Kevin Ranker is a surfer, family man, gourmet cook, environmentalist and avid runner – and he also happens to be a state senator.
His jovial, laid-back attitude has been a breath of fresh air among his fellow politicians. He is the same person at his home on Orcas Island as he is discussing carbon tax bills in Olympia.
“I like to laugh but I’m also very deliberate,” he said. “Everything I do, I think through. Even when I make foolish decisions, I’ve thought it through.”
Ranker, who is a Democrat, says there are three issues that define him as a politician: equality (for the LGBT community, for education), choice (health care access, family planning, safe abortion options) and the environment.
“Marriage equality was my proudest moment ever,” he said. “I think it has impacted more people positively than anything else.”
Ranker expects to continue defending Referendum 74, the marriage equality act, which was approved by voters last year.
In February 2012, Governor Christine Gregoire signed the marriage bill. It was set to take effect that June, but opponents submitted enough signatures to suspend the bill and require a state-wide vote.
In November, it was approved by voters – overwhelmingly so in San Juan County.
“I was naive to think we were done when we passed the equality act two years ago,” Ranker said. “I anticipate having to defend equality and a woman’s right to choose. It’s going to be a constant battle.”
Ranker’s father is gay, and while he was raised by his mother, his two dads have been a big part of his life.
“My mom and my dad are still best friends,” he said.
Ranker’s dad was married to his long-time partner in New York at the age of 71.
When the legislature is in session, Ranker lives in Olympia. After a long day, he goes to the 24-hour market and picks out ingredients for a three-course meal.
“I usually don’t sit down to eat until midnight, but it’s how I relax,” Ranker said.
He runs at least four days a week, works 16 hours days and gets very little sleep. And that is exactly how he likes it.
“Sleep is over-rated,” he laughs.
Ranker sponsors no more than 10 bills per session. In 2014, the legislative session is set to run from January to April, but Ranker says it often goes several months past the expected date.
His wife Tina and daughter Elsa, who is in kindergarten, live full-time on Orcas Island.
“When the senate is in session, it is very difficult to maintain commonality with your family,” Ranker said. “When I get back to Orcas, it’s my sanctuary.”
Because the senate only pays $40,000 a year, he also consults institutions and CEOs on climate, energy and ocean policy and strategic development.
Upcoming 2014 bills
Ranker is excited about advancing “bold” climate strategies in the 2014 Legislative Session based on his year’s research as a member of the Governor’s Climate Legislative Executive Workgroup. He assures that there will be climate legislation.
“I believe that dealing with climate is one of the most critical issues we are facing,” he said. “We are currently researching models from around the globe and developing specific actions that fit best for Washington State. It is important to stress that now is the time for action, not more discussion of whether it’s real or it’s human-caused – we must put that aside. We are the first generation to truly see the impacts of climate change, but unfortunately, we are likely the last that will have the opportunity to do anything about it.”
He is also hopeful about a bill called “Pay It Forward” for students who can’t afford to attend college. The program would pay college education to those who qualify. Once these students have graduated and have careers, 3 percent of their income would go back to the program.
“We have to make sure higher education is available to everyone,” Ranker said. “There are certain areas in Washington state where the number of jobs and the number of educated people who can fill those jobs don’t match up. Microsoft and Amazon bring in employees from other countries.”
There are significant start-up costs to launch the program and it will take an estimated nine years for it to become sustainable.
Ranker is hoping to partner with companies like Amazon.com or Microsoft, which would front some of the initial cost for students interested in computer engineering, for example.
Looking ahead
On a local level, Ranker is troubled by some of the hostility shown in county elections, particularly with the charter amendment and council elections last year.
“It’s become less respectful and more personal,” he said. “I sure hope we don’t see it more at the county level … party lines shouldn’t matter, it’s about respecting each other as community members.”
The senator is planning to run for his third term in office in 2016.
“I feel like I am making a difference and it feels really good,” Ranker said. “I have core values that represent my community – and if that means I don’t get re-elected, so what? That is not why I am here.”
