Hello, my name is Rudy Tollefson.
I was born and raised in Pierce County. I attended local schools including, Sherman Elementary, Mason Middle School and Wilson High School, where I graduated in 1964. I'm from an old Tacoma family that believes in community service and making sure that our county remains a safe place to live and raise a family. My wife Connie and I have been married for 34 years. She is a third grade teacher for the Tacoma Public School District. We have three, young adult children. Sean, our oldest, lives and works in Seattle. Eric, our second son, is known locally as a distant runner, and Mary, our youngest, will be a sophomore at the University of Washington this year. We have been longtime parishioners at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in North Tacoma.
I graduated from the University of Washington in 1968 and became a lawyer in 1972. I have worked as an assistant attorney general for the State of Washington, and as an assistant city attorney for the City of Tacoma. I was elected to the Pierce County District Court in 1978 and to the Superior Court in 1996. I have 22 years of experience on the bench.
One of the issues that I am most concerned with is the fact that Pierce County has become the dumping ground for sexual offenders in this state. This impacts our county in two ways. First, the county is less safe for families, especially children. Secondly, it creates overcrowding in our courts. Everything possible should be done to ensure that other counties bear their fair share of the burdens in dealing with these dangerous offenders.
Another one of my concerns is the growing problem of meth labs in our county. I am concerned because it impacts not only drug use, but neighborhoods, property owners and children who live in or nearby these illegal facilities. All efforts must be made to eliminate these cancerous growths from our community.
I am asking for your vote on November 6th (2001). Please remember when casting your ballot that I am the candidate who put his job on the line to protect two little girls from sexual abuse and rape.
Thank you for your support.
