Each candidate for three Renton City Council primary races received a questionnaire with identical questions. Their answers are below and unedited. Ballots for the primaries were mailed out on July 16. The 2025 primary election is Aug. 5. The top two finishers in each race will advance to the general election. For position 6, the two candidates below will automatically advance to the general election.
Renton City Council Position No. 1
James Alberson Jr. (incumbent)
Q: Why do you want to be a Renton City Councilmember?
A: I’m seeking re-election to the City Council to continue supporting common-sense solutions and decisions that improve public safety, support housing affordability, and create economic growth and opportunity for the Renton community.
Q: What’s the biggest problem or challenge facing the city and how would you propose to handle that issue?
A: The greatest challenge we face is successfully addressing illicit drug use and crime-related activities, both of which undermine public safety. I support the city’s effort to increase the level of accountability and consequences for drug and criminal activity. Additionally, I support the coming efforts to put a system in place that reduces encampment activity and moves the homeless into a pathway to recovery.
Q: What is one way in which the city council can improve or what has been a shortcoming of the current city council?
A: My focus will be on increasing the level of communication with the community to ensure that incorrect or insufficient information is not the only information members of the community receive from sources outside of the city who have questionable agendas. The lack of a comprehensive understanding of challenges, scenarios, and situations seen by the public have led many to false conclusions about how problems are being addressed by the Council and the City. My goal is to ensure that the true facts are made available to be included in the public discourse.
Michael Westgaard
Q: Why do you want to be a Renton City Councilmember?
A: I’m running for Renton City Council to tackle the cost-of-living crisis crushing working families in our community. As a wastewater treatment operator, SEIU 925 shop steward, and as a member of the Raise the Wage Renton campaign, I’ve fought for working people both on the job and in our community. Now I want to bring that fight to City Hall.
We need action on both sides of this crisis: raising pay through strong worker protections while simultaneously addressing the soaring costs of housing, transportation, and other necessities. My lived experience as a frontline worker and proven track record of delivering results — from winning union contracts to minimum wage hikes — gives me the unique perspective Renton needs to build an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few.
Q: What’s the biggest problem or challenge facing the city and how would you propose to handle that issue?
A: Housing affordability is just one part of a larger cost-of-living emergency squeezing Renton workers that I will address as follows:
1. Protect Minimum Wage: Rentonites won the highest minimum wage in the country in 2024 through the Raise the Wage Renton ballot initiative. City council and big business interests have talked about rolling back our new minimum wage – I will oppose those efforts and protect and enforce this important victory for workers.
2. Lower Cost of Housing and Transportation: This will take ideas that the city council is not even talking about: building social housing, taxing vacant land, enacting renter protections, and developing our city to be walkable and bikeable, with a transit-oriented transportation system making car ownership a choice rather than a necessity.
3. Public Safety Beyond Criminal Justice: Making the city more affordable for working people will allow us to focus on public safety as a quality of life issue, not merely a crime and punishment issue. We can focus resources on the harder problems that take time to address like mental health support and stopping cycles of violence in our communities.
Q: What is one way in which the city council can improve or what has been a shortcoming of the current city council?
A: The current council majority has prioritized corporate interests — from Walmart to Boeing — over the workers that make Renton run. This plays out in a failed transit system, poor public safety, and a crisis of affordability.
As a Democratic Socialist, I practice direct democracy — three years of door-knocking has shown me that residents feel ignored by the government as they struggle to scrape by. On council, I’ll change this by:
1. Demanding Sound Transit equity while building a walkable and bikeable Renton.
2. Creating public options for housing and utilities to reduce costs 3. Enforce the minimum wage and other protections for workers.
My record from wage fights to wastewater union bargaining proves I deliver for workers, not corporations.
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Gwendolyn Hosea-Mimms did not reply to the questionnaire.
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Renton City Council Position No. 2
Mary Clymer
Q: Why do you want to be a Renton City Councilmember?
A: Because I love this town! I grew up surrounded by neighbors, teachers, and community members who cared, and now it’s my time to give back. I’ve owned a small business downtown (Happy Delusions), worked for other Renton businesses, and built real connections with people across the city. That led me to chair the Renton River Days Art Market, serve on the Renton Arts Commission, and become an active volunteer. Being part of Renton’s positive growth feels like a natural next step.
Q: What’s the biggest problem or challenge facing the city and how would you propose to handle that issue?
A: Renton is facing a housing and homelessness crisis. Rising home prices are pushing out our most vulnerable neighbors, while homeless encampments and mental health challenges continue to grow. These issues are closely tied to public safety and social services, and with state budget cuts looming, the pressure is only increasing.
We need a council that supports and expands behavioral health and homelessness programs, so everyone feels safe and supported. That means investing in community-centered projects that avoid displacement, prioritize transparency, and keep our neighborhoods vibrant.
As our population grows, we must tackle housing and transit together, building an inclusive, equitable future where all of Renton can thrive.
Q: What is one way in which the city council can improve or what has been a shortcoming of the current city council?
A: A common concern I hear is the lack of communication and transparency around decisions that directly impact our neighborhoods. Too often, residents feel like choices are made for them, not with them.
The council can improve by creating more accessible and consistent opportunities for public input through better outreach, open dialogue, and clear communication. When people feel heard, they stay engaged—and that’s how we build lasting trust.
Raman Mann
Q: Why do you want to be a Renton City Councilmember?
A: As a Renton City Councilmember, Raman Mann is energized to transform the city he’s proudly called home his entire life. A dynamic small business owner and passionate community advocate, Raman is determined to tackle critical challenges like public safety, housing affordability, homelessness, and crime with bold, practical solutions. He envisions a thriving, vibrant Renton where every resident has equal opportunities to succeed. Rooted deeply in the community and shaped by diverse life experiences, Raman is uniquely equipped to deliver results through collaboration and innovation. He’s committed to transparent, responsive governance that amplifies all voices and ensures policies reflect Renton’s rich diversity. With a laser focus on strengthening infrastructure, boosting economic vitality, and enhancing community well-being, Raman will build a safer, more inclusive Renton for today and tomorrow. His decisive leadership and unwavering dedication will drive lasting progress for all.
Q: What’s the biggest problem or challenge facing the city and how would you propose to handle that issue?
A: Renton City Council candidate Raman Mann declares public safety as the city’s top priority. He’s passionate that every resident deserves to feel secure in their homes, strolling through vibrant parks, or enjoying Renton’s public spaces. Safe neighborhoods are the heartbeat of a thriving, inclusive community where families flourish, businesses prosper, and visitors eagerly return. Raman is committed to increasing funding for our police department, hiring more officers, and equipping them with cutting-edge training and resources to serve with excellence. His dynamic vision embraces collaborative strategies, partnering with local organizations to tackle crime’s root causes while ensuring safety measures reflect Renton’s diverse needs. By prioritizing resources for law enforcement and innovative community safety programs, Raman will tirelessly champion a Renton where everyone feels protected and empowered. As a lifelong resident and passionate advocate, he’ll drive practical, impactful solutions, transforming our streets, parks, and neighborhoods into vibrant, secure spaces for all. With Raman’s upbeat leadership, Renton will shine as a beacon of safety and opportunity for current and future generations.
Q: What is one way in which the city council can improve or what has been a shortcoming of the current city council?
A: There are always opportunities for the council to improve their communication with residents. As a Renton City Councilmember, I would be deeply committed to enhancing my accessibility, transparency, and engagement with our vibrant community to better serve its diverse needs. Accessibility means being available to all residents, ensuring they feel comfortable reaching out with ideas or concerns. I will create opportunities for open dialogue, making it easier for people to connect with me directly through community gatherings. Transparency is at the heart of my approach, as I believe residents deserve to know how and why decisions are made. I will work to share clear, honest information about council activities in ways that are easy to understand and widely available. Engagement goes beyond listening—it’s about actively involving the community in shaping our city’s future. By fostering these connections, I aim to build trust and strengthen our community, creating a Renton where every resident feels valued and empowered to participate in our shared journey forward.
Carmen Rivera (incumbent)
Q: Why do you want to be a Renton City Councilmember?
A: I’m running for re-election because Renton deserves leaders who bring real-life experience to the table. Currently, I am the only council member with a background in social services, having worked directly with youth and families navigating some of our state’s and county’s most complex systems. I’ve seen firsthand how policy decisions impact people’s lives, from housing insecurity to gaps in mental health care. Far too often, these policy decisions come from those who have no experience working with some of our most impoverished and marginalized. My voice on the council ensures these realities are not abstract ideas but grounded priorities in our decision-making. I’m committed to continuing the work of building a Renton that centers equity, structured compassion, and accountability.
Q: What’s the biggest problem or challenge facing the city and how would you propose to handle that issue?
A: Renton’s biggest challenge is managing our rapid growth in ways that are inclusive, sustainable, and forward-thinking. Our growth impacts everything; crime, housing, traffic, public transportation, homelessness, and access to services. To meet the moment, we need an interconnected and holistic approach grounded in equity:
• Prioritize fully funding our Human Services Division. Since taking office in 2021, I’ve championed a 65% funding increase because community-based programs are key to safety and stability.
• As Chair of Public Safety, I’ve worked to ensure our public safety strategies are proactive and transparent. That includes supporting the launch of Renton’s use-of-force dashboard and expanding our co-responder program, Project Be-Free, which responds to non-violent domestic violence calls. I’ve also supported the addition of 8 new officers.
• We must also expand housing options for working families, as we are doing with Renton Housing Authority and Habitat for Humanity to increase affordable housing.
• Finally, we must improve public transportation and pedestrian access. Through tools like our Transportation Benefit District and regional partnerships with Sound Transit.
All these issues are deeply connected, and addressing them requires bold, coordinated leadership to build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. This is the knowledge and experience I bring.
Q: What is one way in which the city council can improve or what has been a shortcoming of the current city council?
A: We must improve our communication with the community. Too often, residents feel that decisions are made without them, or worse, that they don’t know to whom they should turn when they have concerns. I’ve consistently advocated for more transparent processes, open dialogue, and improved outreach, particularly to those who have historically been excluded from civic conversations. Through these efforts, we hosted our first Public Safety Forum at the Carco Theatre last year, featuring the Renton Police Department and the King County Prosecutors’ Office. I would like us to have more open forums and town halls where we can engage with the public. When I meet with residents, I give them 100% of my attention and energy to hear and understand their concerns. This also includes educating our residents around city processes and civic engagement, as we have done through our newly launched City of Renton Civic Academy. Renton is changing, and our council must be more proactive in building trust, meeting people where they are, and making the government feel accessible and accountable to all.
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Renton City Council Position No. 6
Paul Dutton
Q: Why do you want to be a Renton City Councilmember?
A: Renton’s future won’t build itself, and right now, too many people are being left behind. As the world grows more uncertain, people here are facing real struggles: rising costs of living, unsafe streets, and housing affordability. I’m stepping up to bring a fresh, community-first approach to City Hall and challenge the status quo.
I’ve spent 25 years as an engineer working on roads, tunnels, clean water systems, and transit projects that connect people to opportunity and make communities safer and more resilient. But this campaign isn’t about my résumé. It’s about the kind of city I want for my family—my wife, our six kids, and our big, playful dog Molly. It’s about making sure families like ours can afford to stay, can feel safe walking to school, and can trust that someone is looking out for them.
This city is growing quickly, but our systems aren’t keeping up. Traffic, safety, and access issues are impacting families in every neighborhood. I believe we need bold leadership that listens closely, shows up, and delivers real solutions not just more politics. It’s time to build a Renton that’s connected, inclusive, and ready for the future.
Q: What’s the biggest problem or challenge facing the city and how would you propose to handle that issue?
A: Renton is facing several overlapping challenges, rising housing costs, safety concerns, worsening traffic, and a growing disconnect between the city and the people who live here. At the root of these issues is something we rarely name directly: how people move. Transportation isn’t just about roads or transit it’s the backbone of safety, affordability, and opportunity.
When streets are unsafe, it’s harder for kids to get to school or seniors to leave home. When buses don’t run frequently, don’t connect neighborhoods, or when sidewalks are missing, access to work, healthcare, and essentials becomes a real barrier. When roads are gridlocked, emergency vehicles can’t respond in time. And when housing is far from jobs, long, costly commutes wear families down.
We can’t solve these issues in isolation. That’s why my plan starts with reimagining transportation as a tool for equity and safety.
Smarter street design to reduce congestion and make room for emergency vehicles. Walkable neighborhoods with safer crosswalks, better lighting, and traffic-calming measures to protect families. Reliable transit routes, walkable connections, and “last-mile” solutions that help people reach jobs, schools, and healthcare without needing a car.
Transportation shapes how we live so no one gets left behind.
Q: What is one way in which the city council can improve or what has been a shortcoming of the current city council?
A: Too often, people in Renton feel like their voices don’t matter. Safety concerns go unanswered. Neighborhood needs are overlooked. And families are left waiting wondering when their part of the city will finally be seen, heard, and prioritized.
We must have a City Council that leads with transparency, accountability, and urgency. That’s why I support moving to a district-based model so every part of Renton has a seat at the table and power is more equitably shared.
We also need leadership that builds stronger partnerships with county, state, and local agencies and holds them accountable to deliver for our residents. And we need to include those who are too often ignored: our unincorporated residents, immigrants, refugees, working families, seniors, LGBTQIA+ residents, and anyone struggling to navigate a city not built for them.
Ruth Pérez (incumbent)
Q: Why do you want to be a Renton City Councilmember?
A: It is a privilege to serve as your Councilmember. I am running for re-election to ensure Renton thrives and builds diverse opportunities for families, small businesses, and future generations. I am passionate about community health and safety, environmental protection, and transportation. Representing the residents of Renton and fighting for our needs has been my top priority for the last 11 years. As a Renton City Councilmember, I have worked to ensure Renton is a place people are proud to call home, focusing on the issues that truly impact Renton residents’ everyday lives – working to ensure a strong economy, bringing more jobs, reducing crime and homelessness, supporting inclusive policies, expanding access to housing, tackling our city’s transportation and traffic issues, and balancing a sustainable municipal budget.
By far the greatest benefit of being Renton City Councilmember is getting to know so many great people. I have worked hard to spend time in every neighborhood in our city. I have been fortunate enough to meet wonderful people in every corner of Renton. Whether it’s responding in a timely manner to your emails or fighting for our community, I get to see and hear about how my work makes a difference in Renton.
Q: What’s the biggest problem or challenge facing the city and how would you propose to handle that issue?
A: Renton faces urgent affordability, safety, and behavioral health challenges. Safety and crime continue to be at the top of many of our neighbors’ minds. It is the conversation that I have most frequently with residents, regardless of the neighborhood. I’ve heard stories of mail theft, vandalism, car prowls, and burglaries. It is clear that we must do more to stem this tide of crime in our city and region. First, I believe we must invest in community policing. This gets police officers out of their cars and engaging with our residents, building trust between the police department and our neighbors. A community policing program is part of that ounce of prevention that we need to prevent the pound of cure down the road. Second, we must make sure that our police department has the resources they need to do their jobs. Finally, we must be actively pursuing innovation and creativity in our police department. Whether it’s reducing response time or building out educational and prevention programs, we should be looking for new solutions in our continually growing and changing region. As technology changes, so must our ways of harnessing it to keep our communities safe.
Q: What is one way in which the city council can improve or what has been a shortcoming of the current city council?
A: There is always room for improvement. One of our biggest challenges is to ensure we have the Financial Stability to provide our residents with services they deserve and pay for, while tackling the issues that matter most: crime, housing, mental and behavioral health, and traffic. We have to keep searching for responsible ways to pare the budget and find long term revenue solutions to improve infrastructure, advance the Transportation Improvement Plan, add more parks and trails, as well as programs and services, without burdening residents with more taxes. As a Renton City Councilmember I will continue:
• Supporting our first responders: Police, Fire, EMS, and Mental Health professionals.
• Making sure Sound transit delivers the services Renton residents deserve including light rail expansion.
• Advocating for better transportation options so you can get to work, school, and home to your family
• Bringing solutions and addressing the mental and behavioral health component often overlooked as an obligatory speaking point but failed to be recognized as a central component in many of our social challenges — addiction being one.
• Supporting green clean parks, transit-oriented development, and more affordable housing options.
We need to be proactive, creative and aggressive with our approach to solve the current challenges our city has.
