Hi,
I’m Doug Richards and I’m running for State Representative. I’ve called South Kitsap home for 32 years, growing up in Port Orchard. I attended school in the Kitsap school district, including Orchard Heights Elementary, Marcus Whitman Jr. High, and finally graduating with honors from South Kitsap High School in 1987. I spent most of my youth playing sports. I always enjoyed camping with my family and can remember Dad breaking out his guitar around the campfire. My brother and I fished out of the Port Orchard dock and we rode our bikes through the trails in what is now Jackson Park in Port Orchard.
Upon Graduating high school, I wanted to serve my country and joined the United States Navy. I was assigned to the USS Carl Vinson and proudly served during Operation Earnest Will in the Persian Gulf, earning my Armed Forces Expeditionary medal
While in the Navy, I married my high school sweetheart, Whitney. We are celebrating 21 years of marriage this year, and are raising our four wonderful children. As a family we are active in our church and enjoy time entertaining friends and family at our house.
After leaving the Navy, I joined the fire service where I have served for the past 21 years. I began my career in the fire service in 1990 in Keyport, Washington as a firefighter and then quickly transferred to the City of SeaTac Fire Department in 1991. In 1995 I took a promotion to Lieutenant at South Kitsap Fire and Rescue, where I currently serve as a Battalion Chief. I have enjoyed serving my community during dire times of need and I am proud to have had the opportunity to lead such committed and professional men and women.
In 1999 I opened a small family home building business. Over the years we have built nearly 30 homes and completed several remodeling projects. Running this business has given me a great appreciation for and understanding of customer service, budgeting, long-range planning and the impact of government regulations. I have first-hand knowledge of how fees and taxes affect my bottom line, and my ability to hire employees. I know the struggles of the small business community and recognize the impact the current economic climate has upon business growth and development.
I am also the president of, Adonai Harvest. My wife and I started this non-profit in 2004 to minister to the people of SE Asia. Over the years I have been on 14 trips oversees to places like China, Vietnam, and Thailand. Adonai’s mission is to bring resources to those less fortunate and oppressed because of their faith.
I am excited to take my life experience and serve as your next state representative from the 26th district. Please join me in putting Washington State back on track. Together we can put responsible leadership back into Olympia. Together we can make a difference.
