Former Mill Creek Mayor and Council member Terry Ryan has announced he will run for Snohomish County Council.

Ryan, a Democrat, will seek the seat currently held by incumbent Dave Gossett, who is term limited.

A commercial real estate agent, married father of four and longtime youth and high school soccer coach, Ryan will focus on economic growth and protecting neighborhood quality of life if elected in November.

“I proudly served the people of Mill Creek for 17 years on the Mill Creek City Council including four terms as Mayor, and now look forward to continuing my leadership on the County Council,” said Ryan. “As a business professional, I am committed to positioning Snohomish County for economic recovery and success.  As a dad and coach, I will do everything to safeguard our parks and playfields, public safety and the health and well-being of our families.”

Ryan starts the campaign with strong local and regional support, including County Council members Brian Sullivan (D-Mukilteo) and Stephanie Wright (D-Lynnwood), Mountlake Terrace Mayor Jerry Smith, former Mayor Pat Cordova, Former State Representative Al O’Brien, Bothell City Council members Del Spivey, Andy Rheaume and Patrick Ewing, Mill Creek Councilman Mark Bond, Former City Councilman Dr. Jon Pazevic,  Brier City Councilman Dale Kaemingk, Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring, former Mayor Dennis Kendall and Snohomish Mayor Karen Guzak. The Snohomish County Realtors have also endorsed Ryan along with numerous business, civic, and community leaders.

“I have worked with Terry for years on everything from transportation solutions to public safety and know he is a common sense, thoughtful leader with a strong work ethic,” said Sullivan. “I look forward to working with him as a colleague on the Council.”“Terry and I served together in local government and I always appreciated his smart, collaborative style and commitment to families and communities,” said Wright, a former Lynnwood City Council member. “I am excited he is running.  We need his experience, perspective, and voice helping craft solutions for all the people of Snohomish County.”

Ryan, a proven grass roots campaigner, will begin knocking on doors this winter throughout the district, which includes the communities of Bothell, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Mill Creek and parts of unincorporated Snohomish County.

“I have always believed that voters should meet directly with the people who want to represent them,” said Ryan, who won five elections in Mill Creek before resigning his seat last September to fulfill now completed professional commitments. ”I am excited to introduce myself in neighborhoods throughout the district, and earning voter trust.”