Update for June 27
The City of Tukwila has issued a statement of remembrance for David Fenton, 67, who was killed in a motorcycle accident on June 24 on W. Marginal Way:

The entire Tukwila community was saddened to hear of Dave Fenton’s fatal accident on Sunday, June 24. His commitment to the community and City – both people and programs will surely be missed.

Mr. Fenton was first elected to the Tukwila City Council in November 1997, and took office January 5, 1998. He chaired the Finance and Safety Committee his first year on the Council, and served as Council President his second year. He served eight years as a Councilmember and countless others as an involved resident, invested community member and business owner.

Prior to becoming a Councilmember, Dave was appointed to the Community Police Advisory Board and was an active member of the Apartment Managers Network. He owned and maintained one of the safest and most attractive apartment complexes in Tukwila and represented the interests of Tukwila residents who live in multi-family housing. Additional activities that Dave was involved in include the Tukwila International Boulevard Action Committee (formerly referred to as the Highway 99 Action Committee), Foster High School Site Council and Tukwila Village NOW.

Dave was a pioneer in so many areas that have led to improved City functions, processes and community well-being over the years. His extensive knowledge of the computer industry helped move the City closer to being connected through telecommunications, and he was instrumental in the first Crime Prevention through Environmental Design Program as well as other City-initiated crime prevention and community-oriented policing initiatives. Dave was also known for his ability to develop excellent relationships with a variety of government and business associates and his dedication to helping citizens with various problems in a caring, genuine manner.

Dave’s love for his community was no secret; he sat in the Council Chambers for one full year as a community member prior to running for election. He said simply, it was to watch this Council, his Council, in action. In August of 1998, Dave shared a very important goal he had set for his position as Councilmember representing the Tukwila community at large, and that was “promoting pride within the community by promoting individual responsibility for one’s surroundings.” Even after his retirement from the City Council, Dave attended Council and hosted community meetings on a regular basis to stay in touch with City processes and decision-making as well as to remain active in the community.

When thinking back to the years spent with Mr. Fenton on the Council, Councilmember Dennis Robertson recalled how Dave ran efficient, productive meetings. When he was chairing a particular committee, he would consistently ask his fellow committee members for comments and input before he would speak or offer suggestions. “I learned some best practices to working with my fellow councilmembers from watching Dave run a meeting. I had just returned to the Council from serving previously, and Dave opened my eyes to how things could be done differently.”

Mayor Jim Haggerton served on the Council with Dave, and commented that he always, “admired Dave’s enthusiasm to improve and move the City forward. His active participation in the business community, economic development opportunities and broadband technology had a significant impact of who we are as a City and community today. I’m grateful for what he gave to Tukwila.”

Update for June 26
The motorcyclist killed in a June 24 crash on W. Marginal Way has been identified as former Tukwila city councilmember David Fenton, 67, by the Seattle Times.

According to his last election statement for 2005, Fenton was a 20-year Tukwila resident (at that time) and served eight years on Tukwila’s city council.

Original post on June 25
Press release from Renee Witt, Seattle Police Department

On 6/24/12, witnesses stated that at approximately 2:00 p.m., a motorcyclist and a black car were racing north bound on West Marginal Way.

The motorcyclist either failed to negotiate the curve or was forced off the road by the car. The motorcyclist died instantly after hitting a light pole. The search for the car is ongoing and there are no suspects at this time.

Suspect Vehicle: Black import car with tinted windows, two hood scoops, and a rear spoiler.

Anyone with information about this incident or the above described vehicle is asked to call 911.

This is an active and on-going case.