Mark Martinez to Run For Renton City Council

Mark Martinez, a Renton resident for more than two decades, has announced his bid for 's vacated seat. has also announced his bid for the open seat.

A two-tour Iraq War veteran, Martinez moved to Renton with his family for his father's job at Boeing. The then 13-year-old enrolled in , eventually graduating from .

Mark and wife, Aubrey, of 14 years have chosen to raise their four children — three boys and one girl, ages 4, 6, 10, and 13 — in Renton, the community and schools where they both grew up. Mark and Aubrey met as teenagers while working at Dairy Queen. They make their home in the Highlands.

We understand the hardships many families have gone through in this economy, Martinez said in a press release. Part of his reasoning for running is to help support a strong community and and foster public servic..

“I am running because I feel I have more to do by way of community service. The city council is, to me, a natural transition after 10 years of service in the Marines and two deployments to Iraq. My desire to serve the people of Renton stems from my love of my community," he said, adding tounge-in-cheek, "Hopefully, this time, no one will shoot at me.”

During his time in the Marines, Martinez was a heavy equipment operator, marksmanship instructor and M1A1 tank commander.

Following his service, Martinez earned an Associates Degree in Business from Bellevue Community College, and then an accounting degree from Seattle University. The 34-year-old is currently an accountant for Boeing.

Martinez is a strong advocate for veterans affairs and spent time last March in Washington D.C. during operation "Storm the Hill" to lobby congress to reinstate legislation that would provide and incentive for businesses to hire veterans. Senator Patty Murray introduced the legislation this year, which ended up passing, he said. He's also a member of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

Citizens will be asked to make hard decisions about the and Skyway annexations, Martinez said. He wants to listen to the community's concerns.

"I would like the library to stay where it's at," he said. "The library's location over the river enticed me to go as a kid."

Martinez supports a renovation of the current downtown library.

As for the Skyway annexations, he feels, would place an unnecessary fiscal burden on the city's books.

"Now is not the time to have a $2 million liability come into the city," he said.

Martinez said his tested leadership training and education in accounting and economics will bring a new perspective to Renton government, he said. He's already gathering support from the community and has earned an endorsement from Nate Thornton a Relator with Windermere Real Estate, a Renton Chamber of Commerce Board Member, and a life-long Renton resident.