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Carol Moser of Richland formally announced her decision to run again for the state House of Representatives on Wednesday, saying, "I know I'm the best candidate."
Moser will run as a Democrat for the 8th Legislative District Position 1 seat held by Rep. Brad Klippert, R-Kennewick. The district includes Prosser, Benton City, West Richland, Richland and parts of Kennewick.
"I'm an effective leader and I'm focused," Moser told a group of 50 supporters who gathered for her announcement at the Richland Public Library.
Moser said she's moderate, level-headed and not bogged down by partisan politics. She said her priorities include making sure the Tri-Cities' economy is diversified as Hanford jobs go away.
The Tri-Cities could be a global hub for clean energy development and a base for agriculture and food processing, wine production and tourism and distribution and transportation, she said.
"We need strong political support to make this happen," said Moser, touting her ability to work with others with diverse views.
"The future of our community depends on sending the right people to Olympia," said Moser, a former Richland councilwoman who is chairwoman of the Washington State Transportation Commission and also serves on the Richland Planning Commission.
Moser ran two years ago for the seat when it was being vacated by retiring Republican Rep. Shirley Hankins. She said she was devastated by her election defeat, but said that's behind her because she never gives up, never surrenders.
Moser said her defeat led her to become more involved in the community.
Her return to municipal government attests to her desire to serve, and her decision to run again reflects her tenacity, said Bob Parazin, chairman of the Benton County Democrats. "She has the focus on the right issues."
"Moser articulates what we need," said Kent Madsen, Moser's colleague on the Richland Planning Commission. Madsen said he's not necessarily a Democrat but is open to voting for Moser and particularly likes her ideas on salary reform.
Moser said she would work to curb wasteful spending to help the state recover financially. For example, the state shouldn't be involved in the alcohol distribution business, she said. Also, the salaries of Washington State University administrators need closer scrutiny, she said.
Moser said she wants to focus on the needs of small businesses, develop sustainable communities and help increase state revenue without necessarily imposing new taxes. "It's going to be a balancing act," she said.
She said she will promote nuclear energy as a clean, carbonless solution and would work to get hydroelectric power listed as a renewable resource.
Klippert attended the announcement and was seen taking notes, which led Moser to say he came to steal her ideas. "He stole my platform in the last election," she said.
Klippert dismissed the allegation, saying he came because he was curious about Moser's platform and plans to run on his record. He said he's been able to build effective relationships across the aisle in the Legislature and has worked hard to promote public safety.
Promoting education and nuclear energy continue to be on his agenda, Klippert said, adding that nuclear energy will help promote growth and development in the Tri-Cities.
-- Pratik Joshi: 582-1541; pjoshi@tricityherald.com
