About Chris

     I was born and raised in Snohomish Washington, and am the youngest of eight kids in a family that struggled to make ends meet. I was able to succeed and go on to college largely due to elected leaders who made tough choices on issues that weren’t politically popular – government assistance, food stamps, and state funded college grants. These programs gave me the chance to escape a childhood of poverty.

     Now, I'm running for the State Legislature to make those same tough choices for Thurston County’s families.

     I attended Washington State University, where I met my wonderful wife Kim. At WSU, I served for three years as the President of the College Democrats. Kim and I were both classroom teachers before attending graduate school together at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. After graduate school, we returned to Washington State, where I went to work for the State Senate.

     Currently, I am the Deputy Executive Director of the Washington State Board for Community & Technical Colleges and a locally elected school board member. In these positions, I've seen firsthand the effects of dramatic budget cuts to our K-12 schools and institutions of higher education. In the legislature, protecting and expanding education funding will be my top priority.

     As a former Tumwater City Planning Commissioner, I also understand the importance of careful city planning that strikes a balance between reasonable growth and environmental protection. Kim and I live in Tumwater with our two wonderful children, 5 year old Carter and 3 Year old Kennedy.

     I want to serve our district to enhance school funding, restore programs for vulnerable citizens, and help create a sustainable, clean energy economy. Please join our campaign today!

 

-Chris