SAMMAMISH - Jeff Griffin, a captain in the Port of Seattle Fire Department and a small business owner, will challenge Jay Rodne (R-Snoqualmie) for his spot in the state House of Representatives for the 5th Legislative District.

Griffin announced his candidacy on March 3. Rodne was appointed to the position in January.

"I am running because the 5th Legislative District deserves leadership that invests in the basic services we depend on - education, transportation and public safety," Griffin said.

Griffin has lived in the 5th District since 1981. He is married and has a family.

"I've lived in this community for over half my life and I've seen the changes brought by growth. I know our quality of life is tied to good schools, the ability to get to work and quality parks and open space. That's why I'll work for investments in roads, parks and open space, business centers and schools," said Griffin.

Trained in weapons of mass destruction and federal emergency management, Griffin has been tapped to volunteer during international disasters like the chemical explosion in Guadalajara, Mexico, and the hurricane in Jamaica. Closer to home, Griffin served on the Alaska Flight 261 Care Team, helping the families of victims cope with tragedy and coordinating services on the ground.

With his wife and their family, Griffin also owns a small business.

"We know firsthand the importance of balancing the books and meeting payroll, and we have dealt with the complexity of doing business in this state," Griffin said.

Griffin has been a volunteer for Issaquah Friends of Youth, an organization that provides services for kids and families in crisis, for over seven years. He coaches Little League and serves as a traffic safety helper at Cascade Ridge Elementary School.

As a twice-elected fire commissioner of District 10, Griffin managed a multi-million dollar budget and led efforts to consolidate fire departments to cut down on response times and save lives. He has built a record as a leader at balancing essential services and delivering results.

Griffin lives with his wife Lorna, a flight attendant, and their children Paige and Tyler in Sammamish.

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