FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CANDIDATE TONY KIEPE ANNOUNCES “KEEPING PEOPLE FIRST” CAMPAIGN FOR 3RD DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE

SPOKANE, WASH – MAY 3, 2024 – Tony Kiepe of the Eagle Ridge neighborhood in Spokane is running for Representative to the Washington State legislature in District 3, the City of Spokane and close communities.  Kiepe will file with the Washington Secretary of State for House Rep on Monday, May 6, the beginning of Washington State filing week.

Tony is running for the House seat vacated by Representative Marcus Riccelli, who is now running for WA Senate in District 3, vacated by retiring Senator Andy Billig.

Kiepe’s priorities include:

• Affordable housing,

• Citizen safety, and

• Increasing consumer choices, especially in the area of insurance.

 
DIRECT DEMOCRACY 

An insurance professional, Kiepe is supporting Initiatives 2124 allowing employees and self-employed citizens to opt out of State-sponsored long term care insurance, 2117 prohibiting state agencies from imposing the “carbon tax” which has driven up the cost of gasoline, and 2109 repealing the capital gains tax. 

“I am pleased to join the sponsors of statewide initiatives that put democracy directly in the hands of voters to determine their futures.”  Kiepe continues, “Olympia is too often out of touch, passing radical policies and I will join conservative lawmakers from Eastern Washington who are working to stop unpopular and costly laws from being passed in the first place.”

 REPRESENTATION, NOT RADICALIZATION

Kiepe states, “Spokane voters have made it clear that they want representation, not radical politics.”  He continues, “Part of my motivation to serve includes two current candidates who have sued or threatened to sue against processes that respect the people’s desire for safety and decorum.”

Candidates who have also registered with the Washington Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) for legislative district 3 include Ben Stuckart and Natasha Hill. 

Last year, Stuckart, along with Jewels Helping Hands and “Camp Hope” protest organizer Julie Garcia, unsuccessfully sued to remove Spokane’s proposition 1 from the ballot.  Proposition 1 asked people to decide whether to ban homeless camping near parks, daycares, and schools.  The ballot measure passed by nearly 75%. 

Earlier this year, Hill threatened to sue Spokane Council, demanding that protesters’ disruptions during council proceedings is their constitutional right. 

INSURANCE COMMISSIONER

Earlier this year, Kiepe registered with the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission to run for Washington State Insurance Commissioner. Kiepe states:

“I met recently with WA Senator Phil Fortunato in Spokane and I am placing my full faith in him as our next Insurance Commissioner.” Kiepe continues, “Senator Fortunato and I have agreed to work together in the Office of Insurance Commissioner and the Washington Legislature to protect insurance consumers.”

KIEPE QUICK BIO

Tony and his wife, Diane, have resided in the Spokane area for 24 years. They have four adult children who grew up in Eastern Washington.

He has worked in the healthcare industry for a decade and has served Washington State senior citizens as an insurance professional for the past four years focusing on Medicare. Tony says:

“Serving people as they enter their latter years is an absolute privilege and joy. Protecting them is my priority both through responsible products and policies in our legislature.”

Tony earned an executive MBA, Business Administration, and a BS, Major in Biology, Minor in Chemistry and Business Administration, University of Memphis. He has worked in service, sales and small business since 1987.