The five candidates for the open state representative position in the 1st Legislative District recently sent statements introducing themselves to voters.
Republican Jim Langston, and Democrats Shelley Kloba, Aaron Moreau-Cook, Darshan Rauniyar and Kyoko Matsumoto Wright are running for the position that Democratic State Rep. Luis Moscoso is giving up to run for the state senate.
The five will run on the Aug. 2 primary ballot, with the two leaders advancing to the November general-election ballot.
Moscoso is leaving the house position to run for the position that Democratic State Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe is giving up after six four-year terms.
The 1st Legislative District includes most of Mountlake Terrace, all of Brier and Bothell, north Kirkland, unincorporated areas of King County between Bothell and Kirkland, and unincorporated areas of Snohomish County north and east of Bothell including the Maltby area.
Here are the statements in the order the candidates’ names will appear on the primary ballot and in the voters’ pamphlet:
Aaron Moreau-Cook (Prefers Democratic Party) —
I am not a professional politician, but a hardworking citizen. I am running a self-funded campaign, which gives me the freedom of not having my legislative votes dictated by special interests, but backed by voters like you.
I have over twenty years of technology leadership at start-ups to large corporations. I want to apply optimized budget principals in Olympia while continuing to fully fund social services, education and transportation.
I believe in bipartisan solutions. Both parties should work together to improve the quality of life for all citizens in Washington.
I live in Bothell with my wife and two daughters.
Jim Langston (Prefers Republican Party) —
Olympia needs fresh ideas. As a business owner, I create local area jobs. I’ve worked to improve our community. I believe in listening and working to find bipartisan solutions to the problems we face.
We must fund education first to provide students with opportunities and good jobs. I will work to eliminate unfair tolls and reduce traffic congestion to help get families moving. Our tax dollars must be spent wisely so people and small businesses aren’t forced to struggle under a heavy tax burden. I want to get results for you and I’d be honored to have your vote
Darshan Rauniyar (Prefers Democratic Party) —
I refuse to believe we have no option but to live with congested roads. Our next legislator needs to ensure this region is a top priority in every discussion of statewide transportation needs. We need to bring light rail and fix chokepoints up and down 405, 522 and SR9.
We’ve waited four years for the legislature to answer the Supreme Court with a plan to prioritize public schools. Again, we can do better. I’ll bring my negotiating skills to Olympia to fix transportation problems, prioritize public schools and ensure fiscal responsibility so projects are on-time and on-budget.
Shelley Kloba (Prefers Democratic Party) —
As a Kirkland City Councilmember, State PTA leader, and healthcare professional, I have a track record of leadership on critical issues: schools that work for all kids, transportation to keep our region moving, and protecting parks, safety, and neighborhood quality of life. Endorsements from Senator McAuliffe, Representatives Stanford and Moscoso, the WA Education Association, County Councilmembers Dembowski and Balducci, and many others, demonstrate our community’s confidence in my ability to advocate on their behalf in Olympia. I will get results on important issues like education and environmental sustainability, while continuously working to serve the public as your elected representative.
Kyoko Matsumoto Wright (Prefers Democratic Party) —
After 9 years on the Mountlake Terrace City Council, I am now ready to tackle important issues in Olympia. Serving on the Snohomish County Housing Authority and the State Real Estate Commission has helped me understand housing. I bring input to land use and transportation because of the committees I serve on. Taking care of elderly parents made me aware of elder care and health-care issues. I’m a good listener and team player. I will represent everyone in our district well. It’s time for something different.
Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.
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