Introductory statements from three candidates in 21st Legislative District

Incumbent 21st District State Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self and opponents Bruce Guthrie and Mohammed Riaz Khan recently sent statements introducing themselves to voters. Challenger Jeff Scherrer has not responded to requests for an introductory statement.

Democrat Ortiz-Self, Republican Scherrer, Libertarian Guthrie, and independent candidate Kahn will run on the Aug. 2 primary ballot, with the two leaders in the primary advancing to the November general-election ballot, regardless of party.

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 statements from the four candidates in the order their names will appear on the primary ballot and in the voters’ pamphlet:

Mohammed Riaz Khan (States No Party Preference) —

Khan is highly involved in community leadership. He’s a son and grandson of a scientist, raised to respect public service and public interest.

I have a record of uniting people to get results and building bridges to bring people together.

Khan works as an engineer for the Boeing Company, where his projects have included the U.S. Air Force Tanker.

As a parent of three and a member of Mukilteo School District’s budget committee, I have been a strong supporter of education and safety. My priorities are to make sure that our schools are fully funded, including child-welfare reform.

Bruce Guthrie (Prefers Libertarian Party) —

Bruce Guthrie is a father of three and a long-time resident of Washington. He is a substitute High School math and science teacher with over 1,000 hours of classroom experience in this state. Bruce got his Masters in Teaching at Seattle U. after teaching for eight years at WWU. There, he taught Operations Management, Management Strategy and Organization Behavior. He has an MBA from Northwestern U. and an AB from Cornell U. Bruce has worked as a Director of Marketing and a factory Statistical Quality Manager. Bruce’s political views are socially liberal and he is an opponent of tax increases.

Jeff Scherrer (Prefers Republican Party) —

No response to requests for introductory statement.

Lillian Ortiz-Self (Prefers Democratic Party) —

I have three children who mean everything to me.

I graduated from Drake University with master’s degrees in public administration I and counseling. Education has changed my life. I am currently a school counselor; I’ve devoted my career to children and families, whether running a mental health center, working as the education advisor for the Dept. of Children and Family Services, providing training nationwide on community collaborations and family advocacy or starting a club in school to engage students.

I love working for my community. I take seriously the obligation to leave this place better for my children and their children.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.