Another 34th District State House candidate: Mike Heavey

If you attend the public meetings we cover, you’ve seen a lot lately of West Seattleite Mike Heavey, who recently joined the staff of County Councilmember Jan Drago. Looks like you’ll see even more of him, since the son of longtime legislator and Judge Michael J. Heavey has just announced he’s running for State Legislature – read on:

Today, Mike Heavey announced his candidacy for State Representative from the 34th Legislative District, Position 2 – the seat currently held by State Representative Sharon Nelson, who will run for the open State Senate seat in the same district this fall.

Heavey credits his dedication and value of public service to his father, former State Senator Michael J. Heavey, a Democrat who represented West Seattle and Vashon Island for 14 years. Heavey cited three top concerns as the reasons why he is running for office, “The Legislature has a responsibility to make our state safe and secure for Washington families, to boost our economy and to create living wage jobs. I look forward to taking my community service, my experience not only in government but also in the private sector and putting it to work for the people of Washington State.”

He further added, “I am running to carry on the tradition of strong, energetic leadership from the 34th Legislative District. The state’s budget is stretched thin, human services and infrastructure spending are slashed while more and more people are idling in traffic and out of work. We need leaders who can hit the ground running, put people back to work and find progressive ways to fund our highest priorities.”

Already, Heavey is proud to announce the endorsements of State Senator Ed Murray, a leader on transportation issues in the Senate, Larry Kenney, former President of the Washington State Labor Council, as well as former State Senator and Supreme Court Justice Phil Talmadge of West Seattle. Senator Murray said of Heavey, “The talent and energy Mike will bring to elected office is exactly what is needed in Olympia to work on the tough issues of transportation, education, public safety and the economy. I enthusiastically endorse Mike for 34th District Representative.”

A native of West Seattle, Heavey is a fourth generation Seattleite. He has years of experience in the fields of public safety and crime reduction. His private sector experience includes work as a financial analyst at Expedia.com where he protected consumers from identity theft and fraud. Active in his faith community, Heavey has participated in mission trips to Mexico, built housing for the homeless, volunteered at The Food Bank at St. Mary’s and served meals to the elderly.

Currently, Heavey serves as Director of Outreach and Constituent Relations for King County Councilmember Jan Drago where he works to bring community groups together to fix the district’s most challenging issues like the South Park Bridge replacement and youth violence.

For more information, please visit Mike’s website at www.mikeheavey.com

Heavey joins fellow Democrats Marcee Stone and Sabra Schneider in the race for the seat that Rep. Sharon Nelson is leaving to run for State Senate. Independent “Mac” McElroy also has declared his candidacy.

10 Replies to "Another 34th District State House candidate: Mike Heavey"

  • Calamity Jane March 18, 2010 (1:34 pm)

    Wow! I’ve dealt with Mike before. He is awesome. So glad that he’s running.

  • Jenner March 18, 2010 (1:39 pm)

    I don’t know the son Mike but I remember Senator Heavey served West Seattle extremely well- a real homer in Olympia. Let’s hope the apple, in this case, doesn’t fall to far from the tree

  • snusjunction March 18, 2010 (2:50 pm)

    I have met Mike Heavey and I am confident that he exemplifies the type of leadership we need more of in Olympia: A “work horse” and not a “show horse.” As such, he would follow in his father’s footsteps. We discussed issues and I am gratified that “jobs” is at the top of his list of priorities. He also understands that vocational education is critical and that we need to place a higher priority on the skilled trades.

  • Alki Point March 18, 2010 (3:25 pm)

    Finally – a candidate the 34th district can be proud to support.

  • Burienman March 18, 2010 (4:30 pm)

    I’m still sticking with Sabra Schneider. Others talk about jobs, she’s actually been on the front lines of vocational and academic training, seeing what works, and what doesn’t, to put people back to work. She’s got a great command of the issues facing the 34th and has always worked ridiculously hard.

  • Erin L March 18, 2010 (4:48 pm)

    We need more innovators in Olympia. All of our candidates have unique strengths but none of them except Sabra Schneider has a history of creative, forward thinking solutions in government and she’s committed to working hard to make sure things get done.

  • Alki Point March 18, 2010 (6:44 pm)

    From what I’ve seen Sabra’s plan for jobs lacks substance. I’d rather support a candidate that understands the struggles young professionals have to get a family wage job. Mikes plan to work with business to create jobs and support education reforms makes me support Mike. He just gets it.

  • lindagrable March 18, 2010 (10:59 pm)

    When it comes to chosing a legislator for West Seattle and the 34th legislative district, I can’t think of anyone more qualified or better suited than Mike Heavey. He knows our community and shares our values. His committment to today’s social issues and family wage jobs creation is just what we need.

  • Marcia March 19, 2010 (9:15 am)

    The 34th district would be lucky to have M. Heavey!!

  • Koree B March 19, 2010 (9:27 am)

    My belief and endorsement remains with Sabra Schneider! Sabra’s got 15 solid years of public service, from education to government and will take her impeccable work ethic and notoriously long hours on the job with her. I want someone representing the 34th with her dedication, not to mention experience in education.

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