Scoop: Councilmember Burkley Allen enters race for vice mayor

Driving the news: Allen had been kicking the tires on running for vice mayor for several months. Two of her colleagues — Councilmembers Zulfat Suara and Kyonzté Toombs — have also announced recently that they are running.

• Allen has served on the council for 15 years, including as a district member representing the Belmont area and as an at-large covering the entire county.
• Allen is an engineer by trade and has never lost an election.

What we're hearing: Suara and Toombs hit the ground running. They've been reaching out to politicos for fundraising help and endorsements.

• Incumbent Vice Mayor Angie Henderson hasn't announced if she is running for re-election yet.

Between the lines: Allen's sales pitch to voters figures to focus on her experience. She's chaired the council's budget and planning committees, among other leadership posts.

How it works: The vice mayor presides over council meetings, hands out committee assignments and is first in the succession line to replace the mayor if needed.