
Lynnwood City Councilmember Kerri Lonergan-Dreke’s decision not to run for reelection was difficult for her to make.
But in the end business commitments and a desire to spend more time with her husband and family won out over seeking a second term.
It also helped that there is a candidate, who Lonergan-Dreke supports, running for her seat, Position No. 3. Lonergan-Dreke has endorsed Douglas Lovett, one of four individuals who have filed for the position.
“He’s a very prudent business person and is very active in the community,” Lonergan-Dreke said. “I felt like there was going to be somebody strong running, so that helped me with my decision.”
Also running are former councilmember Ruth Ross, Maria Ambalada and Dave Mayers
The last four years on the council have been a lot of work for Lonergan-Dreke, a co-owner of Lombardi’s Italian Restaurants. Lonergan-Dreke opened up another restaurant a year ago.
“It’s a combination. I need to spend more time in my business,” she said. “This is a huge commitment of time. I decided, personally, I want more time to be doing some fun things in life.
“I greatly appreciate the opportunity the citizens of Lynnwood gave me to serve them and I hope down the road to possibly serve again in this capacity.”
The issue Lonergan-Dreke cites as being her biggest accomplishment is “working to promote more transparency in city government, especially around financial management and oversight … I think that’s a big challenge that still needs a lot of work.”
Lonergan-Dreke’s advice to her successor is that he or she needs to be prepared to put in a lot of time. In addition to the city council, Lonergan-Dreke also serves on the Snohomish County Health Board and the Sno-Com Board. Both have regular and sub-committee meetings. Lonergan-Dreke spent a good part of her Sunday evenings preparing for city council meetings. Councilmembers also must respond to citizen emails, she noted.
“You really need to have a commitment to doing this job and doing it well,” Lonergan-Dreke said. “That means you’re going to give up personal time.”
kerry i wish you well and the stink you have surrounding you will be gone — you fought hard for the people – not against the people – i truly feel that you did care and the odds of being a consummate politician means that you DO NOT have to surround yourself with something most of us were raised to think was good – honor – respect — good luck with everything — i sure do not miss that joke of meetings when a council president screams at a citizen – after the citizen acknowledged certain rights that the citizen has when speaking to the council — mark smith proved how infantile he truly his – mayor – why not? IQ should be about right IMHO LMAO — good luck to kerry
West wishes to you Kerry. Thank you for your service to our community. You will be missed.