Federal Way City Councilwoman Linda Kochmar has announced her candidacy for District 30 state representative. The position is held by Democrat Mark Miloscia, who is forgoing re-election to the Legislature in order to run for state auditor in 2012.

Kochmar has served on the Federal Way City Council since 1997, including stints as mayor, deputy mayor and chairwoman of multiple committees. She has twice been elected as chairwoman of the Suburban Cities Public Issues Committee. Kochmar is a risk manager at Lakehaven Utility District, where she has worked 33 years.

Kochmar is the first candidate to officially enter the race for Miloscia’s seat in the state House of Representatives. She will run as a Republican, and if elected next November, will vacate her city council position.

“I understand how government operates. I know what our needs are,” Kochmar told The Mirror, adding that job creation and small businesses will be her top priorities. “We need to get our people back to work.”

Kochmar plans a formal campaign kickoff in February, and a website will be launched soon. Contact (253) 839-7419 or LKochmar1@aol.com.

Miloscia announced his candidacy for state auditor in September. Miloscia, who will finish his current term in 2012, was first elected to the state House in 1998. Brian Sonntag, the current state auditor, is a Democrat who plans to retire at the end of his term in 2012 after two decades in office.

The State Auditor’s Office is a watchdog agency that independently serves Washington residents by promoting accountability, fiscal integrity and openness in state and local government.