Jessica Bateman enters race for open seat on Olympia City Council

Jessica Bateman has announced her candidacy for Olympia City Council position 2.

The council position is held by Steve Langer, who said he will not seek re-election in 2015.

Bateman has been a member of the Olympia Planning Commission since 2013, and works as a legislative aide in the state House of Representatives. The northeast Olympia resident serves on the board of Garden-Raised Bounty (GRuB), a local non-profit organization that inspires change through agriculture.

Bateman told The Olympian that she can bring a fresh perspective to the council because of her experience working in local and state government as well as the non-profit sector.

“My work on the planning commission and my involvement in the community has really encouraged me to get more involved,” she said. “I’m committed to seeing Olympia thrive and grow.”

Bateman graduated from The Evergreen State College with an environmental studies degree as well as a graduate degree in public administration, according to her campaign website electjessicabateman.com. A campaign kickoff event will be held in April with the details to be announced.

Also running for the open council position is Judy Bardin, who serves on the Olympia Planning Commission. Bardin has raised $3,585 so far, according to the Public Disclosure Commission website. Bateman said she is in the process of registering with the PDC.

This story was originally published March 4, 2015 at 10:15 AM with the headline "Jessica Bateman enters race for open seat on Olympia City Council."