Swanson: They're spending our money

Kurt Swanson is challenging incumbent Dean Takko for State Representative Pos. 1, Legislative District 19.

Swanson says he prefers the Republican Party. His website says “I am a first-time candidate. I have never run for or held public office before.”

Swanson shared his background with an audience at a community forum in Long Beach this past Friday night.

“My wife and I moved to Washington about four years ago, from California,” he said.

He said he’s always had a fascination with the history of our country and paid attention to what’s been going on in the government.

“I am fed up with what’s happening in our government and I felt it was time to do something,” he said.

Swanson said he has always had a strong desire to make a significant, positive difference in the world. While not explaining, he believes he has carefully considered the best way to take action.

Swanson said, “I would describe myself as a God-fearing, patriotic, hard-working conservative average Joe, who lives from paycheck-to-paycheck, struggling to pay bills.”

He said he saw an opportunity to make a difference and that is why he’s running for office.

“I will do my best to lower taxes, reduce out-of-control spending and fight for sensible government,” he said.

Swanson said he has worked in the computer hardware business for 12 years, telemarketing three and a half years and as a truck driver. He currently works as a food processor at Foster Farms in Longview.

He attended high school in Fridley, Minn., and is a graduate of Northwestern Electronics Institute with a two-year Associate of Electronics Technology degree.

His community service includes two short-term missions trips sponsored his church to Mexico where he spent two months in 1985. He also spent three weeks in France as a missionary in 1990.