I am writing to you as a community member whose children have graduated from Federal Way Public Schools. My daughter is a proud graduate of Todd Beamer High School and my son, Decatur High School. I am also a 20-year veteran teacher of the Federal Way school district. I have seen a lot in my 20 years in this community. I want to share my thoughts on our city and our City Council.

I am writing about Jesse Johnson, a Federal Way City Council candidate. Jesse Johnson is a lifetime member of our community. Born and raised here, he earned a master’s degree in education and currently works as a family engagement coordinator in the human resources department of the Highline School District. He is responsible for building a budget for 12 schools the district around staffing and budget planning. He is skilled at finding unique solutions to fiscal issues.

Jesse Johnson is an active and involved member of our community. He listens to and spends time with his constituents. He attends community events including local high school sports, Federal Way Youth Action Team meetings, school board meetings and City Council meetings to name a few. He is also active in volunteering in our community – and not just during elections season.

Jesse volunteers with the HYPE program for at-risk youth in our community. He mentors youth that may benefit from successful men who looks like them. Jesse is willing to put in some time to help them to make good choices and to get active in their own community. He has worked alongside these youth in our community cleaning up garbage in our downtown corridor in front of our storefronts. He has helped feed the homeless and mentored youth individually. All of this demonstrates that he is of good moral character and engaged with our diverse community members of every age.

Federal Way needs more than a businessman to solve the challenges of our community. We need someone who is ready to tackle issues around safety/homelessness while creating cross-sector partnerships and connecting businesses to our community. Not just fast-food restaurants – but family-wage employment. Jesse has innovative ideas for partnerships that will make our community safe and financially sound.

Federal Way needs a dynamic public servant with a commitment and dedication to our community, which Jesse has shown. His opponent – Bob Celeski had already left the council before based on his personal priorities. I question his resolve and passion for serving. Our council needs to have passionate, committed leaders who wish to represent all of us old and young. Our City Council needs some new ideas and passion and a skill set to serve our diverse growing community. Jesse Johnson is the man for this job.

Please join me in voting for Jesse Johnson!

Charissa Eggleston, Fife