State Representative, District -- 48, Position -- 2

Party: Democrat

Date of birth: April 15, 1954

Residence: Bellevue 98004

Education: BA - UCLA; Elem. & SecondaryTeachers Credentials - UCIrvine; MS - Indiana Univ.

Public service and volunteer experience: - PTSA President, Clyde Hill Elementary, 2 years
- Board Member, NCJW (nonpartisan service & advocacy org. for women, children, families) 7+ years
- Capt. Boeing Leadership Center's back-to-school and holiday charitable programs, 6 years
- Volunteer training video developer for Indianapolis Police/Marion Cty. Sheriff's Dept. on diabetes emergencies (ADA commendation)

Endorsements: King County Labor Council; Washington State Labor Council; King County Democrats; King County Young Democrats; 48th Dist. Democrats; Progressive Majority; Ross Hunter; Frank Chopp

Campaign theme: Action for a Change: The legislature has been feuding while the healthcare system deteriorates and education funding stagnates. Real people suffer as a result, and this is wrong. I will work to change this situation.

Questions for candidates

What are the biggest differences between you and your opponent(s)? I will work for access to affordable top-notch health care for all by focusing on the whole system; Mr. Tom’s fix does little to address the needs of 800,000 uninsured Washingtonians or the exodus of health care providers. I’ve had more varied living, working and traveling experiences; my worldview is global, not just NW-centric. I have worked with a range of people, from beat cops to Air Force Generals, health care providers to teachers, on a multitude of issues, not just housing needs.

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? 1. Establishing a stable, reliable and equitable funding system (aligned with education reform goals) for pre-K through higher education. 2. Providing access to affordable, top-notch healthcare for everyone. Continue to make government as efficient as possible, but we cannot go on cutting health and educational funds. I support increased revenues if needed, and we must be careful not to inhibit growth of innovative industries that need targeted tax incentives and state investment.

Do you support the initiative to raise the sales tax 1 penny to raise money for schools and higher education? Yes, but as a stopgap measure until stable, reliable and equitable funding is established. We are close to the tipping point where people will balk at any more increases to the sales tax, no matter how worthy the cause.

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? Even though other states use this system, it does inhibit independent choices. I, along with most other Washingtonians, would prefer a "top 2" primary.

What do you think of the initiative to expand the use of slot machines to reduce taxes? I do not think state governments should fix their budgets this way. Gambling should stay in the casinos. I-892 is a new low.

Contact

c/o Hazel Russell, treasurer
4507 105th NE
Kirkland, WA 98033
(425) 637-1709
debigolden2004@msn.com

Campaign Web site:
www.debigolden.com