Tech Engineer Running for Edmonds City Council

A local technology engineer will run for Edmonds City Council Seat #4.

Tad Helke, age 39, will be vying for a seat currently held by  Diane Buckshnis, who also plans to run for the spot this fall. Buckshnis was appointed to fill the seat last January following the death of Councilmember Peggy Pritchard Olson.

Helke is a political newbie. He's spent his career as a contractor for tech companies such as Dell and Microsoft. Helke said he believes he offers a contrast in direction to current government in Edmonds.

Helke has volunteered as a leader in his church and has been a member of the Teamster's union. He lives in Edmonds and has two children, age 10 and 14.

“My career, and of course being a dad, has taught me to weigh each issue and respect what I know and don’t know in communication to locate the problem and effectively solve it,” Helke said.