Meet
THE
Candidates Issaquah City Council Position 6
KATIA ZAKHAROFF
VS
1. Introduce yourself. Katia: I’m Katia Zakharoff, a five-year Issaquah resident, a worldclass professional dancer, and a first-generation immigrant who is now a proud US citizen. I am currently serving on the Issaquah Planning Policy Commission. I’ve owned a small business for over twenty years and have an MBA with a concentration in Small Business Management Strategies. Kevin: I’m Kevin Nichols, a scientist and father who’s called Issaquah home for 12 years. My wife and I are raising two children here, and I’m a frequent school volunteer who serves on the ISD levy committee as well as the Capital Projects Oversight Committee. I will bring a data-driven, collaborative approach to solving complex problems while ensuring Issaquah remains affordable for families. 2. What inspired you to run for Issaquah City Council, and what’s your top priority if elected? Katia: As a small business owner, I encountered zoning and permitting challenges, which led me to join local boards and commissions for a deeper understanding. Through volunteering, I saw how improving these processes can benefit our community. Issaquah’s ambitious plans need careful budgeting without overburdening residents. I’ll prioritize community input in these tough decisions because the Council should truly represent the voices of our population. Kevin: I’m running to address our twin crises of traffic and housing, which threaten our quality of life. Watching my parents struggle to find an apartment while downsizing here, and knowing that my children likely won’t be able to afford living here as adults, made
CHESS CLUB
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KEVIN NICHOLS
housing personal. Meanwhile, worsening traffic robs families of time daily. My top priorities are improving traffic flow through better transit and intersection design, while accelerating affordable housing development in Central Issaquah. 3. What leadership qualities do you bring that make you the right choice for this position? Katia: Listening to our citizens is essential. Good decisions come from understanding what our community really wants and needs, and that means being open to a variety of ideas and perspectives. As a small business owner, I know that every choice I make can impact lives, and this responsibility really motivates me and drives my commitment to serving the community thoughtfully and effectively, ensuring people’s needs are met. Kevin: I bring a data-driven approach from my scientific background, combined with proven skills in coalition building. Solving complex problems, such as traffic, requires bringing diverse stakeholders together. This involves coordinating with state agencies on signal timing, partnering with neighboring cities on intersection design, and building regional support for transit infrastructure. I’ll work to unite government agencies, community groups, and regional partners to implement solutions that extend beyond city boundaries. 4. In your view, what’s the most important step the city should take to build resilience against emergencies and keep our community safe? Katia: The city must prioritize residents’ concerns, especially after the recent Lake Tradition brush fire. Strengthening our Fire and Rescue team, Police, and Human Services is crucial. While the evacuation
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