For more than a few times, I've tried inspiring/cajoling/begging fellow readers of ETS! to run for office. Seems like the number of good, honest people far outweighs the number of horrible, two-faced elected officials; yet for some reason those horrible, two--faced elected officials are never challenged.

Case in point: Jim McIntire, who few people know is a state representative from the 46th district of NE Seattle. A six-year incumbent Democrat who's never been challenged, McIntire voted with Gov. Gary "The Most Successful Republican Governor we've had in Decades" Locke to suspend the small-class initiative, I-728, and the teachers' raise initiative, I-732, both of which passed overwhelmingly a few years ago. To add insult to injury, McIntire then voted for the recent charter school bill.

The 46th District is one of the most progressive and pro-public education districts in the state; both I-728 and I-732 passed by more than 20 points, while past charter school initiatives--both of them--lost by equal margins. McIntire's record sets him firmly at odds with his constituents and own party. Furthermore, "one of the most liberal members of the state legislature" was a major player in cutting Boeing a $3 billion "deal".

As a teacher, community organizer, and volunteer journalist for Real Change (and occasionally ETS!), the task is clear: I am officially running for State Representative in the 46th District, Position 1, against Jim McIntire.

The number one duty of the state government is the "ample funding of public education" as mandated in the first paragraph of the constitution. Yet Washington ranks 47th in the nation in public education spending. We need adequate funding for public education!

Likewise, Washington has the most regressive tax structure in the northern hemisphere. We need tax reform: reducing the sales tax while introducing a progressive income tax, and other steps recommended by the Gates' Commission. We need electoral reform to reverse the trends of voter apathy and low-voter turnout, like publicly financed campaigns (www.washclean.org) and Instant Runoff Voting (www.irvwa.org).

I'm running as a Green. It will be the only progressive race in Seattle in November. It will be the first time a legislative seat in Seattle has been challenged in the general election in as long as anyone can remember.

So, Eat the State! readers, a flag is raised, your help is needed. Check out my website, www.votechris.org (latest slogan: LaRoche is to LaRouche what Kucinich is to Milosevich). If you care about public education in our state, come get involved in a local campaign, with a local progressive, who cares about local issues and sees the big picture--the state of our nation.

Come to Chris's Kick-off Party!!! Thursday, August 19th, 5:30-8pm at Enat Ethiopian Restaurant, 11546 15th Ave NE. Mingle to music, eat, drink, and get excited about a local election that matters! Check out Chris's website at www.votechris.org with links to his articles and volunteer opportunities, or juts email him at chris@votechris.org.