MEDIA

For Immediate Release: Saturday, April 12, 2008

San Juan County Council Member and Longtime Environmental Leader Kevin Ranker to run for State Senate
With deep family roots in the region, Ranker promises action on priorities from economy and education to transportation.

Friday Harbor-Kevin Ranker, San Juan County Council Member and longtime leader in the effort to protect land and water resources, local agriculture and build thriving communities, has announced that he will seek the State Senate seat being vacated by Harriet Spanel. Ranker, a lifelong Democrat, lived in the San Juans as a child where he currently lives with his wife. They are expecting their first child.

"In both my public and personal lives I am reminded every day how the decisions we make today impact future generations," said Ranker. "Senator Spanel provided strong, visionary leadership for a long time and I look forward to building upon her legacy of progressive leadership."

Ranker, who has successfully championed local issues in Olympia while working to provide quality services to a county challenged by island geography and a limited tax base, believes his experience in government and the private sector managing organizations is excellent training for entering the legislature, particularly during a sluggish economy.

"I've been successful making targeted, needed investments with limited resources while building opportunities to retain and create new jobs," said Ranker, who has served as director of several conservation and community development organizations in addition to his elected office. "When elected, I'll remain focused on the basics: protecting and growing local business and jobs, funding schools, and preserving our environment and small town quality of life."

In addition to important local issues such as investing in Puget Sound cleanup and preserving family farms and business, Ranker has singled out education as a critical issue of focus.

"My grandmother, whom I lived with as a child, was an elementary school teacher on Orcas Island for many many years," said Ranker. "There is no issue that defines our communities and makes our region of the state such an enviable place to live than having good schools that attract jobs and families."

Ranker has gathered significant local support in Skagit and Whatcom Counties, including fellow county officials familiar with his work.

"From his significant experience in Olympia to his understanding of the needs of our local communities, Kevin Ranker understands the priorities of our County and the needs of Skagit families," said Sharon Dillon, a Skagit County Commissioner. "He will be a great State Senator."

"Kevin Ranker is a lifelong conservation leader and Chair of the Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Council who is committed to schools and our economy," said Whatcom County Council Member Bob Kelly. "He is the experienced, ideal choice for State Senate in Whatcom County and throughout the district."

Ranker plans an aggressive, grass roots campaign that will take him to doorsteps and meeting rooms across the three-county district.

"I'll be spending my spring and summer working hard to meet voters in every community of the district," said Ranker. "Friends and volunteers in Bellingham, Bow, Mt. Vernon, Anacortes, and of course the islands are already calling and ready to lend a hand. I look forward to a great campaign."