Nancy Backus has announced that she will run for re-election to the Auburn City Council.

Backus has served on the Council since July 2003, after originally being appointed to fill a vacancy created by Jeanne Barber’s resignation, and has since been elected twice.

Backus serves as the chair of the Finance Committee and is the vice chair of the Planning and Community Development Committee. She was appointed by the Association of Washington Cities to the National League of Cities Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations (FAIR) Committee and has served for the past five years.

Backus is proud of her work on the Council.

“There have been some very complex and controversial topics to concentrate on for the past few years, including annexation, budget cuts and downtown re-development – and the difficult work is far from finished,” Backus said. “That’s why I decided to run for re-election, because I have the experience, dedication and courage to make the tough decisions.

“I recently read a quote that I’ve taken to heart: ‘If you don’t have critics, are you doing enough to bring about change? If you do have critics, are you converting their criticism into inspiration?’ ” Backus said.

Backus is a product of the Auburn School District. She graduated from Auburn High School in 1979, received her associate of arts degree from Green River Community College, and has a bachelor of science degree in accounting. She has worked for The Boeing Company for 20 years and is currently a financial reporting manager in the company’s commercial airplane division.

Among her proudest volunteer accomplishments is the continued growth of the Miss Auburn Scholarship Program. During her 21-year tenure as president, the program has become the largest local pageant in the Miss America organization, and has awarded more than $450,000 in scholarships. She is also an active member of the Washington Elementary PTA where she served two consecutive terms as co-president.

Backus has also served on numerous other boards and committees. Last year, she participated in the Seattle 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk.

“That was an emotional three days and 60 miles. It proved to me that if one is determined and dedicated, anything is possible,” said Backus.

Backus and her husband, Kemon, live in Auburn with their daughter, Alexis (Lucky).

“Auburn is our home, and it’s my responsibility to be involved and serve,” Backus said.