I was stunned to read the Federal Way Mirror endorsed Democrat Roger Flygare for state representative position 1 in this general election.

I know we all attended the same debate here in Federal Way. The evening was a three-hour event divided between the two state representative positions. Republican Linda Kochmar and Roger Flygare had the first 90 minutes. Incumbent Republican Katrina Asay and Democrat Roger Freeman debated the last 90 minutes. There was a six-minute break between the debates.

Linda Kochmar has a long career of service on behalf of Federal Way on the city council and as mayor and deputy mayor, 14 years of service, while simultaneously raising a family and working professionally as a risk manager. Linda Kochmar was at every precinct committee meeting, tirelessly updating us on the affairs of Federal Way. Linda Kochmar spoke well on the issues and, for my peace of mind, backs the voters’ wishes — something our soon-to-be-ex-Governor Christine Gregoire and the majority Democratic Legislature did not.

The Federal Way Mirror posts their endorsement on Roger Flygare based on his small business experience and no political experience. They noted in passing Mr. Flygare’s misstatements about his military service (re: two tours of Vietnam, when he revised it to one tour in Vietnam and one in Germany). Mr. Flygare apologized for the confusion, blaming it on a “brain fart.” Well, all righty then. I come from a long line of military men. My father was a prisoner of war of the Japanese. You don’t have brain farts regarding your military service.

The Katrina Asay and Roger Freeman debate was equally decisive. While soft spoken, Katrina Asay has hard-won skills learned in the halls of Olympia and as mayor of Milton. Roger Freeman is bright, but not eloquent as stated by the Federal Way Mirror. In fact, toward the end, he stopped standing during his debate time and frequently asked the question be repeated.

The women have it and the Rogers don’t.

Peggie Duggan, Federal Way