MEDIA RELEASE

Russell Ruderman will be entering the State Senate race as a Democrat in Puna’s newly created Senate District 2. Ruderman was the first choice of the Democratic Party Caucus when an open seat occurred in January 2011.

He has run for County Council twice in the past. The new district was just finalized this week, leading to a shortened campaign season.

He is seeking a campaign manager and treasurer.

A 28-year resident of the district, Ruderman is founder and owner of Island Naturals Markets, which has created more than 150 jobs on the Big Island.

He has also served on the County Solid Waste Advisory Committee, and currently serves on the County Commission for Environmental Management.

Long-time residents will remember Ruderman from his work with Big Island Rainforest Action Group and various environmental issues over the years. More recently Ruderman advocated for the Plastic Bag Reduction Bill, which became law.

Ruderman is also a musician, playing guitar in two bands, El Leo the Jarican Express (a kachi kachi band) and Terrapin Station, (a rock band).

He has a daughter who graduated from Hilo High as a valedictorian in 2010, and now attends St. Thomas University in Minnesota.

Ruderman hopes to represent the Puna district in the state legislature on crucial issues such as education, transportation, renewable energy, and agriculture.

Reach Ruderman at russell@islandnaturals.com