Puyallup native announces campaign for 25th Legislative District

Running for the state House of Representatives is more than a job or salary for Michelle Chatterton.

Her campaign comes from a place of passion for her community, she says.

A Puyallup native, the 26-year-old Chatterton is running for state representative seat from the 25th Legislative District. Chatterton, a Democrat, is running for Position 2. Her opponent is Republican Joyce McDonald, a Pierce County Council member who previously served five terms in the state House.

The 25th District seat is being vacated by Hans Zeiger, who is running for Senate.

“This isn’t a bucket list item for me,” the downtown Puyallup resident said. “I’m not trying to jump seats, and I’m not working for a job or a salary. I’m not doing this out of self interest, but out of community interest.”

Chatterton has a bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University and a master’s in public administration from Seattle University. She graduated from Puyallup High School in 2007.

Since moving back to Puyallup, Chatterton says it’s been a goal of hers to be more civically involved, with the goal of becoming a representative who fits with the different demographics of Puyallup.

She serves on the City of Puyallup’s Parks, Recreation and Senior Advisory Board, and works as an emergency management program coordinator for King County.

Bill Hilton, who has served with Chatterton on the parks board, says she brings a passion for her city and legislative district to the campaign.

“She cares about her city, and is very thoughtful and outgoing,” he said. “She’s open to working with others, and asks questions that look out for people’s best interests. She tries to think (about) what is best for the community.”

Chatterton says her goals, should she be elected, include figuring out sustainable funding for kindergarten through 12th grade public education. Increasing transportation funding to establish a more robust public transportation system is also high on her priority list, she said.

Establishing apprenticeship programs for trades in local high schools is also priority for her.

This story was originally published April 20, 2016 at 2:59 PM with the headline "Puyallup native announces campaign for 25th Legislative District."