At the candidate forum organized by the Kent Black Action Commission, Shoker outlined her approach to leadership, prioritizing inclusion, engagement, and consistent presence in city affairs. Below is a refined version of her remarks, blended into a narrative suitable for publication.
Shoker expressed that her guiding philosophy as a council candidate is to amplify community voices and ensure lived experience shapes policy.
“The biggest thing — not a priority so much as how I’ll approach all the work — is that I want to bring voices to the table and be someone who actively talks with the community and learns from lived experience.”
Sharn Shoker, a lifelong Kent resident and nonprofit/public policy leader, is running for Kent City Council, Position 6. She brings deep community ties, years of grassroots involvement, and a vision rooted in inclusive governance.
At the recent forum hosted by the Kent Black Action Commission, Shoker laid out her guiding philosophy: not merely to lead, but to listen, convene, and respond. She emphasized that policies on public safety, economic growth, housing, and resources should emerge from engagement with the people most affected.
“I want to bring voices to the table and learn from lived experience … If we’re talking about public safety, bring folks to the table … build coalitions … so we hear from the experts.”
She also highlighted her commitment to accountability and accessibility:
“I show up every single day … with an amazing attendance record … so our community hears from their council members and we hear from them.”
Shoker’s message is clear: governance must be relational before it is transactional. If elected, she pledges to center community input, build active coalitions, and maintain consistent visibility in Kent’s neighborhoods.