Democrat Eric Laliberte announced his intention to seek State Rep. Roger Goodman’s seat should it be open in the 2012 election cycle.

Goodman, D-Kirkland, filed with the Federal Election Commission in February to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert for his congressional seat in the 8th District.

Laliberte, a board member for People for Puget Sound and Kirkland resident, said he is running to clean up our waters from toxic runoff, to protect higher education funding and to find traffic solutions for East King County residents.

“If re-districting creates an opening in the 45th District, I will continue to seek the position vacated by Roger Goodman’s run for Congress,” Laliberte said. “I was born and raised in the 45th District, and I plan to go to Olympia to tackle the challenges our district faces. However, if re-districting does not create an opening, I will, of course, defer to Representative Goodman.”

As a former marketing professional and legal assistant, Laliberte has the private sector and community service experience needed to address the budget challenges in Olympia.

Laliberte also announced the endorsement of key environmental leader, Kathy Fletcher, the founder and recently-retired executive director of People for Puget Sound.

“Eric is a champion for the environment,” Fletcher said. “He’ll work to clean up the toxic runoff harming our streams and lakes and harming Puget Sound.”

In addition to his environmental advocacy, Laliberte is a member of the King County Bar Association, has volunteered as a Team Leader for the City Year “City Heroes” volunteer program and as a soccer referee for the Northshore Soccer Association.

His passion for mentoring and tutoring youth took him to South Africa where he was a program developer and tutor for the country’s largest social services provider. Laliberte also serves on the Executive Board of the 45th District Democrats, where he was appointed Legislative Action Chair.

Currently residing in Kirkland, Laliberte attended Woodinville High, holds a bachelor of arts in Economics and a masters of Business Administration from Chapman University, and will receive a law degree from the University of Washington in December. He is an avid hiker and a diehard Seattle Sounders fan.

For more information, visit Eric’s Web site at www.voteeric.org.