I support the rehire of the two police officer positions and other preventive measures before things get more serious.

4. Support Recreation – Combine efforts of local public agencies: Our tax dollars are collected and used by city, county, schools and other special government agencies to implement recreation programs, and build parks and ball fields. I support strategies that leverage the community’s financial investment in programs, parks and ball fields already built by our local government agencies.

 

What sets you apart from the other candidates and/or previousoffice holders?

My overall commitment to and body of work in University Place as a volunteer, coach and community leader for over a decade. My roots run deep.

Renee and I have been homeowners in UP for 24 years. My extended family has also lived in UP. The fourth generation of my family now lives in UP. I have successful experience representing the community. As a sub-committee member during our Cityhood committee work, I have represented the community since before the official beginning of our city.

I have also been elected by UP citizens to the University Place School Board three consecutive times. My demonstrated involvement goes well beyond one isolated effort a few months before this election. I have been committed to University Place for many years.

 

How much money do you expect your campaign to spend on this election?

Approximately $7,000

 

Official endorsements:

Denise McCluskey, University Place City Councilmember

Patricia Mannie

Stan Flemming, Pierce County Councilmember

Mary Lu Dickinson, University Place School Board Member

Kathie Zurfluh

Alyce & Frank Boykin

Rick Maloney, University Place School Board Member

Mike Carrell, State Senator

Christine Kilduff, University Place School Board Member

Coach Jason Keel

Dick Muri, Pierce County Councilmember

Ron Lucas, Steilacoom Mayor

Tacoma-Pierce County Black Collective

Pierce County Master Builders Association

Tacoma Pierce County Association of REALTORS


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