Doug Fair is a man of many talents.
He is a stay-at-home-dad, though as he puts it, “not in the classical sense of the phrase.” He’s a lawyer, a husband to a Snohomish County Superior Court Judge, and as of recently, an Edmonds School Board member.
And he doesn’t stop there.
Just last week, Fair, 45, announced that he is applying for a newly vacant position in Lynnwood’s south Snohomish County District Court.
“I’ve given up trying to predict my future. I really have no idea where I’ll be in 10 years,” Fair said.
But he does know where he was 10 years ago, and is proud of all the changes that have happened since.
With a degree in communications and a University of Oregon law degree, Fair has steadily climbed the legal career ladder. First working as a law clerk in Everett’s Snohomish County Superior Court, Fair quickly moved through the family support unit, eventually earning the title of deputy prosecuting attorney.
During that time, Fair also met his wife-to-be, Ellen. The two met while working as deputy prosecuting attorneys in Snohomish County.
Another step to come later brought many changes to the Fair household.
In 1994, Ellen Fair was elected to a position with the South Division of Snohomish County District Court. Their first child, Amy, also was born during that time.
Being both career- and family-oriented, the Fairs had made a deal: if Ellen won the race, Doug would quit his full-time job. If she lost, she would quit.
Son Jackson was born soon after.
“It was an easy decision to make,” Fair said. “We really value being able to have one of us at home, and we feel fortunate to be able to make that decision.”
Though he continues to do work as a pro-tem judge and hearing examiner, Doug also has become heavily involved in the Edmonds School District. Amy, 9, and Jackson, 8, both attend Madrona K-8, where you can often find Doug helping with class projects and setting up snacks. He volunteers at least twice a week at the school.
In the past two years, Fair has led the district’s levy call as campaign manager and has served as co-chair for Madrona’s Parent Teacher Organization.
Volunteering in the district serves a dual purpose for Fair.
“It’s allowed me to continue to keep my hand in the political arena, and it really got me interested in schools and how they run,” Fair said. “And it was great because its gave me a local perspective of how a school runs, fundraising and so on, as well as a district-wide perspective.”
It was also what helped make the decision to run for former member Sally Fabro’s position on the school board an easy one.
“The district contacted me about running for the position, and within 24 hours, I said yes,” Fair said. “And here I am.”
Fair added that two things he has learned to value in his life – the right timing and experiences – matched up perfectly for the position.
For now, Fair is adjusting to life as a school board member and continuing to learn the ins-and-outs of the district’s decision making process and goals.
“It’s an amazing amount of responsibility, and I’m learning so much right now,” Fair said. “I’m very excited for the future.”
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