Washington State Journal - Building a stronger, more just & transparent democracy

FERNDALE - Washington state's newest senator is still learning how to disagree without being disagreeable.

That's what 22-year-old Simon Sefzik wrote in his cover letter to the Whatcom County Council when he decided he wanted to replace the late Doug Ericksen as the state's 42nd legislative district representative.

Competing against a former Bellingham police officer, as well as the District 5 Whatcom County Council member, the Ferndale resident told council that one key to effective leadership is to "humbly listen and learn from the key stakeholders."

"To be effective in Olympia, I will reach across the aisle and find the points that unite us, rather than the areas that divide us," said Sefzik, whom on Jan. 11, Whatcom County Council voted 4-to-2 to replace Ericksen as the state's 42nd legislative district representative.

"I believe we have more in common than what separates us, and that we can, in good faith, achieve great things for Washington together."

Jon Mutchler and his family have known Sefzik for a dozen years. The Ferndale City Council member said recently that he believes Ericksen "would be very pleased to see a Sen. Sefzik."

"Although he now becomes the youngest current Washington state senator, he brings near-brilliance, maturity, and unflinching courage to the office," Mutchler said. "Simon helped me in my first city council run as young lad, and so I am thrilled to see his political career start like this. Simon comes from a great family - the type we would all be proud to have."

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