About Ken Mann
Background
Growing up 37 years ago in a community where neighbors looked out for each other, the main rules of the household for Ken and his brother were: no lying and no cheating, always work hard and do your best, and always put Dad's tools back in their place. Ken plans to bring these same principles of integrity, effort, and personal responsibility to his work on the Whatcom County Council.
Family
Ken and his wife, Amy, attended middle school together, reconnected after college, and have been married for 7 years. They feel blessed that they were able to build their own home here in Whatcom County. They both come from large families that instilled a strong belief in family ties and community service. They are extremely close with their siblings and many cousins, and actually enjoy their annual family reunions. They adopted their two dogs, Jake and Max, from the pound, and occasionally let them sleep on the bed.
Professional
Ken's civil engineering program included an emphasis on planning and sustainable design and development. After receiving his degree, he was recruited by a local engineering firm and moved out here with Amy in the summer of 2001. In late 2003, Ken and Amy decided to form their own real estate development and property management companies. They specialize in the restoration of older buildings within existing urban areas. Their most notable project has been the renovation of the Hinsdale Hardware Building and the Northwest Grocery Company building on Commercial Street in Bellingham (formerly La Pì±ata and currently home to the Irish Pub known as "Uisce."
Community
Ken has always believed in public service and community involvement. He has served on the Whatcom County Planning Commission for almost four years and is currently its Chairman. As a volunteer, he created and taught an education program at the Bellingham Senior Center that showed seniors how to use the internet and email. Currently, Ken volunteers for the Friendly Visitors program through the Interfaith Coalition, connecting with seniors and spending quality time with them. Ken attends the First Congregational Church of Bellingham.
Ken and Amy make a point of returning to the Whatcom Humane Society on holidays, when the dogs and cats are in special need of exercise and attention. Both of them are active members in local organizations and donate to several local non-profits. Amy is also a board member of the Whatcom Film Association.
Education
Ken attended Tulane University and graduated with a degree in Political Science in 1992. He returned to school at Carnegie Mellon University and received a Civil Engineering degree in 2001. This combination of political and scientific backgrounds makes Ken uniquely suited for service on the Whatcom County Council.
Hobbies
Ken is an avid mountain biker, hiker, and outdoorsman and loves camping in the mountains. He has also been known to throw darts, play chess, and lose to Amy at Scrabble. He enjoys playing his guitar and watching good movies and driving his䴜68 GMC pickup. His ideal evening includes a barbecue at a friend's house, with lots of good food and big laughs.