State Representatives
There are 2 state representatives, and they are both up for
(re)election this year. We’re in the interesting position that each has only a
single challenger, which means that no matter how you vote, both names on the
primary ballot will also be on the November ballot. Think of this as a trial
run.
State representative,
position 1
Norma Smith, the incumbent,
is a pleasant and likable person. She has some good ideas. And then she votes
the party line every time. My conversations with her have had an Alice in
Wonderland quality. I thought I was talking about one thing, but she was
talking about something altogether different. She has her pet projects, and no
matter what you want to talk about, she’ll steer the conversation to those
projects.
Her opponent is a classic Libertarian – fiscally
conservative and socially liberal. If I thought I could trust the words, I
could subscribe to his statements. I’ve just seen that those words rarely mean
what they say.
So – the devil or the deep blue sea? I think I’ll sit this
one out.
rated 100% by American Conservative Union; 90% by the
Association of WA Business; 40% by Washington Conservation Voters; 18% by
AFL-CIO, 100% by NRA; 96% by Associated General Contractors of WA; 100% by the
WA Farm Bureau.
positions: voted in favor of charter schools; against
automatic voter registration; did not vote on a bill to prohibit “conversion
therapy” on minors; voted against requiring maternal health plans to cover
abortion; voted against increasing the minimum wage; voted against requiring
employers to provide paid sick leave;
I would have included her website, but it is from 2014 so
not particularly relevant today.
He ran against Norma in 2014 as well.
Elected Experience: none
Other Professional Experience: Dir/Producer "On the Record" TV show; Dir/Producer "The Rising Sun"; CIO Hollywood Choppers/Chopper House; SCUBA Instructor/Special Effects; Disability Advocate-CSUN.
Education: MS computer science studies, MBA studies; BA in Film, BA of TV production; AA College of Redwoods; ROP radio broadcast, TV production, audio engineering.
Community Service: Having been a member of many fine charitable organizations; American Legion, Eagles, Moose Lodge, Habitat for Humanity, Disability Advocate-CSUN, and several others! I believe in giving where we can throughout the year, be it, St. Jude Children's Hospital, Relay for Life, or giving food to our local food bank and providing meals to those in need.
Other Professional Experience: Dir/Producer "On the Record" TV show; Dir/Producer "The Rising Sun"; CIO Hollywood Choppers/Chopper House; SCUBA Instructor/Special Effects; Disability Advocate-CSUN.
Education: MS computer science studies, MBA studies; BA in Film, BA of TV production; AA College of Redwoods; ROP radio broadcast, TV production, audio engineering.
Community Service: Having been a member of many fine charitable organizations; American Legion, Eagles, Moose Lodge, Habitat for Humanity, Disability Advocate-CSUN, and several others! I believe in giving where we can throughout the year, be it, St. Jude Children's Hospital, Relay for Life, or giving food to our local food bank and providing meals to those in need.
Issues: making
positive changes to our political system by ending the monopoly of special
interest groups over government. Socially liberal and fiscally responsible.
Will abide by the McCleary decision; will protect property
owners from corporations attempting to acquire their water rights.
Other priorities are so nebulous I can’t summarize them.
Found
this statement on Go Fund Me. He had reached $500.00 of his $5000.00 goal:
Two
years ago today(May 16th, 2014) myself and 11 other Libertarian candidates ran
for office in Washington state. We were quite successful that year and our
party has grown substantially. Folks want another choice and we are here
because we care and want to help!
Over the last few years I have been active at our state capitol. Learning the ropes, attending meetings, hearings, involved in our community, getting a better understanding of the issues we face! It's time we all standup and be heard! I ask everyone that I meet to please also run for office, to please help us with positive change. I understand this is not for everyone, and it is tough. If you cannot run please help those of us that are willing to do so! ;-) Many have asked that I do run again... well, It's that time. I can't do this alone. I do not take corporate or special interest funds. I only accept funds from supporter's like you. Please help with whatever you can, every bit is greatly appreciated!
Now let's work together towards "Positive Change"!
Over the last few years I have been active at our state capitol. Learning the ropes, attending meetings, hearings, involved in our community, getting a better understanding of the issues we face! It's time we all standup and be heard! I ask everyone that I meet to please also run for office, to please help us with positive change. I understand this is not for everyone, and it is tough. If you cannot run please help those of us that are willing to do so! ;-) Many have asked that I do run again... well, It's that time. I can't do this alone. I do not take corporate or special interest funds. I only accept funds from supporter's like you. Please help with whatever you can, every bit is greatly appreciated!
Now let's work together towards "Positive Change"!
Statement: My motivation to get involved is my love for our country, state and district. I had always thought those elected to serve "We the People" did just that, serve the People. However, after hearing our community concerns I came to the realization that we are not being heard. Libertarian party believes strongly in preserving our rights and listening to the People. A big part of this is “Not” to accept corporate funding in order to gain special interests. With your support, I will serve our district, make unbiased decisions and use logic for the betterment of our community.
State Representative,
position 2
Another race in which the primary is just a preliminary for
the November election. I have not been fond of Dave
Hayes since he took office because his focus is far from mine. As far as
I can tell he has no opinion on land use, climate change, or the environment in
general. His focus is on “public safety” (= law enforcement).
So it’s a wonderful breath of fresh air to see the candidacy
of Doris Brevoort, who echoes my sentiments
rather closely. You can read the details below. I’ll be voting for Doris Brevoort.
He’s a Snohomish County sheriff’s deputy.
Washington Conservation Voters score: 18%
issues:
Economy – reducing excessive regulatory burdens on business
will create good jobs. Education – fund it without raising taxes; lower public
college tuition rates while opposing unfunded mandates.
Public safety – strengthened the firearm offender
registration law; passed legislation to add a 3rd Skagit County
District Court judge; Stands up for first responders. Transportation – worked
to improve transportation planning and expedite permits for bridge replacement.
Wants to expand and speed completion of cost-effective transportation projects.
Wants to reform DOT.
He is silent on such issues as climate change, fossil fuels,
or the impact of our environment on such industries as tourism.
education: Saybrook University PhD in integrative health, UW Masters in education
issues: believes
in a democracy where all voices are heard; will defend Washington’s
environment. Clean air and water are critical to health, ag production, and
eco-tourism; protecting forests, farmland, Puget Sound, and the Skagit
watershed; create an equitable income stream for the state to fully fund
education, mental health, human services, updated infrastructure, public
transportation, safe communities, and disaster preparedness; supports strong
unions.
Q - How would
your district and the citizens of Washington state, in general, benefit from
having you in office?
I will collaborate with other legislators proactively,
with patience and resolve. I will be responsive to my constituents, holding
Town Hall Meetings on a regular basis, rotating venues so people from every
geographic region of LD-10 have opportunities to be heard. I will vote
"YES" on numerous issues including:
a. Creation of an equitable, sustainable, revenue stream
for WA State that can: fully fund education; provide mental health services and
affordable housing for people with mental illness; update State infrastructure
(bridges, roads, parks); and expand public transportation.
b. Preserve the water quality of Puget Sound and the
watersheds that flow into it.
c. Transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, while
generating jobs in new modes of energy production and conservation.
Q - The next session of the legislature has the difficult
job of fully funding basic education for our students. How would you plan to do
this, regardless of the ongoing committee reports?
I will work with House colleagues to review existing
proposals and present them transparently for public consideration. Some of the
tools for increasing revenue are: close tax loopholes for corporations which
have large preferential taxes; assess incremental taxes on capital gains and financial
transactions; consider a state income tax, with a threshold well above the
combined incomes of working families. Besides increasing the funding stream, I
will work to make education more cost effective by strengthening early
childhood education programs and working with OSPI to integrate recent research
in brain function and neuroscience into our schools, including special
education best practices. [I have a PhD in Human Science from Saybrook
University, San Francisco, 2012. My dissertation is about applications of
neuroscience to education, and mitigation of brain-related learning and
behavioral difficulties through brain training including music, rhythm, and
neurofeedback.]
Q - Do you think the legislature could/should assist in
finding solutions to the homeless problem? If so, what form might it take? If
not, why not?
The legislature can fund and enable regulations for State
agencies to collaborate with public/private partnerships, faith-based and
nonprofit groups to provide temporary and transitional housing. The State then
can provide access to health care, addiction recovery, training, and
sustainable jobs. When families have access to these and additional
school/community connections, their children can do better in school. With
reduced stress, families are more able to attain and retain permanent housing.
The State can help people from becoming homeless by funding mixed-income
(green) development, and renovation of existing housing into affordable
homes for individuals/families on fixed incomes, including seniors. Programs
that involve people in service related to attaining their housing-- that they
have a stake in-- also create success. Supporting affordable housing for young
adults (e.g uniquely designed for cooperative/group living) offers an essential
start for health and employment.
Q - Several efforts to pass a bill authorizing automatic
voter registration for 16-year-olds who receive a driver’s license have failed
to pass the legislature. Would you favor such a bill?:
I favor a bill that initiates automatic voter registration
for youth before they turn 18. Youth may then feel that they have a firmer
stake in the democratic process and, if registered, are more likely to vote.
Q - According to Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of
the United Nations: “Climate change is the most emblematic challenge in this
age of globalization. For the sake of our grandchildren, we cannot refuse that
challenge.” (The Case For True Leadership on Climate Change – Kofi Annan
Foundation, 30 Nov 2015) What is your opinion of this quotation?
I agree! If we "refuse" this challenge, the
planet will become unlivable for future generations! The temperature on Earth
is rising. Human activities (mining, pollution, wasteful energy consumption)
are predominantly responsible. The Legislature must respond vigorously to lower
the overall carbon footprint of Washington State. We need to decrease emissions
from fuel-generating facilities and vehicles SOONER than planned. We must
aggressively educate the public, including children, regarding the critical
need for both energy and resource conservation, keeping trees/ flora robust for
our environment. The state can develop broader incentives for homeowners and
businesses to monitor and decrease energy consumption, and retain tax credits
for home-based renewable energy installations. Naomi Klein's book 'This Changes
Everything” offers many details to inform readers of how people around the
world are responding to the challenge. Indeed, this is what catalyzed me to run
for office.
Q - If you believe your area is affected by unusual
weather patterns, what actions would you support to mitigate these effects?
In Anacortes, Skagit County, the group "Transition
Fidalgo" advocates locally for conservation and renewable energy. The
Legislature can fund community-based 'proactivation' like this in counties
throughout the State, involving nonprofit and public/private partnerships in
changing our consumption habits. The Northwest is experiencing more intense
rainfall, drier summers, and decreased winter snow pack. We can reach out with
economic and social incentives for people to take public transport, eat locally
grown food, etc. We can expand public transportation, including rail
availability in the Western WA corridor: The State can fund regional
transportation planning, including with railroads to add an additional track,
or research proposals that revise the balance between freight and commuter
transit capacity. Promoting and funding tourism can help the public experience
the effects of changing weather, e.g. shifts in wildlife migration, so they
become partners in future mitigation.
. . . and VOTE
Endorsed by FUSE Progressive Voters.
No comments:
Post a Comment