Soon the citizens of the 30th Legislative District will have an opportunity to select our future representatives.

We have been residents of Federal Way since 1972, when we moved here as a young couple. Although we have never had any desire to hold a public office, we have always had a deep respect for those who are willing to serve as elected officials, both at the grass-roots and upper levels of government. And while we are conservative by nature, we never hesitate to cross party lines to support candidates who we feel best represent the needs of the constituency they will represent.

On the local level, often it has been a difficult choice when we know opposing constituents and have respect for each. Thus, we can declare, without disparaging any other candidate in the 30th District representative race, our enthusiastic support of Linda Kochmar.

We have known Linda for the past 12 years to be a dedicated Federal Way City Councilwoman, deputy mayor, and mayor. She possesses unquestioned honesty and integrity, and her track record of public service reflects a person who is always there to serve her community, not to advance herself into a position of political power, but rather to help all of us live in a better environment, whether it is by working to help small businesses; working to provide good police, fire and medical aid protection; working for better transportation and schools; working to help support social causes such as the homeless; or simply being a person who is approachable and willing to listen.

Linda is a person who knows the needs, not only of Federal Way, but of the entire 30th District because she has been so involved with the issues that affect each and all of us.

We highly recommend her for your consideration and vote in the upcoming election.

Dennis and Peggy LaPorte, Federal Way