Chad Magendanz
Candidate for Legislative District 5
What motivates you to run for State Senate in Washington’s 5th Legislative District, and what unique perspectives or priorities would you bring to the role?
As a public school teacher, I see firsthand how policy decisions in Olympia affect families and students in very real ways. From affordability to safety, people in our district need leaders who understand those impacts and who will fight for practical, balanced solutions.
I’m motivated to run because Olympia has lost that balance; raising taxes while delaying critical projects our communities depend on. My unique perspective as both an educator and former legislator keeps me grounded in service and focused on long-term outcomes. I know what it takes to work across the aisle, and I know how to translate policy into results that actually help people.
In the Senate, I’ll prioritize fiscal responsibility, accountability, and ensuring our families and communities get the investments they need.
As our region continues to grow, how would you balance development with the long-term conservation of natural areas and trail corridors?
Taking care of our trails and natural areas is critically important, which is why I’m proud to be endorsed by Washington Conservation Action and the Sierra Club for my dedication to conservation. We’re also a welcoming and growing region, and yet many members of our community are struggling with high costs, especially the high costs of housing. We need smart development, including transit-oriented development, that eases those pressures on housing costs while protecting the open spaces that contribute so much to our quality of life.
What steps would you take to ensure equitable access to trails, parks, and open spaces for all members of the community
As an avid biker and trail runner living in Mirrormont, I know how important our green spaces and trail systems are to the character of this community. The Issaquah Alps are not only a treasure for recreation, but also part of what makes the 5th District such a desirable place to live.
As our region grows, the key is balance. We can accommodate housing and infrastructure needs while protecting the forests, watersheds, and trail corridors that sustain our quality of life. That means smart, responsible planning; ensuring new development complements rather than consumes natural areas, prioritizing connectivity in our trail systems, and making conservation a core part of land-use decisions.
I believe long-term stewardship of these resources is both an environmental and economic necessity, and I’ll work to preserve the outdoor assets that make this district unique while still ensuring families can afford to live here.
How do you see outdoor recreation and public lands shaping the identity, livability, and quality of life in our region over the next decade?
Equitable access to trails, parks, and open spaces starts with recognizing that these resources are essential to everyone’s quality of life, regardless of income, age, or ability. Living in Mirrormont, I see how much our community values access to the Issaquah Alps and the trail networks that connect our neighborhoods.
As Senator, I would support investments that expand safe, affordable access points, improve signage and maintenance, and ensure ADA compliance so our parks and trails serve all users. I’d also work to integrate public transit and parking solutions that make it easier for families across the region to enjoy these spaces.
My goal is to make sure every community member has the opportunity to connect with the outdoors that defines our district.
How would you approach partnerships with volunteer organizations like the Issaquah Alps Trails Club to support stewardship and land conservation?
I've already partnered with Mayor Mary Lou Pauly and the Issaquah Alps Trails Club for this op-ed in the Seattle Times following the bomb cyclone last winter.
I believe the most effective conservation work happens closest to the ground. As a resident of the Issaquah Alps, I’ve seen firsthand how organizations like IATC provide the stewardship, local knowledge, and passion that government alone can’t replicate.
As Senator, I would prioritize building strong partnerships with volunteer organizations to support trail maintenance, habitat protection, and community education. My role is to remove barriers, secure resources, and ensure state policy empowers local groups rather than replaces them.
By trusting and supporting the people who know these lands best, we can achieve smarter, more sustainable outcomes that protect our natural assets while keeping our community engaged and invested in their care.
What do you view as the role of volunteer-driven projects on public lands, such as trail building, invasive species removal, signage, or habitat restoration? How do you think the city or state should support such efforts?
Volunteer-driven projects are at the heart of successful land stewardship. From trail building to invasive species removal, these efforts work because they’re led by people who know the land best and have a direct stake in its care. The government can provide funding, coordination, and technical support, but it is rarely as effective as empowering local residents and organizations to take the lead.
I believe the role of the city and state should be to make these projects easier, not harder; reducing red tape, offering grants or in-kind resources, and ensuring policies encourage, rather than discourage, volunteerism. When government and community groups work hand-in-hand, we get more responsive, cost-effective, and lasting results for our public lands.
What role do you believe the state should play in supporting urban forest management efforts in cities like Issaquah?
Urban forests are critical to our quality of life, especially in growing cities like Issaquah. They improve air quality, reduce heat, manage stormwater, and provide access to nature right in our backyards.
I believe the state’s role should be supportive rather than top-down. That means providing technical expertise, grants, and coordination where needed, but respecting that cities and local organizations are often best positioned to manage their urban forests. The state should focus on removing barriers, encouraging sustainable practices, and ensuring resources are available for long-term stewardship.
In my view, the most effective path forward is through public-private partnerships that engage local nonprofits, volunteers, and businesses alongside city leaders. By aligning state resources with local expertise, we can sustain healthier, more resilient urban forests for the future.
Given the increasing risk of wildfires in Western WA, what actions do you think the State of Washington should take to improve forest management to mitigate the risk of catastrophic wildfires?
The increasing risk of wildfires in Western Washington demands a proactive approach. The devastation of fires, especially recently, is not worth the cost. I’ve personally seen how overgrown forests, changing climate, and development near wildlands have raised the stakes for our communities.
The impacts are severe — loss of human life, homes, and businesses, along with billions in economic damage and the destruction of our natural resources. It is short-sighted and economically irresponsible not to invest in thoughtful stewardship and prevention. If we are serious about reducing CO₂ impacts and doing our part to address climate change, we must protect the assets that matter most — our natural forest land.
The state should prioritize active forest management: thinning, controlled burns, and clearing fuel loads, guided by science and in partnership with local organizations. Smaller, managed fires can provide the natural renewal forests need — recycling nutrients and promoting healthy regrowth — without the catastrophic destruction of uncontrolled megafires that wipe out entire landscapes, homes, and lives. By acting now, we can protect communities, preserve property, and safeguard Washington’s forests for generations to come.
The Issaquah Alps Trails Club is a non-partisan organization and does not endorse candidates for political office at any level.