Thurston County Democrats

Democrat Stew Henderson Announces Broad Support from Across the 22^nd District

16 locally elected officials endorse fast-starting House candidate

 

OLYMPIA—Stewart Henderson, a Democrat running to replace retiring Representative Brendan Williams in the State House of Representatives, announced today an array of local government and community leader endorsements. 

 

Since entering the race in late 2009, Henderson has been building momentum and support for his grass roots campaign, earning support from a broad coalition of leaders from Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, the Olympia School Board, Democratic Party leaders and County officials.

 

“Brendan Williams' departure leaves huge shoes to fill, and Stewart Henderson is the person who can do it,” said Thurston County Commissioner Karen Valenzuela. “He has what it takes to negotiate solutions to the big issues facing us all in these difficult times.”

 

With confidence in Henderson’s leadership abilities, Olympia City Councilmember Karen Rogers said, “Stew has the vision, sincerity, temperament and strategic intelligence it takes to be a responsive public servant and a successful legislator.”

"I've known Stew for years, both personally and professionally.  He will be an outstanding legislator, bringing excellent judgment, honesty and a great work ethic to the table,” said Jay Manning, former Director of the state Department of Ecology and current Chief of Staff to Governor Chris Gregoire.

 

Henderson, a longtime Democratic Party activist, has also earned the support of local party leaders.  “Stewart's strongest skill is resolution of conflict by helping groups find a solution that they had previously been unable to find,” said Debby Pattin, Democratic Party Committeewoman for Thurston County and a local public school teacher. “This ability will be of enormous benefit in the House, where recent budget crises more than ever before pit various stake-holders against one another.”

 

The full list of endorsements announced today include:

·    Karen Valenzuela, Thurston County Commissioner

·    Doug Mah, Olympia Mayor

·    Karen Rogers, Olympia City Council

·    Joe Hyer, Mayor pro tem, Olympia City Council

·    Cynthia Pratt, Lacey City Council

·    Andy Ryder, Lacey City Council

·    Mary Dean, Lacey City Council

·    Ron Lawson, Lacey City Council

·    Joan Cathey, Tumwater City Council

·    Betsy Murphy, Tumwater City Council

·    Ed Stanley, Tumwater City Council

·    Eileen Thomson, Olympia School Board

·    Mark Campeau, Olympia School Board

·    Allen Miller, Olympia School Board

·    Chris Stearns, Public Utility Commissioner

·    Jay Manning, Chief of Staff to Gov. Chris Gregoire and former Director of Ecology

·    Karen Messmer, former Olympia City Council Member

·    John Cusick, immediate past Chair, Thurston County Democratic Party

·    Debby Pattin, WA State Democratic Party Committeewoman for Thurston County

·    Roger Erskine, WA State Democratic Party Committeeman for Thurston County

 

A complete list can be found at www.stewfor22.com.

 

As State Representative, Henderson will focus on creating jobs by improving the climate for small business, advocating for fair revenue solutions that fund schools and critical state programs, streamlining government, and preserving the environment.

 

Henderson is an independent business owner who helps business, government and non-profit organizations with conflict resolution and getting better results.  He and his wife of almost 22 years, Kathy Cox, live in unincorporated Thurston County. They met when they served together in the Peace Corps in the West African nation of Mauritania from 1981 to 1983.   Their two sons went through the Olympia public schools, graduated from Olympia High School and currently attend college.