I just finished attending the swearing in ceremony for the Washington State House of Representatives, and I was struck by the lack of diversity. Also, to my dismay, I see the same lack of diversity in our own Federal Way City Council. Our City Council in no way reflects our city’s population. With the resignation of Kelly Mahoney the opportunity arose to begin to correct this lack of diversity.

I attended the special City Council meeting on Jan. 3 to select a new council member and listened to many very well-qualified candidates. Did the council step up and make a bold choice? No, they chose Bob Celski, a safe choice and fellow Republican. Rumor has it he was asked to submit his name.

Mr. Celski reportedly “agonized” over the decision not to run for re-election after his previous term was up but decided it was time to focus on his growing family and businesses. What has changed Mr. Celski? You yourself stated you would be acquiring new business clients. Are you tired of doting on the grandchildren? As you said, being on the council is a commitment that “requires your presence”.

With a city whose non-white population is over 50 percent, we have only one minority council member, Ms. Assefa-Dawson. Federal Way citizens voted solidly Democratic in 2016, yet the Republican-dominated City Council appointed a fellow Republican and missed out on the opportunity to appoint one of the highly qualified ethnic minorities and/or Democrats.

C’mon Federal Way! We can do better!

Catherine North, Federal Way