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| Ned Daniels, Democrat |
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| Candidate: State Representative, |
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| Ned Daniels |
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District 21, Position 2 |
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| Age: 51 |
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| Residence: Lynnwood |
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| Occupation: |
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Teacher |
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| Education: |
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B.A. in history, University of Washington; M.A. in teaching, City University |
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| Political history: |
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Lynnwood city councilman, 1993-present; former chairman of Snohomish County Democratic Party |
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| Endorsements: |
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Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Washington Conservation Voters, Lynnwood firefighters |
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| Campaign Web site: http://www.NedDaniels2000.com |
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| Campaign theme: |
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Proven experience, proven leadership -- for the issues that matter. |
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| 1. |
What is your position on the initiatives proposed on this year's November ballot? |
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I-713 - Animal trapping |
yes |
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I-722 - Property taxes |
no |
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I-728 - School district financing |
yes |
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I-729 - Charter schools |
no |
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I-732 - Teacher raises |
yes |
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I-745 - Transportation funding |
no |
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| 2. |
Now that the U.S. Supreme Court has declared blanket primary elections like Washington's violate political parties' constitutional rights, what form of new primary election system would you propose adopting? |
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Allowing as much freedom as possible is what I'd prefer, and that means the open primary, where voters choose their ballot as they vote. Partisan voters vote for their candidates but it also ensures some degree of choice for those independent voters who vote by particular candidate or issue. |
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| 3. |
Would you continue the trend of recent years and support tax cuts for businesses? Which ones specifically? If not, why? |
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As a Lynnwood City Councilman, I've voted against a number of proposed tax increases, including a recent tax on theater entertainment. I'd be interested in discussing reducing business taxes (such as the B&O) but I believe business should shoulder a fair share of the load while we enjoy this economic success. |
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| 4. |
Would you support a Constitutional amendment that would allow tax breaks for homeowners but not for business or commercial property? Why or why not? |
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I'd support targeting tax cuts to help the middle class, and this is one way to do it. However, we must be responsible, and ensure we can afford to provide needed services such as police and fire protection, improving transportation congestion and bettering our education system. These are top priorities. |
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| 5. |
What privacy legislation would you support? Would you exempt financial institutions? Why or why not? |
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Too many organizations ask for private information then sell it to the highest bidder. At the very least, financial institutions should ask permission. Business and government must work together to ensure health records are kept privileged information and prevent misuse of our Social Security numbers. |
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| 6. |
A commission studying transportation funding says a new financing mechanism is needed to keep Washington transportation projects on track. How would you propose financing future transportation projects? |
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Given the current state of our roads and traffic congestion, something has to be done. While no one likes paying for it, I would be interested in looking at some kind of usage fee. The fairest method is to make people who use the roads most pay their share. |
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| 7. |
With some states reconsidering the death penalty, what is your position and what changes, if any, do you think are needed in Washington's law? Under what circumstances would you support a moratorium? |
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I believe we should continue to ensure as many checks and balances are in place to ensure we punish only vicious criminals and no one else. This includes the ability to use DNA testing as well as current legal appeal methods. I do not support a moratorium at this time. |
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| 8. |
A judge struck down Initiative 695's provision that would have required a public vote for all tax and fee increases. Would you support a Constitutional amendment that would require the public vote? Why or why not? |
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No. When the Legislature sends tax increases to the public, I believe it is a disservice to the democratic process. The public elects representatives to decide these issues. The public has recourses if they don't think their representative is doing a fair job. They should use these recourses. |
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