Katia Zakharoff and Kevin Nichols are running for position 6 on Issaquah City Council in the November 2025 general election. The two candidates answered a series of questions in the fall 2025 issue of Community Connect magazine.
Ballots will be sent in the mail Oct. 17. Be sure to vote by Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 8 p.m.
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Introduce yourself.
Katia – I’m Katia Zakharoff, a five-year Issaquah resident, a world-class 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.
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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 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.
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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.
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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 plan is a good start, educating residents on fire risks and emergency preparedness is essential. We also need to address safety issues comprehensively. Programs like CERT and Block Watch can unite us in building a safer, more resilient community.
Kevin – We must fully fund emergency services, strengthen our electric grid, and establish additional evacuation routes throughout the city. Had we built all the planned electric substations in the Highlands, last year’s bomb cyclone might not have caused widespread outages. Further, according to city analysis, the Highlands faces up to four hours for complete evacuation, which is dangerously inadequate if we ever need to evacuate. I’ll advocate for completing critical infrastructure, new emergency corridors, and pursuing state grants for public safety.
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How will you keep residents engaged in city decisions and ensure their voices are heard?
Katia – I’ve visited over 6,000 Issaquah homes during my campaign, gaining valuable insights into neighborhood issues. Many of you voiced feeling overlooked in city processes, so I will continue regular walks through neighborhoods and businesses to stay accessible. I’ll also organize and participate in community events to ensure all voices are heard. Additionally, I encourage residents to engage in public comment periods at city meetings and join our commissions and committees to foster community involvement.
Kevin – I’ll champion bringing more meetings directly to residents through neighborhood forums at community centers, senior facilities, and schools. I’ll advocate for additional citizen advisory groups on major initiatives and push for measuring engagement success by participation across all demographics, not just traditional council meeting attendees. We need to make it convenient for working families, seniors, and young people to have their say in shaping our city’s future.
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What was the first thing that made you fall in love with Issaquah?
Katia – The moment I fell in love with Issaquah was back in 2006. I was driving from Klahanie down Issaquah Fall City Road, and the breathtaking view of the mountains completely mesmerized me. From that day on, I couldn’t stop dreaming about living in Issaquah.
Kevin – Driving down Front Street to hike Poo Poo Point after our daughter was born, we found the perfect place to raise a family. The combination of top-rated schools where teachers truly care, a walkable downtown with small-town charm, and wilderness trails just minutes away immediately captured us. Issaquah offered everything excellent for our family: education for our children, genuine community connections, and the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
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Salmon or Sasquatch?
Katia – Both?
Kevin – Salmon
Candidate statements not edited by Highlands Council.
- Meet the candidates running for Issaquah Mayor
- Meet the candidates running for Issaquah City Council, Position 1
- Meet the candidates running for Issaquah City Council, Position 5
- Meet the candidates running for Issaquah School Board, Director District 2
- Meet the candidates running for Issaquah School Board, Director District 4
- Meet the candidates running for Washington State Senate, District 5
As published in fall 2025 issue of Community Connect magazine >>>
