Auburn Reporter

State Sen. Joe Fain (R-Auburn) was joined by nearly 400 supporters at his general election kickoff Tuesday morning in Auburn.

The breakfast at Emerald Downs included speakers from the community and an address by Fain.

Fain is completing his first term representing the 47th Legislative District, which includes the cities of Auburn, Kent and Covington. Fain faces Democratic challenger Carol Barber in the Nov. 4 general election. Fain won the August primary with more than 66 percent of the vote.

Fain was joined by many elected officials representing South King County. Attendees included former state Sen. Steve Johnson, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, Auburn Councilmembers Largo Wales, Yolanda Trout, John Holman, Wayne Osborne, Bill Peloza, and Claude DeCorsi, as well as Covington Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Wagner, Covington Councilmember Wayne Snoey, Kent City Council President Dana Ralph, and other elected officials and business and community leaders from the area.

Ralph spoke about the relationships that Fain has made with the community, other elected officials, and young people in South King County. Referring to a recent trip she made to the robotics club at Kentridge High School

"Senator Fain's involvement in the program was one of their talking points for joining the club," Ralph said. "Joe is everywhere, from community events to our local schools, and he makes an effort to build a real connection with our local students. It shows how much Joe cares."

Auburn School District Superintendent Kip Herren cited his close work with Fain over the years.

"He is able to bring people together. He can solve problems. He can find shared interests in the middle of conflict," Herren said.