Susan Hutchison, a former TV news anchor, rode into Renton to appear at Renton Western Wear Tuesday, part of a day-long kick off of her campaign for King County executive.

Throughout the day, she talked about the need to kick-start the region’s economy and create new jobs. She started the day at Safeco Field, calling for a new direction in the county.

“We need a fresh new direction – not ‘business as usual politics’ – but a new “Open for Business” attitude that rejuvenates our region,” Hutchison said.

Hutchison is considered the front-runner in the non-partisan race to replace former Executive Ron Sims, now serving as deputy secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Hutchison’s four opponents include Sen. Fred Jarrett, Rep. Ross Hunter, and King County Council members Dow Constantine and Larry Phillips.

Hutchison’s campaign had called Renton Western Wear to arrange a campaign stop Tuesday morning,

Owner Jerry Kavesh said his company doesn’t endorse candidates and he personally hasn’t made up his mind about the county executive’s race.

He said the campaign was looking for a small business where Hutchison could appear.

Hutchison spoke often about the need for changes to the state’s Business and Occupation tax, in part of help the state’s many small businesses.

Right now, a small business owner has to pay the tax when gross income reaches $28,000. She wants to raise that threshold to $250,000, which she said would have minimal impact on tax collections.

She anticipates the new threshold would help about 50,000 small businesses in King County, giving them the potential to grow.

She also wants to work with the state Legislature on exemptions to some of the start-up costs that small businesses face.