Allyn resident Dan Griffey has filed paperwork with the state's public disclosure commission, kicking off a campaign run against State Representative Kathy Haigh.
Griffey is running as a Republican against Haigh, a democrat from Shelton. Haigh who owns veterinary clinic in Shelton, was first elected in 1998 and is currently in her sixth term. Haigh is the chair of the Education Appropriations Committee. She also serves on the appropriations and ways and means committees.
Griffey a lifelong Mason County resident, works as a firefighter. Griffey says he has a passion for History and has extensively studied the Constitution and the Washington State Legislature, and has read countless volumes of historical writings. He said he has a particular fondness for the life histories of the Founding Fathers, which inspired him to run for office.
"Our Founders had citizens in mind when they formed this Republican Government, not career politicians," reads a statement on his website. " Have you ever sent a letter or made a phone call to one of our so called representatives, only to get a form letter in return? If you are lucky it may even address your original question or comment. Career politicians put themselves out of reach, above the people they are meant to serve. It is this loss of contact with the people that has lead to the out of control spending and back room deals."
Griffey also believes in limited government.
"By increasing government size and bureaucracy, the burden imposed on the economy is staggering," he said. "Government regulations, mandates, fines, and fees imposed on businesses drive them out of this state and undermine the general welfare of the public. We can turn this around and fix this, but we must cut back the size and scope of our state government. Increased freedom and free-market principals, innovation and businesses will return and with those businesses come JOBS!"