With only one contested city race on the ballot, it’s been a quiet election season in Renton.

Though the mayor and five city council seats are up for election this year, only the seat being vacated by Greg Taylor, Position 4, is being contested.

We have given the space below for each of the candidates for Position 4 to introduce themselves in their own words.

Ballots are due by 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3.

-Brian Beckley

RYAN McIRVIN

My name is Ryan McIrvin and I am running to represent you on Renton City Council.

My years of experience in government and commitment to community service have earned me the support of our elected officials and community leaders to represent Renton as a member of the city council. I am proud to be part of this community and want to continue the good work started by the leaders who came before me to keep Renton moving forward in a positive direction.

Renton is growing and changing, and there are many challenges and obstacles we will have to face.

I want to keep Renton safe and secure by providing the resources necessary for police and fire to maintain and improve safety in our neighborhoods. Our police and firefighters put their lives on the line every day in order to keep us safe and our budget should be prioritized to give them the tools and resources to effectively enforce our laws and keep our citizens safe.

I want to keep Renton affordable and connected by promoting policies that facilitate an adequate supply of affordable housing near employment and transit hubs. Due to the Great Recession, the supply of affordable housing has become increasingly constrained while incomes have failed to keep pace with the increased cost of living. As a result, people are commuting farther than ever and traffic congestion in the Puget Sound region is at an all-time high. We will need to make investments in our transportation system and infrastructure if we want to keep moving.

I want to keep Renton vibrant and prosperous by growing an economic climate that allows our local small businesses to thrive downtown and throughout the city. In addition to our larger employers in Renton such as Ikea, Wizards of the Coast, and Boeing, we are very fortunate to have many successful small businesses as well. With the recovery in full swing, we need to capitalize on the economic opportunity before us and attract more quality small businesses to our downtown core and neighborhood hubs, so that Renton residents can continue to shop and buy local.

My wife Stefanie and I own a home in the Cascade Neighborhood where we are raising our 1-year-old daughter Molly. We chose to put our roots down here because Renton is a great place to live and raise a family. As a parent of a young child, I am committed to working to make our community an even better for kids by further improving our schools, parks, sidewalks, and trails.

As a proud Eagle Scout, I believe strongly in volunteering and giving back to my community. I have served on the City of Renton Human Services Advisory Committee since 2013, and currently serve as vice-chair. I am also a member of the Next Curve, Renton Historical Society, and supporter of Renton’s Unleashed Furry Friends (RUFF).

I am honored and humbled to have received numerous endorsements from Renton community leaders and organizations including: Renton Firefighters IAFF Local 864; Mayor Denis Law; Councilmembers Ed Prince, Armondo Pavone, Don Persson, Randy Corman, and King Parker (Former); Renton School Board President Pam Teal; State Rep. Steve Bergquist; and State Sen. Bob Hasegawa.

Renton has a lot to offer its citizens and we truly are ahead of the curve. With strong leadership, Renton will continue to set the standard for our region and beyond. I ready to lead and willing to serve.

That’s why I am running for city council and why I am asking for your vote.