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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