Introductory statements from Rep. Ortiz-Self and challengers

Appointed 21st District State Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self faces three challengers on the Aug. 5 primary ballot: Republican Jeff Scherrer, Green Party candidate Bob Lewis and independent candidate Ed Wegner, who announced Wednesday that he is withdrawing from consideration and giving his support to Republican Scherrer.

The top two vote getters in the primary, regardless of party, will qualify for the Nov. 4 general-election ballot.

The 21st Legislative District includes most of Edmonds, unincorporated areas north of Edmonds and Lynnwood and northeast of Lynnwood, all of Mukilteo and part of south Everett.

Here are introductory statements from the candidates in the order they will appear on the primary ballot:

21st DISTRICT STATE REPRESNTATTIVE Pos. 2

Lillian Ortiz-Self (Prefers Democratic Party)

Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self was appointed to the Washington Legislature in January. She currently serves on the Early Learning &Human Services, Transportation, and Environmental Committees.

As a mental health counselor and school counselor in the Everett School District, Lillian has devoted her career to helping children and families. Lillian has worked with many child-service organizations and gained a deep appreciation and understanding for human services. A sick or hungry child can’t learn; Lillian won’t accept anything but the best for our youth.

Lillian has a master’s in Public Administration &Counseling. She lives in Mukilteo with her family.

Bob Lewis (Prefers Green Party)

As a married father of four and grandfather of two, Bob’s been with his wife over 20 years. He’s lived in the Puget Sound area in Washington for over 40 years. Bob’s a working-class Latino and former Shop Steward with SEIU Local 6 and UFCW 21. Currently, Bob’s a manager at a family owned grocer in Everett.

Bob’s social justice blog, One Citizen’s Opinion, has readers from over 90 countries. He’s a regular contributor for Rap Rehab and an author at The Independent Voter Network. Bob’s active in both the local and state Green Party.

Jeff Scherrer (Prefers Republican Party)

My name is Jeff Scherrer. I was born in Spokane and my family moved to Seattle in 1962.

We moved to Greenlake and I graduated from Lincoln High School.

After high school, I worked for eight years; then started my own business with $1,000.

I married and had 2 children.

In seven years our sales reached $5 Million per year.

After divorce, I focused on software programming and worked for Microsoft and Washington Mutual.

In 2004, I moved to Edmonds and have hosted over 100 international students that attend Edmonds Community College.

I will bring new solutions to Olympia

Ed Wegner (Prefers Independent Party)

After due consideration, I have decided that Jeff Scherrer is the best candidate for District 21, Position 2 and am withdrawing myself from consideration, giving Jeff my full support.