Suppose you received a phone call and were informed you won a new car. This wasn’t just any new car, it was the car you always wanted. All you had to do was pick up the key and drive it home. You wouldn’t hesitate at the opportunity.

When Mark Miloscia announced that, instead of running for re-election for 30th District State Representative, he was running for State Auditor, I wondered who would run for his open seat. Then I learned that Federal Way City Councilwoman Linda Kochmar had placed her name in the race. It was like everyone in the 30th District had received that call for a brand new car.

If the voters don’t squander this chance to put a remarkable servant of the people in office, we will all be winners. And, here the car analogy ends, because Linda is much more.

She has been a true public servant in Federal Way for 14 years, serving on numerous committees. She was deputy mayor and mayor. Her contribution has enriched the city of Federal Way with accomplishments that speak of a love of community.

It is remarkable the respect she has won, not only from the people in the community, but regionally, nationally and internationally. She was voted as the most effective city leader by the people of Federal Way. People recognize her ability to listen compassionately, to reason with common sense and to solve problems with experience, integrity and commitment to service. How does it get any better than that?

Linda has connections with people that have come from years of principle-centered leadership. Mayors, police chiefs, firefighters, ordinary citizens, governors and leaders around the nation know her by name because everyone who knows her, values her as one they can count on. Linda has connections because she has the power of competency. That will be your power if you elect her as your brand new representative.

Linda Kochmar is your key to a winning opportunity for the future of your community as well as the citizens of Washington state.

Jon McIntyre, Auburn