Mark Richard
Party: Republican
Age: 40
Personal: Married with two daughters
Education: Graduated from Ferris High School and received a bachelor's degree in government from Eastern Washington University
Professional: Works now as the government affairs director for the Spokane Home Builders Association, previously worked in the title insurance business and as a real estate agent
Political: Has never run for public office before
Key issues: Supporting economic growth by keeping government out of the private sector's way; improving public safety; encouraging employers to create better jobs; ensuring that Spokane County housing is affordable
Money raised/spent: $54,200 raised
Top contributors: Realtors PAC, $3,000; Spokane Homebuilders PAC, $1,500; Condron Construction, $1,100; Paras Construction, Inc. $1,100; Build East (builders PAC) $1,000; Leroy Johnson Inc., $1,000; Spokane Deputy Sheriffs Assn, $1,000; Tomlinson Black Valley, $1,000; Richard Vandevert, (contractor) $1,000.
Quote: "Protecting our proud heritage, while embracing the opportunities and challenges of our future. To meet these challenges. I believe it will be important to build a bridge that goes beyond political party lines."
Key influence: His father, retired judge Richard Richard
Favorite book: "Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't" by Jim Collins
First priority if elected: Public safety -- making sure that the Sheriff's Department has the resources it needs and that all of the community is protected
Website: www.richardforcommissioner.com
Email: mjrichard04@msn.com
