Long Beach woman seeks House seat

Long Beach resident Tiffany Turner has announced she will be a candidate to fill Rep. Dean Takko's position if he is appointed to fill a vacancy in the state Senate.

Senator Brian Hatfield resigned at the beginning of this month to take a job in the office of Governor Jay Inslee, and Takko is interested in taking Hatfield's position.

If Takko is appointed to the Senate, his seat in the House of Representatives will become vacant, and persons interested in that seat have been announcing their candidacies.

Democrat party precinct committee persons will meet soon to choose three nominees for each position. The state Democrat party central committee will forward the names to a joint meeting of the county commissioners from Wahkiakum, Cowlitz, Pacific and Grays Harbor counties, who will pick the replacements.

Last week, The Eagle carried some background about two candidates, Jim Sayce of Long Beach and J.P. Rosetti of Longview. This week; we've received a statement from Turner of Long Beach. Here is her background:

"I was born and raised in Pacific County, as the daughter of a commercial fisherman and cranberry farmer, the food on my table and clothes on my back came from stewardship of our natural resources and I understand so well the important role they play in our economy, now and for future generations.

"I graduated from college at Seattle Pacific University and then moved home to teach elementary school in the same school district that I grew up in. As a former public school teacher I understand the path to success is improving our public school system and all of the other programs that serve our youth. I truly believe that a path to a better future for all of us lies in how we serve our children.

"At 24, my husband and I started a small hotel and a family. As the CEO of our company, we grew our business from one employee to over 70. I know what it’s like to create jobs, to make payroll, to balance a budget, and I know the importance of providing a living wage and a good life for our employees and the effect that has on our communities.

"Pacific County is our home . . . I can’t stress enough the importance of growing our economy while protecting our environment . . . As a female small business owner and mom, I've found a voice and leadership role in many statewide organizations and conversations that effect our communities."

Turner is or has been a board or steering committee member for a number of organizations, including Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach Peninsula, Washington State Budget and Policy Center, Mainstreet Alliance of Washington, Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau, Pacific County Economic Development Council, and PacMountain Workforce Board.