The Times endorses Democrat Mike Heavey in the 34th Legislative District

IN the search for the best candidate to represent the 34th Legislative District, one of the most important questions to be asked this election cycle is: Who is most likely to be a productive agent for change in Olympia?

The Seattle Times Editorial Board endorsement goes to Mike Heavey, a Democrat unafraid to say state lawmakers have to do things in a new and different way. He advocates zero-base budgeting, a way of reviewing everything the Legislature pays for and the many services the state provides.

Unlike most of the other candidates in the race to replace Rep. Sharon Nelson, Heavey understands the state's 110,000 employees have to face reality if they wish the state to remain solvent and preserve critical public services.

The state can no longer afford wage and benefit packages that allow employee contributions to health benefits to remain locked at 12 percent when the private sector is paying much more.

Heavey is a young man who gained passion for public service from his family, including his father, Mike Heavey, a longtime state legislator and King County Superior Court judge, and Ed Heavey, a great uncle with a long record of public service.

But this is not a matter of legacy. Heavey worked on the Eastside on behalf of King County Executive Dow Constantine's 2009 campaign and currently serves as the director of outreach and constituent relations for County Councilmember Jan Drago.

Heavey's most qualified challenger, Joe Fitzgibbon, a Democrat, is well versed on the issues but seems too much of a hard-left candidate to match the critical mission of the moment.

Other candidates in the race are Marcee Stone, a Democrat, and Geoffrey Mac McElroy, an independent.

The 34th District includes West Seattle, Burien and Maury and Vashon islands, a diverse and often liberal constituency. But lawmakers in this difficult climate have to do more than read talking points from the liberal left. They have to think independently.

Heavey can do that and he wins our support.