Anthony Murrietta has announced his candidacy for Federal Way City Council Position 1.

He will challenge Councilwoman Lydia Assefa-Dawson, who also announced her bid for re-election this week.

Murrietta said he is running for council because there needs to be an emphasis on fixing traffic, attracting living wage jobs and operating a cost-effective city government.

The self-described lifelong worker’s advocate has spent more than 26 years in leadership roles as a union organizer and business agent, representing workers in the private and public sectors.

“It’s time to direct my positive energy and experience towards Federal Way and its citizens,” wrote Murrietta in a press release. He is currently president of Teamsters Local 763, serves on the city’s Parks and Planning commissions and has attended most of the council meetings during the past two years.

His long-range goals including fixing traffic and attracting living wage jobs to Federal Way.

“The city’s investment in the Performing Arts and Convention Center must be matched by improving the traffic flow in and out of the city to ensure success of current and future projects,” he wrote in the press release. “Fixing traffic is the only action that will positively impact all residents, as well as improve the business environment of Federal Way. We need to plan, fund and improve traffic flow now.”

He stated his opposition to the performing arts center in 2013 based on voter feedback.

“I committed, if elected, I would respect the democratic process and place my emphases on building the project with local labor, bringing good paying jobs and recycling taxpayer dollars back into our own community,” Murrietta continued. “I will live up to that commitment by doing everything I can to ensure the project is built on time and on budget.”

He said the city’s request for proposal should include requirements calling for local apprentices, which help lower the cost of prevailing wage projects while assisting those who are learning a trade to gain practical experience and knowledge.

“I am living proof that those without a college degree may go on to be productive, accomplished members of our community,” the press release continues.

He cited the city’s economic development strategy, called “Some Assembly Required,” which notes that only 25.4 percent of Federal Way residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher and that poverty levels are at 15-16 percent.

“I believe the city has a responsibility to use our tax dollars to help create employment for its entire population,” Murrietta wrote. “The city’s internal operation should be examined to ensure work performed is the most cost effective use of taxpayer dollars. Not all work should be performed by city employees.”

Likewise, not all city services should be farmed out, he noted.

“Balance is the key to maximizing service and cost. Government should work for the people. I am asking every citizen for help accomplishing these goals by voting for Anthony Murrietta for Federal Way City Council Position 1,” he wrote.

Murrietta, a father-of-four, attended Cerritos and San Mateo Community College.

Contact him at ajforfederalway@gmail.com.