Spokane Doctor to Challenge Rep. Don Barlow

Chris Mulick has the scoop on another race for the state House, this time in Spokane's LD-6. Republican Mel Lindauer will challenge Rep. Don Barlow(D-Spokane) for his seat.

Press release below.

Mel Lindauer Announces Run For Washington State Representative Legislative District 6

Spokane, WA (February 27, 2008) -- Popular Spokane Optometric Physician and businessman, Mel Lindauer, today announced his candidacy for State Representative, District 6, the seat currently held by one-term incumbent Democrat Don Barlow.

Lindauer, a Republican, is President of Optic One Eye Care Centers of Spokane PC, which operates 3 clinics located in Spokane and Cheney. He is co-owner of Lindauer Real Estate Development LLC, a land development company which owns property throughout Spokane County.

An Eastern Washington native, Lindauer was born and raised in Oroville, a small town near the Northeastern Washington-Canadian border. He attended Wenatchee Valley College North, where he was awarded an Associate of Arts degree and Washington State University where he was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. In 1993 he was awarded a Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern California College of Optometry. An active participant in the Spokane community, Lindauer has held the positions of President and Board Member of the Lions Low Vision Clinic. He is mentor to start-up business owners and has participated in neighborhood action committees concerned about the development of suburban forest areas. He is also active in his professional community and has frequently been called upon to act as spokesman for the Inland Society of Optometric Physicians and the Optometric Physicians of Washington, appearing in print, radio and broadcast media.

If elected, Lindauer intends to focus his efforts on obtaining funding for Eastern Washington projects and causes. He will also support legislation that demands state spending accountability, gets gets tough on crime, helps businesses of all sizes flourish, supports veterans and military families, promotes a higher quality of education for our children, and assists seniors, families and others with limited income to have access to the healthcare and other basic services they need. "In my 15 years treating patients in Spokane I have had the privilege of speaking with thousands of people and I understand the challenges and concerns of Spokane's citizens," Lindauer said. "I look forward to the opportunity to be Spokane's Ambassador to Olympia and to be a strong voice for the people here."

Lindauer and his family, reside in North Spokane. He and his wife, Carolyn, have been married for 22 years and they have two sons, ages 11 and 2.