Andy Song, candidate for Kent City Council, Position 6, entered the general election against Sharn Shoker after finishing second in the August primary.
A longtime public servant — currently serving on the Kent School Board, small business owner, professor, and mental health professional — Song brings a multidimensional profile to the race.
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At the Kent Black Action Commission Candidate Forum, Song underscored a central principle of his campaign: progress depends on collaboration. He acknowledged his own ambitions, but insisted that no single agenda can succeed without buy-in from others:
“My ideas alone won’t get us there. We need votes, support, and shared commitment across council, the mayor’s office, and staff.”
He recalled past leadership roles where he fostered alignment across teams and said he would bring that same relationship-first approach to city governance. He described collaboration as his primary target, believing that once trust and teamwork are established, the rest of his priorities can be tackled more effectively.
Song’s remarks reveal a campaign built not purely on policy promises, but on how he plans to navigate the politics of governance. Whether or not that approach can bridge splits on tough issues — from public safety to homelessness to budgeting — will be a central test for his candidacy.