Returned to office in Marysville, Kitchen pushes for annexations

Although he declined to participate in candidate forums or to actively campaign for re-election, Marysville City Councilman Jim Kitchen, 75, appears to have been voted in for another term.

"I filed again just to see what the public response would be," said Kitchen, an economics teacher with a long history on the council.

After two years out of office, former Councilman Michael Selvidge, 62, has been elected again.

Selvidge served one previous term from 2006-10. He could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.

Kitchen's campaign silence ended upon learning that he looked to be continuing on the council.

Among his key priorities for the coming term, he said, are the still-vacant B Street property that was purchased by the city shortly before the economy collapsed.

"We have to market that property and get businesses in there," Kitchen said.

The news that at least two car dealerships will be leaving the city, he said, has hit hard.

"We have to increase our tax base and make sure we're able to support our police department and fire fighters," he said.

Annexing more property into Marysville, he said, will be a critical avenue to pursue in the coming years.

"We need to start working on the idea of annexation — especially areas of West Linda. Some people there would like to become part of Marysville," he said.

He noted that outgoing Councilwoman Christina Billeci, who did not run for re-election, was successful in bringing parts of Linda and Olivehurst into the city's sphere of influence while serving on the Local Agency Formation Commission.

"I'm proud to be re-elected," Kitchen said, "and I'll do my best to serve the needs of the people of Marysville."

Candidate Christopher Pedigo was third in the race for two seats.

CONTACT Nancy Pasternack at npasternack@appealdemocrat.com or 749-4781. Find her on Facebook at /ADnpasternack or on Twitter at @ADnpasternack.