State Representative, District -- 34, Position -- 2

Party: Democrat

Date of birth: July 1, 1967

Residence: West Seattle

Education: Master of Public Administration, University of Washington 1997; B.A., Gonzaga University

Political offices held: State Representative, 2001 - present; Chair, 34th District Democrats, 1997 - 2000

Public service and volunteer experience: President, West Seattle Helpline, 6/04 - present (board member since 7/98); Board Member, Southwest Youth & Family Services, 12/03 - present; Member, West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, 1/92 - 1/93; 1/03 - present; Member, Highline Historical Society, 5/02 - present; Member, Partnership for High Point’s Future, 3/02 - present; Member, Vashon Allied Arts, 4/01 - present; Member, Mayor-elect Greg Nickels’ Transition Committee, 11/01 - 3/02; Trustee, Alki Community Council, 5/92 - 5/93

Endorsements: American Federation of Teachers-Washington; Washington State Council of Fire Fighters; 34th District Democrats; Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO; Children’s Campaign Fund; King County Conservation Voters; Washington Council of Police & Sheriffs; King County Women’s Political Caucus; Washington Public Employees Association; Public School Employees of Washington; Washington Federation of State Employees, AFSCME; NARAL Pro-Choice Washington; Planned Parenthood VOTES! Washington PAC

Campaign theme: Experience and Commitment working for our Community

Questions for candidates

What are the biggest differences between you and your opponent(s)? Over the last four years in the legislature I gained experience that serves our district well. For instance, my colleagues selected me to be Vice Chair of the House Education Committee where I introduced the legislation that requires retake opportunities and alternative assessments for the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL). Further, as a lifelong resident of our community, I know our needs and advocate effectively for them within the Legislature.

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 for state government are education, health care, and transportation. The last two-year state budget relied on virtually all cuts to balance a gap of $1 billion between revenue and expenses. This led to severe reductions in health care, education, and other critical areas of the budget. The next state budget must have a balanced approach between cutting services and increasing revenue. The Legislature must be prepared to raise revenue, as I am, to fill the gap.

Do you support the initiative to raise the sales tax 1 penny to raise money for schools and higher education? I support Initiative 884 to invest $1 billion a year in early childhood learning, k-12 schools, and higher education. This investment is essential to make sure that every student achieves academic standards. While I recognize concerns about the tax source, the initiative is essential to meeting the pressing needs in our schools.

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? Our former blanket primary was liked and the new primary was a substantial change. However, I oppose changing our primary to a “Top Two” or Louisiana style primary per Initiative 872. In it the top two primary candidates, regardless of party, would advance to the general election. This would allow general election ballots with two members of the same party - leaving members of other parties with no real choice. Further, third party candidates would never make it to the general election.

What do you think of the initiative to expand the use of slot machines to reduce taxes? I believe Initiative 892 to reduce revenue to the state’s general fund by roughly $400 million is short-sighted. While tax reform is needed in Washington, reducing the state property taxes and replacing it with an expansion of the most addictive form of gambling is a poor choice - not the progressive approach we need. It is especially troubling when one realizes that the up to 18,000 new video slots would not be regulated by the state Gambling Commission.

Contact

Friends for Joe McDermott
P.O. Box 16254
SEATTLE, WA 98116
(206) 937-4184
Joe@JoeMcDermott.org

Campaign Web site:
www.JoeMcDermott.org