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Restaurateur Monique Trudnowski to kick off 28th District campaign

The former Fort Lewis dependent and mother of a JBLM wounded warrior ready for next chapter

Monique Trudnowski

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A local businesswoman and familiar face is throwing her hat into the ring to run for the open State Representative seat in the 28th District.

"Over the past seven years I have tried to become more involved in our community and running for office is the next step to serving the public," explained Monique Trudnowski, who recently announced that she would seek to replace exiting Representative Tami Green.

Trudnowski, a mother of six, co-owns The Adriatic Grill in Tacoma with her husband, Bill, and has become a reliable resource within the community. She serves on the Tacoma Public Utility Board, served as chair of the Tacoma Regional Convention + Visitors Bureau twice and was a founding member of the Washington Tourism Alliance. She is also the current honorary vice commander for the Western Air Defense Sector at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

The National Restaurant Association Education Foundation has even honored Trudnowski with the Faces of Diversity: The American Dream Award, which recognizes exceptional restaurant owners who have overcome past obstacles to achieve the American dream. 

"I can't always write big checks, but I can donate my time and help in other ways, for instance when we provided food to the police officers in Lakewood when the force was dealing with the fallen officers in 2009," she said. "Now I would like to go to Olympia and serve my fellow neighbors in a different way."

Trudnowski's neighbors obviously include the military, a sector of the population to which she has direct ties and to which she continually gives back. For instance, the Adriatic Grill provides an estimated $180,000 in military discounts on an annual basis but what Trudnowski credits the military with is worth so much more.

"I think that being a military kid really taught me how to get along with other people," said the restaurateur, who actually grew up on Fort Lewis as a dependent and is now the mother of a wounded warrior stationed at JBLM.

"I have a different way of leading because in the military you meet so many different people and you develop a global perspective and a great ability for tolerance," she continued.  

So what sets Trudnowski apart from the other candidates?

"I have perseverance and grit and I am not afraid to ask questions so that I can make the right decision," she said. "Whether they voted for me or not, I will be accountable to every resident of the district."

The primary election will be held Aug. 5 and Trudnowski is hopeful that she will get to move onto the general election in November.

"That's why America is great. It's a model that works," Trudnowski said. "I was a 17 year-old pregnant girl and I never imagined I'd be here. I am proud of how far I've come but also humbled to even have a chance at this opportunity. I don't want to waste it."

Trudnowski will host an official campaign kickoff from 7-9 p.m. Monday, April 7 at the Steilacoom Town Hall. For more information on the candidate and her platform, visit www.facebook.com/moniquetrudnowski28thdistrict.

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