State Representative, District -- 44, Position -- 1

Party: Democrat

Date of birth: October 26, 1953

Residence: Snohomish, WA

Education: B.A. - University of Washington; M.A. - Western Washington University

Political offices held: State Representative for the 44th District (2002-Present); State Representative for the 39th District (1992-94, 1996-2002); Snohomish County Charter Review Commission

Public service and volunteer experience: Former Volunteer Firefighter, School District Levy Committee member, former United Way Board member, former YMCA youth program board member

Endorsements: Children’s Campaign Fund, Washington Sportfishing PAC, Amalgamated Transit Union – Local 587, Amalgamated Transit Union Legislative Council, Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs, Washington Conservation Voters, Joint Council of Teamsters No. 28, United Transportation Union, Mental Health PAC, Progressive Majority, SEIU, Washington State Labor Council - AFL-CIO, NARAL - Pro-Choice Washington, Hop Growers of Washington, Snohomish County Deputies and Sheriffs Association, Washington State Patrol Troopers Association, Office & Professional Employees International Union – Local 8, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers – Local 17, UFCW Local 1105, National Association of Social Workers PAC, Washington State Nurses Association PAC, United Staff Nurses Union – UFCW Local 141, Washington Women’s Political Caucus, Snohomish County Women’s Political Caucus

Campaign theme: Hans Dunshee has the common sense leadership to get stuff done.

Questions for candidates

What are the biggest differences between you and your opponent(s)? My experience and ability to get stuff done are major contrasts. I also talk straight and say what needs to be said. My vote for the balanced budget that didn’t raise taxes shows my ability to do bipartisan work. I support the use of binding arbitration to prevent teacher strikes while my opponent supports the status quo.

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? Creating jobs through investment. If we don’t build roads and schools we lose in the battle for jobs with other states and countries that make the investments. The status quo means we lose jobs. Regarding balancing the budget: I would rather close the gap without raising taxes but I will not exclude any options at this time. Efficiencies and cutting unneeded services are preferable options.

Do you support the initiative to raise the sales tax 1 penny to raise money for schools and higher education? Yes. The status quo isn’t good enough. We are losing teachers and access to college for our children. I support investing in K-12 and colleges to create jobs for tomorrow.

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, but the top two primary is most likely unconstitutional and would lead to more expensive lawsuits. There are other primary systems such as Instant Runoff Voting that are better that the options before us and we need to explore them.

What do you think of the initiative to expand the use of slot machines to reduce taxes? This Eyman initiative will not lower taxes as claimed. It will also spread gambling and turn many restaurants into casinos. No thank you.

Contact

506 10TH ST
SNOHOMISH, WA 98290
(360) 568-5204
hans.dunshee@verizon.net

Campaign Web site:
www.hansdunshee.com