Steve O’Ban, a ruling elder in Faith Presbyterian Church in Tacoma, Wash., and a long time attorney in the area, announced on February 18, 2010, his candidacy for State Representative in the 28th Legislative District, Pos. 1 (Lakewood, University Place, Fircrest, Steilacoom, DuPont and parts of Tacoma).

“The one-party rule in Olympia promises three things, and they’re all bad.” O’Ban said in his announcement. “Citizens and businesses will be paying higher taxes; Washington will be in a weaker position to attract jobs; and elected officials will continue to borrow and spend while the people they represent can barely make ends meet.”

At a time when unemployment is high, O’Ban says it’s time for elected representatives to prioritize. “The priority is jobs. The Legislature’s number one goal right now should be making it possible for our friends, neighbors and family members to get back to work. Unfortunately, the party that controls state government does not understand that adding burdens to businesses is not the way to help create jobs.” O’Ban’s opponent, Democrat State Representative Troy Kelley, is seeking his third term.

“Since the incumbent, Troy Kelley, took office, state spending has mushroomed by a staggering 33%. Our state was ill-prepared for this recession.” O’Ban said. “Stunningly, Mr. Kelley’s party announced yesterday that it plans to impose new taxes that will hurt business and further erode our sense of financial well-being. This out-of-touch, out-of-control taxing and spending must be stopped. Our financial liberty is at stake.”

O’Ban earned his reputation as an attorney by successfully representing humanitarian organizations, urban leaders, nonprofits, teachers and workers before the Washington State Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. He also served as an attorney for the Washington State Legislature.

Steve O’Ban and his wife, Laurie, live in Tacoma where they raised their two boys, Thomas, a senior in college and entrepreneur, and Landan, a cadet at West Point.