The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

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.