Ron Taber

Resume: 54, lives in Olympia … Bachelor’s degree in history and doctorate in American studies, Washington State University … was assistant professor at Purdue University and Ithaca College in New York, owned a construction and real estate business, served as state youth director under Gov. Dan Evans and founded Parents and Taxpayers for School Choice, which placed voucher initiative on this November’s ballot … Married, with adult son who helps run campaign.

Finances: He raised $498,221 as of Oct. 10.

Why he’s running: Believes liberal educators are driving the public school system “right into the ground.”

What he’d do first: Request performance audit of superintendent’s office to assess how well the office is running and how money is spent.

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