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| Tom Pierson, Republican |
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| Candidate: State Representative, |
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| Tom Pierson |
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District 30, Position 1 |
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| Age: 29 |
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| Residence: Federal Way |
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| Occupation: |
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Staff director for King County Councilman Pete von Reichbauer |
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| Education: |
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B.A., political science, Washington State University |
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| Political history: No response |
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| Endorsements: |
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King County Police Officers Guild, Washington Farm Bureau |
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| Campaign Web site: http://www.tompierson.com |
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| Campaign theme: |
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Working for our future. |
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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 |
no response |
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I-722 - Property taxes |
yes |
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I-728 - School district financing |
no |
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I-729 - Charter schools |
yes |
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I-732 - Teacher raises |
no |
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I-745 - Transportation funding |
yes |
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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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I believe those of our neighbors who do not want to be affiliated with a political party still should have the right to vote for the candidate of their choice. I intend to do everything I can to ensure that our independent neighbors are not disenfranchised in the primary election. |
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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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I support business and occupation tax cuts. We need to attract and encourage small businesses as well as ``mom and pop'' businesses. |
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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 do not support a split roll tax system because I do not believe in pitting one segment of the population against another. Keeping a single roll keeps everyone interested in fiscally responsible government. Allowing the tax burden to be shifted to a minority would lead to skyrocketing government spending. |
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| 5. |
What privacy legislation would you support? Would you exempt financial institutions? Why or why not? |
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I will fight aggressively for effective privacy legislation. This includes aggressive prosecution of identity theft and full disclosure of credit reports so that consumers have recourse in fixing errors on their reports. I would not exempt financial or government institutions from privacy legislation. |
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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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I would not support any additional funding for transportation until the public is guaranteed that current taxes are being spent effectively on existing transportation projects. After thorough evaluation of funding sources, I would work to ensure that the projects chosen truly fight congestion. |
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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 support the death penalty. We must make every effort to ensure fairness in trials, but I believe the safeguards in place are working to protect the innocent. |
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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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The public has spoken on Initiative 695 and I will not go against their will. Therefore, I would support a constitutional amendment that would require a public vote for all tax and fee increases. |
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