Andy Hill announced that he is running for the state Senate in the 45th Legislative District.

“I am running to make a difference for the families and communities of this district,” said Hill. I care deeply about this area and we need to make things better.”

Hill will challenge incumbent Sen. Eric Oemig.

“Olympia is not working,” said Hill. “Whether it’s irresponsible tax increases, unsustainable spending levels or indifference to the burdens placed on small businesses, our families and employers in this state cannot take much more. It’s time for a change.”

Hill said that while ordinary citizens in the state are being forced to adjust to the current economic challenges, state government has continued to increase spending and is now planning to raise taxes on struggling businesses and families. Instead, Hill emphasized that the state legislature needs to enact policies that will foster economic growth and job creation.

“The only way to change Olympia is to change the people we elect to represent us,” Hill added.

Hill has lived in Washington for more than 20 years. A graduate of Colgate University and Harvard Business School, he worked for Microsoft where he was most successful in turning around troubled projects. He also led the company’s design of innovative K-12 educational software. He has served as PTSA President, a volunteer math tutor for the area’s kids, a youth soccer and lacrosse coach and as president of Lake Washington Soccer Association. Most recently, he was successful bringing together citizens, property owners and local government to build nine new athletic fields for the area’s young athletes while, at the same time, returning a historical piece of Sammamish Valley agricultural land to active organic farming.

Hill has been endorsed by local elected officials, business leaders, community activists and voters from across the District. He lives in Redmond with his wife Molly and their three children. For information, voters can visit Andy Hill’s Web site at www.AndyHillforSenate.com.