I have known Skip Priest for at least 15 years and it has been my great pleasure to have worked closely with him during his tenure in our state Legislature. Skip was responsible for sponsoring many important pieces of legislation ranging from efforts to keep Boeing as a major economic force in our state to fighting sex offender housing in our community. He has long been a major force and spokesperson for reform of our public education system, all the time keeping a clear focus on all children.

What stands out for me as the hallmark of Skip’s public service tenure is his leadership. From his days on the Federal Way City Council to his years in our state Legislature Skip is, and was, recognized for his abilities to bring disparate voices together to accomplish a positive purpose. I believe it is this leadership that we need as we transition from one form of governance to another.

I have great admiration for the candidates running in this election, and I know them all. Skip Priest, however, would get my vote.

Thomas R. Murphy, Auburn