Former Olympia councilwoman joins crowded House race

A former member of the Olympia City Council has joined a crowded race for state House.

Now five Democrats are vying to succeed Rep. Chris Reykdal, who is running for state schools superintendent. His is one of two open House seats in the heavily Democratic 22nd District that includes Tumwater, Olympia and Lacey.

The latest candidate is Rhenda Strub, who served on the Olympia council and Thurston County Planning Commission.

Strub’s announcement says she was “surprised” that other candidates haven’t held elected office as she has.

The announcement touts her experience over four years on the council championing projects such as a new fire station, city hall, and children’s museum and the formation of Quixote Village homeless housing. It says she made “missteps” as well and has learned from her experiences.

Strub was defeated for re-election in 2011 by a challenger who emphasized Strub’s vote to raise building-height limits on the downtown isthmus, though she later voted to lower the allowed heights.

“Like every good Democrat, I believe we need a progressive tax system in Washington. I want an income tax on our wealthiest, a capital gains tax, a carbon tax, and to retool the B&O tax, which is really just a flawed business income tax,” Strub said in her announcement.

Last week Brady Olson, a teacher at North Thurston High School known for restraining a school shooter last April, entered the race for Reykdal’s seat.

They join Brad Banks, a lobbyist for local public-health officials; Laurie Dolan, a former teacher and aide to former Gov. Chris Gregoire; and Franklin Edwards III, a carpenter.

This story was originally published January 26, 2016 at 4:10 PM with the headline "Former Olympia councilwoman joins crowded House race."