Ryan Leonard
Party: Republican
Age: 34
Personal: Single. Born in Tekoa, moved to Spokane in 1994. Attending Whitworth Presbyterian Church. Member of Spokane Masonic Temple. Legally blind since birth.
Education: Tekoa High School, 1988; bachelor's degree in journalism, Whitworth College, 1993.
Professional: Cavanaugh's Hospitality, Spokane, 1994-1995 and 1997-2001, restaurant host; Employment Screening Services, 1995-1997, verified resume information; Pitney Bowes, 2000-present, telephone service representative.
Political: Ran for State Rep., District 3, Position 2 against Jeff Gombosky in 2002 and lost. Volunteered for U.S. Rep. George Nethercutt's campaign in 2000. Precinct committee officer, Spokane County Republican Party, 2002-present.
Key issues: Bringing jobs back to the state. The Legislature needs to cut regulations and taxes. Minimum wage and unemployment insurance premiums are part of the issue. Businesses are being driven out of state. Classroom sizes need reducing. "It's high time to put education dollars into the classroom" instead of spending money on state administration. The state transportation system is hurting. Funds should be redirected to transit and ferry system.
Money raised/spent: $2,500 raised; $1,900 spent
Top contributors: personal funds, plus Gun Owners Action League, $500; Matthew Dudley, $250; and Washington State Farm Bureau, $200.
Quote: Sadly, we have an education system that's vastly overcrowded... In some cases, they (students) can't get enough personal help from their teachers.
Key influence: Gordon Leonard, father.
First priority if elected: Get appointment to Commerce Committee to start working on job recruitment.
Website: www.citizensforleonard.com
Email: ryanleonard3@netzero.com
