State Senator, District -- 38

Party: Democrat

Date of birth: August 22, 1938

Residence: 2503 60th St. SE, Everett, WA 98203

Education: BA Business, University of Washington

Political offices held: State Senator, State Representative

Public service and volunteer experience: I have been active in my community for more that 30 years. Organizations include Everett Senior Center Board, Everett Medic One Foundation Board, Everett Community College Board of Trustees, Snohomish County Labor Council, IBEW Local #89, 38th Legislative District Democrats and The Assistance League of Everett.

Endorsements: Labor
IAM #751, WACOPS, Teamsters #28, AFSCME, SEIU, WPEA #365, Everett Firefighters #46, Marysville Firefighters #3219, Snohomish County Labor Council, and Washington State Labor Council.

Business
Snohomish County-Camano Island Association of Realtors, WA Restaurant Association, and Escrow Association of Washington.

Political
NARAL Washington, Women’s Political Caucus, Children’s Campaign Fund, WA State Nurses Association, 38th Legislative District Democrats, and Snohomish County Democrats.

Campaign theme: As a lifelong resident of this community, I understand the issues facing us and I will work hard in Olympia to represent all the citizens of the 38th Legislative District.

Questions for candidates

What are the biggest differences between you and your opponent(s)? I have the experience and the ability to work with my colleagues in a bipartisan manner in both the House and the Senate to represent the interests of our community.

What are your highest priorities for state government? If you had to close the projected $1 billion gap between state government revenues and expenses, how would you do it? My highest priorities are transportation, education and health care. I believe the Legislature can balance the budget with existing revenues by doing a better job of prioritizing. I also believe the State can also improve efficiency and accountability to provide better service to our citizens.

Do you support the initiative to raise the sales tax 1 penny to raise money for schools and higher education? Yes. Education is the foundation of our nation. We want well trained, well educated workers getting good jobs right here in Washington State. We need to do a better job of motivating students through high school. This dedicated funding will provide additional K-12 monies and ensure access into our higher education system for our children.

Are you happy with Washington's new primary? Are you supporting the initiative that would give Washington a "top 2" primary system that the parties oppose? No, I am not happy with the new primary and would have preferred to keep our old system. I am not supporting the initiative because I believe it is important to have more than one party represented on the General Election ballot.

What do you think of the initiative to expand the use of slot machines to reduce taxes? I am not supporting this initiative but I see the impact tribal gambling expansion is having on non-tribal businesses. I believe any further expansion of gaming should be restricted and shared (50-50) between tribal and non-tribal business. Tribal gaming should not be allowed to continue expanding at the expense of other businesses nor should gaming become a major tax source for the State.

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