Longtime Renton City Council Member, King Parker, Will Not Seek Re-Election

 The political landscape is on a slight cooling trend as Ed Prince switches his campaign for city council position three — held by Marcie Palmer, who intends to run for re-election — to the open position five, which is held by King Parker.

Prince's decision to switch his strategy occurred after Parker announced earlier this week that he will not seek re-election.

"I've had a wonderful time on council," Parker said, describing the experience as "rich and rewarding."

His reason for stepping down is simple.

"It's just time," he said. "The council is ready for a fresh face."

Parker said he gives his full support to Prince.

"He's done all the right things to move forward," he said of Prince's political involvement. He's currently on the Planning Commission and involved in other community groups and activities.

When asked if he has will pursue another political endeavor, Parker said that he has "zero" future political ambitions.

"I'm ready to come back to my little store and spend more time with my wife Bunny," he said.

Marcie Palmer said Prince's announcement won't change the way she'll run her campaign, although she plans to wait and see if she'll have any opposition before issuing a formal campaign statement prior to the June filing deadline.

"He seems prepared and enthusiastic, and that should serve him well," Palmer said of Prince's run for City Council.

Open seats tend to draw more than one candidate, she said, although she has yet to hear of another bid for any of the open positions. 

Mayor Denis Law, and City Council members Don Persson and Greg Taylor are also up for re-election this year.

Both Prince and Palmer have talked since the announcement and are on good terms, they said.

"We supported each other in the past and share many of the same friends," Palmer said.

Prince is happy to have the support of several City Council members, and of Parker, who he hopes to replace on the Council.

"There are few men I hold in as high regard as King Parker. The man is a Renton institution and he has served this community tirelessly as both an elected official and business leader for decades," Prince said.

Parker had a few words of wisdom for Prince:

"There is a huge learning curve," Parker said as a warning to anyone interested in running for his seat, or any other position up for election this coming season.

"Whoever wins will have to have patience and dedication, and take time to learn the ropes," he said. "Ed has got that."