Roberts, Kerley should advance in 21st District

Voters in Mukilteo, Edmonds and Lynnwood can prolong into fall an important conversation on state spending and progress on foster care and education.

Democratic state Rep. Mary Helen Roberts (District 21, Position 1) is a solid performer in the Legislature, but Douglas Ivar Kerley, one of two Republican challengers on the ballot, thinks she could have done more.

Kerley, retired from the U.S. Postal Service, describes himself as an active, mainstream Republican. He is also a former board member of the Snohomish County Labor Council.

A third candidate in the race, Republican Brian Travis, focuses on transportation, and wants to see more buses and road construction.

Roberts is vice chair of two legislative committees, and has been a leader on children's issues — in particular, children with incarcerated parents. Her civic résumé includes service on the board of trustees of Edmonds Community College.

For November, the top two in this contest are incumbent Roberts and Republican challenger Kerley.