[Commissioner] Commissioner letter of interest

1 of 2 12/2/2008 7:18 AM

Subject: [Commissioner] Commissioner letter of interestFrom: "Russ Lehman" <russlehman@qwest.net>Date: Mon, 1 Dec 2008 22:13:47 -0800To: <commissioner@thurstondemocrats.org>

Russ Lehman1501 Thomas St NWOlympia, WA 98502Russlehman@qwest.netHm 360 956 1564Wk 360 867 6716 Questions to be answered:

(1) why they want to serve as county commissioner,I believe that this is a unique time in American politics and policy making. With the election of BarackObama the country, at least a majority, said that they value intelligence, curiosity, temperament, hope andperhaps most of all, change. Change has become a cliché lately but it seems clear that Mr. Obama promised,and the country wants real change: change in the way politics has been practiced where often times the bestanswer to a particular problem goes unheard simply because who raises it; change in the role money plays inour process whereby great potential candidates are precluded because of traditional “monied” interests whocan afford the price of admission; change in what often times has been called the “old boy/girl” networkwhere smart and exceptionally well qualified people are discouraged by what they see as an inside ballgame;and change in the values that underpin our Democratic system – so that honesty, fairness, peace and justiceare the critical building blocks to every public policy made by our leaders. The opportunity to bring thatpassion and commitment to the Board of County Commissioners is, especially at this time, is unique indeed. (2) what they believe makes them uniquely qualified to fill this vacancy, I served as a School Board Director for seven years. As such, I gained tremendous insight about how to workwith staff, public employee organizations, and directors of dramatically differing world views. I alsounderstand that there is an administration to run the organization on a day-to-day basis. When the rightpeople are “on the bus, and in the right seats” the organization can do amazing things. The administration,and the people in charge, in this case the executive, are to be given the tools necessary to do their job. Theyalso have the responsibility of carrying out the intent and the letter of the acts of the legislative body theBoard.As an attorney I understand how important intent, language, meaning and legislative (and other) history are.With this election, and Commissioner McLeod’s resignation an opportunity now exists to add to the BOCCpassion, intellect, leadership and vision which this county is hungry for. I have shown in my elected andprofessional positions that I possess those qualities.

(3) how they are prepared to stand for election in 2009 and then again in 2010,I have run for, and won, public office twice before in Olympia. I have raised approximately $4.5 milliondollars in 2 elections in WA state (U.S. Senator- against Slade Gorton, and WA Supreme Court- against JimJohnson). I have many years experience speaking in public and have gone door to door for many candidatesmany times. While 2 elections in the next two years are something even the most political of candidateswould not relish, I am prepared to do what is necessary to run and, and win those two times. I will endeavor,as I believe all Democratic candidates should do, to involve and inspire as many young and new voters of allages to get involved in our system. Far too many people have checked out. This past election showed us whatcan be done with a strong and relevant message, and the right kind of messenger to dramatically increasethose who are part of the system. (4) what they intend to accomplish during their term as county commissioner. (Assuming a term is 4

[Commissioner] Commissioner letter of interest

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years and not less than one)I intend to work together with my colleagues in doing what will be painful but is absolutely necessary to dofirst – pass a budget that is sustainable and balanced while at the same time reflecting the values of thiscounty. That may sound simple but if it was it would have already been done. I have no silver bullet but willadd to the process clear headed and thoughtful approaches which will not adhere to the status quo merelybecause “it has always been done that way” but will consider all reasonable ways to provide the services tothis community it reasonably expects and at the same time being responsible to create a budget that is trulysustainable. I will work on land use laws and policies to help Thurston County grow in a manner that reflectsour commitment to preserving this beautiful environment while assuring that all “development” occurs in amanner that is sustainable for this community and the environment. These are two critical areas which needimmediate attention and I will dedicate myself to fully understanding the problems/issues and then proposeany possible changes. I look very much forward to hearing from you as to an interview date and time.Thank you in advance for your consideration. Russ Lehman

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