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| Norma Smith, Republican |
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| Candidate: State Senator, District 10 |
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| Norma Smith |
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| Age: 48 |
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| Residence: Clinton |
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| Occupation: |
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Congressional special assistant, 1995-present |
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| Education: |
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B.A. in theology, Puget Sound Christian College |
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| Political history: |
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South Whidbey School Board member, 1991-1995 |
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| Endorsements: No response. |
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| Campaign Web site: http://www.normasmith2000.org |
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| Campaign theme: |
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A fresh approach to government. |
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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 |
no response |
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I-728 - School district financing |
no response |
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I-729 - Charter schools |
no response |
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I-732 - Teacher raises |
no response |
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I-745 - Transportation funding |
no response |
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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 will work to find a constitutionally sound solution to this issue. I favor an open primary system that allows independent-minded voters to express their views about who should be nominated by either party. |
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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 phasing out the state portion of the property tax, an action that would benefit homeowners as well as our business and agricultural communities. In a rural district like ours, it's vital to assist our farmers and small businesses in order to nurture and protect our quality of life. |
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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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No. I support tax fairness and equal protection under the law. |
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| 5. |
What privacy legislation would you support? Would you exempt financial institutions? Why or why not? |
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This issue is critical. Our private information must be secure, especially when dealing with medical records. I would not exempt financial institutions. We also need to examine why government so often exempts itself of the rules made to protect individual privacy, and what can be done to remedy the situation. |
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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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A tax increase is not the solution. That would take us back to where we were prior to 695 _ the citizens of Washington already feel overburdened. We must pursue efficiencies and greater government accountability, including independent performance audits and bonding mechanisms that provide stable revenue sources for a healthy infrastructure. |
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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 strongly support the death penalty as implemented in Washington against the most heinous crimes, including those against police officers, prison guards, the defenseless and children. I recognize the vital importance of utilizing advanced science and technology, such as DNA testing, whenever there is a possibility they would exonerate the defendant. |
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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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It's a sad commentary on today's governance in Olympia that the public has to intervene in the Legislature's constitutional role. It should restore the public's confidence by requiring a supermajority for tax increases. If not, I would support a constitutional amendment requiring public approval on any reasonable tax proposal. |
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