The Times recommends Hill, Haistings and Springer in the 45th Legislative District

THREE recommendations for the 45th Legislative District offer candidates with a compelling mix of thoughtful ideas and demonstrated ability to address the state's financial woes.

In the Senate race, Republican Andy Hill is endorsed to replace the Democratic incumbent Sen. Eric Oemig. Hill is full of cogent ideas to reshape state government priorities and spending away from deficits and tax increases. The Redmond resident is a former PTSA president and former Microsoft manager who led the tech company's design of K-12 educational software.

Oemig is a Seattle-style liberal in a district much more moderate. Government budgets grew when they should have been shrinking. He was part of the Democratic-controlled Legislature that refused to acknowledge the economic train wreck building. Oemig voted to suspend Initiative 960, the two-thirds rule on raising taxes, he also supported an unsustainable state budget that raised taxes.

By contrast, Hill offers the potential for strong leadership and a sharp focus on priorities of economic growth, job creation and funding public schools.

For Position 1, Republican Kevin Haistings would bring a pragmatic, independent voice to the principal task in Olympia: wrestling a tight budget. The Carnation resident and Seattle Police Department sergeant is a political novice. Haistings' budget approach — which includes looking at spending and asking not if a program is of value, but rather who should bear the cost — ought to be the standard in Olympia. Haistings proposes a public-private partnership to help pay for parks and other public needs.

Rep. Roger Goodman is the Democratic incumbent. An attorney, Goodman is best known for drug-law reform. But his tenure lacked independent leadership and efforts toward pragmatic budget solutions.

For Position 2, incumbent Democrat Larry Springer has earned the confidence of voters and another term in office. Springer is a smart, moderate voice with considerable legislative experience. In addition to the Legislature, Springer served 11 years on the Kirkland City Council — four as mayor.

The 45th District, which stretches from Kirkland past Carnation, is best served by Hill, Haistings and Springer.