Veteran Renton City Council member Don Persson will seek a fifth term on the council this year.

Persson, 72, says the city has accomplished many “wonderful things” in the last few years and is on the cusp of finishing others, including revitalizing downtown, completing the new aviation education center at Renton Municipal Airport and completing the new Highlands Library and park.

“I want to stay and be sure we get these things accomplished,” he said. “I want to finish the job.”

And he enjoys what he’s doing.

“They are just great great people on the council. I love serving with everybody,” he said. He was first elected in 2000.

Filing for office is in May, the primary election is Aug. 4 and the general election is Nov. 3.

Fellow City Council member Randy Corman is his campaign manager. Corman is the longest-serving council member; he was first elected in 1994.

“Don has contributed enormously to Renton’s success during his four terms on the council,” said Corman.

Persson has served numerous times as council president and on most council committee. Currently he chairs the council’s Finance Committee.

Persson served for 33 years in the Renton Police Department, rising to the rank of deputy police chief.

In his nearly 16 years on the council, Persson has worked on such issues as new parks and playgrounds, the develoment of The Landing, downtown revitalization and transportation improvements.

He has served as Renton’s representative to the Eastside Transportation Partnership, working to ensure Renton gets its share of state and federal funding for local roads and intersection improvements as well as better transit.

Persson’s  campaign treasurer is JoAnn Lee; the campaign addresss is 538 Renton Ave. S., Renton.