April 13, 2008
Paul Gonzales (D) has announced his intention to run for the Washington State Senate from the 40th Legislative District, a position being vacated by Sen. Harriet Spanel, (D)Bellingham.

Mr. Gonzales, a resident of Mount Vernon, is a 22 year veteran of the Washington State Patrol. He has received various service commendations, including an International Award from AAMVA for his work in public safety. Gonzales is very active in his community, having served on the Mount Vernon City Council, the Mount Vernon Planning Commission, and the Mount Vernon School Boundary Committee, the Red Cross FEMA Board, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission LE Board, and the DSHS Board. He is a member of the Washington State Trooper’s Association, the Fraternal Order of Police, and a past member of the Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon. He attended Eastern Washington University before enrolling in the Washington State Patrol Academy where he graduated in 1987. Paul is married to Lynda L. Gonzales, a teacher for the Burlington-Edison School District. They have twin sons attending college.

Paul enters this race in hope of raising debate on important issues such as public education, environmental protection, health care, and public safety. He also hopes to improve the level of discourse by discouraging negative campaigning and focusing attention upon the public’s business.

On that point he says: “During my career I’ve worked with people from all walks of life and points of view. I’ve learned that we can always find common ground. I take pride in that experience, and I think it’s my best qualification for the job.”

Mr. Gonzales ran for the Mount Vernon City Council in 2007, but was defeated. Of that experience he says: “It’s hard to run and lose, yet it’s true that we learn more from our defeats than our victories. The work which needs doing is much more important than my
personal win-loss record. My friends and supporters are still firmly behind me. I’m more committed than ever to public service. I feel great about asking the voters to send me to Olympia.”

Paul Gonzales is endorsed by The Washington State Patrol Trooper's Association and the Washington State Fraternal Order Of Police.

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