State Representative, District -- 39, Position -- 2

Party: Democrat

Date of birth: March 21, 1964

Residence: Arlington, WA

Education: Arlington High (1982), Eastern Washington University (BA, 1987), Harvard (M.Div. 1991)

Political offices held: I was the Arlington High Class President, but I'm not a politician by trade.

Public service and volunteer experience: -School volunteer at President’s Elementary.
-Knights of Columbus, Member
-Volunteer on John McCoy, Mary Margaret Haugen, Gary Locke, Rick Larson, and Al Gore campaigns
-Youth and Young Adult Minister, St. Brendan Parish, Bothell
-Youth and Young Adult and Community Life Minister, St. Joseph Parish, Seattle

Endorsements: AFL-CIO, Progressive Majority, Teamsters 38, Local Electrical Union (Everett), Carpenters Union (Everett), 39th District Democrats.

Campaign theme: "The Values and Passion to Make a Difference."

Questions for candidates

What are the biggest differences between you and your opponent(s)? Kirk represents the "old guard" that's making room for new neighbors in these parts. I represent the new energy, entrepreneurial spirit, and optimism of this changing 39th District. Diversity is the by-word that best describes the new residents of the 39th District. I don't think the incumbent completely appreciates that. The world I have had the opportunity to experience is a bigger one than Kirk's. While I have spent most of my life in this District, I have lived, worked and traveled across the country and overseas. My perspective is wider in scope, and I bring that larger vision to the table. Spirituality has always been a part of who I am. I have a deep respect for spirituality, beyond the confines of one particular religious denomination. I am a Sunday School teacher in my home church. I am inclusive of all faiths. It's what makes me unique with regard to most politicians. Finally, I am not in the hip pocket of special interests. I will not accept money from gun lobbies, big developers or big industry. Kirk has received money from PhillipMorris, the NRA, Pfizer, Weyerhaeuser, and British Petroleum. I may not be able to afford as many big signs as Kirk for that reason, but my independence is priceless.

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? The highest priority for state government is centered on growth for the state in general, and my district in particular--which directly impacts our roads, schools, the economy, the environment, social services, and law enforcement. The deficit is also crucial. Unfortunately, states can't run up deficits as we've seen the current administration do at the Federal level. Like any household that experiences a lay-off, we will have to cinch the belt and not splurge on the "goodies." One of my first priorities for promoting growth will be taking on the regressive B & O tax that hurts small businesses. Also, I think legislators should at least take a look at the income tax proposals now being discussed. In reality, a tax on the highest incomes may help us balance the budget and ease the tax burden on lower income families.

Do you support the initiative to raise the sales tax 1 penny to raise money for schools and higher education? If we are unable to come up with a reasonable income tax that can be supported by the majority, then this would have to be the next best option. It's regressive; but if it's the best we can do, then that's what must be done. Higher education, in particular, is now facing a crunch for lack of funding. This is a result of a failure to act from our elected officials. We must take responsibility now. Think of this not so much as a tax, but as an investment in our state's economy, culture and competitive future in the world market. We cannot afford not to invest in education. Everyone wins when education is made a priority.

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? For the long term, I believe the new primary will be best for the state. I see why people are irritated with what amounts to their constitutional rights being taken away, yet this system insures that each party's strongest candidate runs for office in the party's name. We can continue to vote for whomever we please in the general election, regardless of party identification. As for the Top 2 system, it seems to be a reasonable compromise.

What do you think of the initiative to expand the use of slot machines to reduce taxes? I am very much against using more slot machines to reduce taxes in this state. We don't need any more of these things than we already have, and we don't need to become a mini-Vegas. Keep what's already there on the reservations or grandfathered in casino houses. Personally, this gambling initiative goes against my principles of earning a living through hard work and grit. It smells like an attempt to defer taxes on those who can least afford them, by handing the budget deficit off to lower income families who are more likely to play the slots.

Contact

25823 27TH AVE NE
ARLINGTON, WA 98223
(360) 435-2128
pgonzales64@hotmail.com

Campaign Web site:
www.pedrogonzales.com