Four candidates are running for State Representative from the 34th Legislative District, Position 2. They are Democrats Michael Heavey, Joe Fitzgibbon, Marcee Stone, and Independent Geoffrey “Mac” McElroy.

Democratic candidate and Burien resident Joe Fitzgibbon is only 23, but sees his youth as an advantage in the race. He has been 34th District Representative Sharon Nelson’s legislative aide since she entered the House in 2007, and feels this has prepared him to take over her seat when she vacates it. He spoke at the 34th District Democrats monthly meeting Wednesday, April 14, and explained why he felt he was the most qualified candidate.

He said that this year legislators found “band aid fixes” for tax reform which is “good for now, but next year we will need longer-term fixes.

“Our generation is going to be dealing with these problems for 20 or 30 years and it makes sense for our generation to have a voice,” he said, referring to his age. The audience applauded.

Fitzgibbon praised Rep. Nelson, who has endorsed him.

“I got to know someone whose played a big roll in my life,” he said of Nelson, who was present. “She immediately made such an impression on me and was so committed to things I care about, a better life for working families, protecting the environment so that our kids and grandkids will enjoy the state the same way we now do. We have worked on important issues over the last three legislative sessions.”

He sited his assisting with Nelson with her effort and those of State Senator Joe McDermott and King County Executive Dow Constantine to stop the Maury Island gravel mine and suggested there would be more such battles in the future that he was now prepared to fight.

“I’ve been very active in Burien where I live,” he said. “I grew up there. I have been chair of the Burien Planning Commission since last summer. Burien has been undergoing a renaissance in the last few years. I wanted to be a part of that. I want to enact strong protections for our marine shorelines, for the rights of property owners, and ecosystems.

“I led an effort to get more pedestrian and bicycle improvements in neighborhoods that are underserved and have been neglected. While that (bill) was unsuccessful, I plan to come back to that soon. We need (a new) South Park Bridge and ferries to be funded.”

Fitzgibbon has been endorsed by five of the seven Burien Councilmembers.