Introductory statements from incumbent State Rep. Ryu and challengers

By Evan Smith

Incumbent 32nd District State Rep. Cindy Ryu and challengers Alvin Rutledge and Keith Smith recently sent statements introducing themselves to voters.

Democrat Ryu, Republican Rutledge and independent candidate Smith are running for the position that Ryu has held for three two-year terms.

The three will run on the August 2 primary ballot, with the two leaders advancing to the November general-election ballot.

The 32nd Legislative District includes the city of Shoreline and part of northwest Seattle, Woodway and nearby unincorporated areas of southwest Snohomish County, south Edmonds, the city of Lynnwood and part of Mountlake Terrace.

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

Cindy Ryu

Cindy Ryu (Prefers Democratic Party)

I grew up picking berries, typing, and working in nursing homes for college expenses. My priorities are to fully fund public education, ensure safety of our communities, and protect our privacy, the environment, and consumers from predatory lenders. I will work hard to help our state and communities build classrooms, attract well-qualified teachers, and provide affordable housing for our working families while fixing aging bridges, highways and roads.

Endorsements: 32nd District Democrats, Sierra Club, Washington Conservation Voters, Washington State Labor Council, SEIU 775, Aerospace Machinists 751, Mayors of Shoreline, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace, and many others.

Alvin Rutledge

Alvin Rutledge (Prefers Republican Party)

Age— 74; single; education— Bishop Blanchet High School, Everett Community College; resident of Edmonds since 1986; retired from retail delivery business (small-business for 30 years}; former candidate for city, county offices; former board member, Friends of Athletic Fields; held appointed office at local levels, volunteer in several community organizations; more information, (425) 776-7379. 

Keith Smith

Keith Smith (States No Party Preference)

I am a lifelong Washington State resident, living and working in south Snohomish County for the last seventeen years. I volunteer at the Snohomish County Juvenile Court giving abused and neglected children a voice in the legal system.

We have expensive issues to tackle. We need to expand our transit network, and we need to make sure education is funded. We need an efficient government, so our tax dollars can be spent addressing the issues and not on bureaucracy.

Above all, everyone deserves to be free from discrimination, and I vow to fight for that fundamental right in Olympia.

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