Mike Hope to run for Snohomish County Executive

State Representative Mike Hope filed paperwork today with the Public Disclosure Commission to run for Snohomish County Executive.

Citing jobs as his number one priority, Hope understands that we need to get Snohomish County residents back to work. "We need to work harder not only creating jobs for our residents, but retaining the ones that are already here. Let's stop making decisions that send companies like Boeing out of our state."

As a member of the State Legislature, Hope has consistently voted against job killing policies and regulations that affect both large and small Snohomish County businesses, including Boeing. As a State Representative, Hope has had a positive impact on Washington State, even while serving as a member of the minority party.

"I am going to bring a fresh perspective to the Executive's office, utilizing my skills negotiating with diverse groups and individuals to get things done. We are here to serve all the people of Snohomish County regardless of their political beliefs."

Hope cites his efforts working with members of the opposing party, including the recent passage of the Lakewood Law Enforcement Memorial Act with 84.62% of the statewide vote, a bill he prime sponsored in the 2010 legislative session. "The ability to work with all elected officials will be useful, especially when considering there are four Democrats and one Republican on the County Council", stated Hope.

Hope is also very concerned with the widespread mismanagement of the County Executive's office. "While our Executive should be focusing mainly on the disturbingly high unemployment rate in our county, we open the newspapers to see stories of sexual harassment inside this administration or them bickering with the County Council. These actions are unacceptable, but harder to fathom when people are struggling to find a job and keep a roof over their head. It demonstrates a lack of focus and steady discipline on issues that matter. It is unclear exactly how much these actions have cost taxpayers, but utilizing newspaper accounts, between investigations and settlements, we can safely say in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Justify that to the single mother who is struggling to put food on her table", stated Hope.

"Without question, Mike Hope has demonstrated in Olympia that he knows how to positively work with differing viewpoints to focus on making our communities better. I have confidence these skill sets will help Mike unite Snohomish County helping us get out of this recession," stated Shannon Affholter, President of the Everett City Council.

Hope has been endorsed by State Representative Kirk Pearson, Everett City Council President Shannon Affholter, Lake Stevens Mayor Vern Little, Monroe Mayor Robert Zimmerman, Mill Creek City Councilman Mark Bond, Edmonds City Councilman Michael Plunkett and many others.

Hope and his wife Sara currently live in Lake Stevens with their son Noah. Hope was elected to serve the 44th legislative district in 2008, and re-elected in 2010 with 65.25% of the vote. Hope represents Bothell, Mill Creek, Marysville, Lake Stevens, Snohomish, and Everett. He is a 13-year veteran of the Seattle Police Department, has a bachelors degree in sociology and masters in Policy Studies, and a former small business owner and Marine.