Tom Pasma, Democratic candidate for the 40th District House of Representatives, position 1, makes his first campaign stop June 12 in Friday Harbor.

He will visit with residents at the Farmers Market, attend the quarterly meeting of the San Juan Democrats and spend the afternoon doorbelling in town.

Pasma is familiar to many in San Juan County through his work with the local 4-H Fair Auction and numerous charity auctions.

“I will bring a unique perspective to the legislative arena with my background in agriculture, small business and community leadership,” Pasma said in a press release. “We have to move beyond the win and lose political games in Olympia and govern in a way that helps the people we are elected to serve.”

Pasma is running for the seat long held by retiring Rep. Dave Quall. He has received the nomination of 40th District Democrats. “I am honored by the nomination of the party for this seat. Dave Quall has big shoes to fill, but I will try to honor his legacy of respect for everyone and dedication to all areas of the district.”

Pasma and his wife, Sue, operate Double S Quarter Horses (www.ssqhorses.net) where they breed, raise, board and train quarterhorses. As a small business owner with employees, he said he knows first-hand the challenges facing business owners.

As an auctioneer, he works with many non-profit and charity groups raising funds to support community, arts and philanthropic causes. He does 25-30 charity auctions a year, including the Skagit Land Trust, Mount Vernon Rotary, Skagit Valley College, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Snohomish County, the Camp Fire Girls, Equi-Friends Therapeutic Riding Program and the American Quarter Horse Foundation.

— Online: www.tompasma.com