Celski seeks to retain council seat

Federal Way City Councilman Bob Celski announced Tuesday he is seeking to retain his position.

He was appointed to Position 2 in January to fill the vacancy after former Councilwoman Kelly Maloney resigned. He previously served on the City Council from 2012-15 in Position 5.

“I am happy to announce my candidacy to continue on the City Council for the next four years,” Celski said in a press release. “During my first term, the council achieved some major accomplishments, including increased emphasis on public safety, the construction of Town Square Park, the planning and funding process for the Performing Arts and Event Center, finding increased funding for human services needs and much-needed progress on economic development.”

In a press release, Celski stated his continued goals are for Federal Way to be a “safe, livable and economically advantaged destination in South King County.”

According to his campaign announcement, if elected, Celski intends to emphasize the rise in homelessness, the need for human services funding, balancing proper development while protecting critical environmental aspects of the former Weyerhaeuser Campus, growing Federal Way’s economy to support the budget and properly allocating the city’s money.

Celski said in his announcement he did not run for re-election following his first term because he needed to focus on his job and his family, but, since then, his schedule now allows him to dedicate the necessary time to the council. Since returning to the council, he’s chaired the Land Use and Transportation Committee.