Sharing an Open Letter to the Renton Community

“I wanted to share this open letter to the Renton community. It’s time we talk about leadership, vision, and what our city truly needs.”

An Open Letter to the Renton Community

From Jeffrey Lawrence

Renton has always been a city built on collaboration, between neighbors, small businesses, civic leaders, and everyday folks who care deeply about where we live, raise families, and grow roots. As someone who’s spent decades building community here, I’ve seen firsthand what it looks like when leadership shows up with integrity, purpose, and a genuine desire to listen.

That’s exactly why I’m supporting Mary Clymer for Renton City Council, Position 2.

Mary has been a consistent, proactive presence in Renton for years. Whether through her advocacy for the arts, her thoughtful public commentary at council meetings, or her support of local businesses and residents, she’s never wavered in her commitment to this city. She brings a grounded, balanced approach that makes people feel seen, heard, and included. She doesn’t lead from ego, she leads with heart and common sense.

Now, I want to be clear: I hold no personal grievance against Councilmember Carmen Rivera. I haven’t had many direct interactions with her. However, after speaking with a wide range of Renton residents, business owners, and even members within local government, I’ve heard a growing chorus of concerns. Concerns about a lack of collaboration. Concerns about poor follow-through. And concerns about a leadership style that some feel is more divisive than unifying.

When our community is facing complex challenges, economic growth, housing, public safety, equitable access to services, we need councilmembers who do their homework, build bridges, and listen without defensiveness. We need those willing to put in the hard, often unglamorous, work of governance.

If the public perception of Councilmember Rivera’s leadership has become one of disengagement or resistance to collaboration, then we must ask ourselves: Is this the kind of representation we need moving forward? Or is it time to embrace someone who has already been walking the walk?

Mary Clymer shows up, day in, day out, not because she wants a title, but because she loves this city and wants to serve it well. I believe she will bring transparency, responsiveness, and a fresh perspective to the council that reflects the Renton we want to build.

This is not about tearing anyone down. It’s about raising the bar. It’s about ensuring Renton’s future is shaped by leaders who value teamwork, truth, and tireless community support.

I encourage all of you to get to know Mary’s vision for Renton. Ask questions. Attend a campaign event. Visit her website: www.clymer4renton.com. And if it resonates with you the way it does with me, lend your support.

Let’s keep pushing Renton forward together.

Jeffrey Lawrence

Renton Resident, Business Owner, Community Advocate