At a time when many politicians are making questionable choices, one who uses direction and logic is refreshing.

"It is not about partisan politics," said retired Air Force Maj. John Simpson. "It is about listening and then taking a common-sense approach to confronting the challenges at hand."

Simpson enlisted in the Air Force in 1984, and during the next 20 years he earned a direct commission, worked as an operations officer in the 86th Aerial Port Squadron, worked with an Army Logistics Battalion as an Air Force liaison officer and, in 2005, retired from the Air Force Reserve.

"I have never regretted the hard work and discipline required to serve," he said.  

That desire to serve has never dissipated, and Simpson is currently running for a vacant city council seat in Lakewood, where he has resided with his family for 23 years.

"I think it is incumbent upon me to live my life in such a manner that I leave something behind of enduring value. To my way of thinking, service to others qualifies as a way of working toward contributing to one's circumstances in a positive way," Simpson said. "That's why I decided to run."

In addition to being a city resident, Simpson and his wife own Primo Espresso, a drive-thru coffee stand, which they purchased this past summer.

"I know what small business owners face," he said. "I understand the worry over taxes and overhead and license fees. I understand why some business owners become frustrated with the city, and I want to improve those relations."

The candidate can also be found teaching at Pierce College, where he's been a professor of history since 1989. In recent years, he has also begun to teach courses that reflect a passion he honed later in life: photojournalism.

"I got interested in photography because I would look at photos in the newspapers and think to myself that I could do better," he said.

Simpson began working as a freelance journalist with The Ranger and Northwest Airlifter newspapers two decades ago and has never looked back. His military ties and deft camera-handling abilities have led to successful and repeated assignments in which he has been embedded alongside soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Camp Murray. His work provided a glimpse into the action downrange in both Iraq and Afghanistan, and in 2007, he was nominated for an Emmy for his coverage of JBLM Soldiers during combat operations in Baghdad.

"I have no illusions about public service - it is hard work. The reward comes long after the service is done," he admitted. "I am running to serve in the best way I know how - to listen, to study, to think and then to do what is logical, rational and right in maintaining a city of value."

Professional and residential connections aside, Simpson has also shown dedication to the community through volunteerism and activism, from his seat on Lakewood's Economic Redevelopment Advisory Board to involvement with the Chamber of Commerce and the Lakewood Historical Society as well as the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 110.

If elected, Simpson has a clear-cut vision for Lakewood.

"I want to see an economically independent city. In other words, I want a strong economic infrastructure and job creation base that does not involve high property taxes," he said. "I also want to see an attractive city; I do not want to see closed business storefronts and overgrown lots. I want a safe, clean and productive community."

Lakewood City elections will be held Nov. 5. A list of ballot drop off locations can be found at www.lakewood.org/elections/.

"We have made great strides since becoming a city in 1996," Simpson said. "I want to work to keep us on that path."