State Representative, District -- 46, Position -- 2

Party: Democrat

Political offices held: State Representative, 46th District -- 1997-present

Public service and volunteer experience: Service on many state boards and commissions on education, health care and economic development issues; Leadership Tomorrow; Seattle Community College District Board of Trustees; National Center for Policy Alternatives; Women In Democracy

Endorsements: State Labor Council; WA Conservation Voters; Women's Political Caucus; State Firefighters; Nurses Association; WA State Federation of Teachers; 46th District Democratic Organization

Campaign theme: Investing in Washington's future through education and economic activity builds strong communities for our families and children.

Questions for candidates

What are the biggest differences between you and your opponent(s)? I have never met my opponent, a Libertarian, nor have I seen any of his campaign materials.

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? Education: Well-paid, well-trained teachers; a K-16 system that is affordable and accessible to all. Economic development that provides family-wage jobs with health-care and pension benefits. I believe in regular review of all tax preferences and elimination of those that no longer serve any economic need. I support restructuring the tax system to make it more equitable and productive.

Do you support the initiative to raise the sales tax 1 penny to raise money for schools and higher education? I support the initiative even though I believe there should be better and fairer ways to support education through tax reform. Our state’s dependence on the sales tax as our main revenue source is antiquated and regressive. But with the initiatives that have passed cutting state revenues, we don’t have many options left to meet the state’s constitutionally mandated responsibility to adequately fund education.

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? The current system is the result of a legislative compromise. It meets the requirements of the Supreme Court decision and protects those who prefer not to make their political preferences public. The Top 2 system will continue the cycle of endless litigation.

What do you think of the initiative to expand the use of slot machines to reduce taxes? I do not support this initiative. I do not believe that this is the way to reduce taxes nor do I believe this initiative will bring in the funding needed to provide services for state residents. Finally, I oppose further expansion of gambling.

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