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

Party: Republican

Residence: Bothell

Education: 4-yr Journeyman's Electrical License, Washington State Patrol Law Enforcement Certification

Political offices held: Elected to Bothell City Council, 1992-present, Elected Mayor, 2003-2004, Elected Mayor pro-tem, 2001-2003, Currently serving 3rd consecutive term, Senior Serving Elected Member

Public service and volunteer experience: Former Northshore Little League Football Coach, Former Northshore Youth Soccer Assn Coach.
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Bothell Economic Development Committee 2002-present, Capital Facilities Committee 2001-present, Joint City/Fire Advisory Board 1993-present, Koganei Japan, Sister city Committee, Chair 1993-present, SeaShore Transportation Committee, 2001-2003, Snohomish County Tomorrow, 2002-2004,
Leoff-1 Disability Board, 1993-present, Volunteer Fire Claims Board, 1993-present, Washington State Patrol Law Enforcement Certification, 1986,
Commissioned State Trooper, Field Operations, King County, 1986-present,
Trooper Cadet, Washington State Patrol Communications Dispatch, 1985-1986,
Traffic Law Enforcement, District 2,
Technical Advisory Committee,
Technical Collision Investigator,
Departmental Awards Committee,
Field Training Officer,
Mobil communications Network Committee,
Certified Driving Instructor,
Pursuit Vehicle Equipment Committee-Chair,
Pre Academy Trooper Cadet Coach,
Criminal Justice Training Commission Law Enforcement Certification,
Criminal Justice Training Commission law enforcement certification oversight committee,
Washington Department of Labor and Industries Commercial Journeyman electrical License,
Bothell Fire Department –firefighter, 1980-1984,
Firefighter 1 basic certification,
Certified engine operator/driver,
Emergency Medical technician,

Community Outreach Committee, 2001-2002,
King County Jail Advisory Board, 1994,1996,2000,2001,
Public Safety Committee, Chair 1994-1999,
Bothell Transportation Partnership 1996,
City Manager Evaluation Committee, 1993-present,
Human Services Committee, 1993-1996,
Bothell Public Corporation, 2000,
East King County Mayors committee, 2003,
Snohomish County Mayors Committee, 2003,
Snohomish County Tomorrow steering Committee, 2003,
Suburban Cities Management Board, 2003,
Washington State Patrol Trooper of the Year-King County 1992,
Washington State Patrol Trooper of the Year-King County 1994,
Washington State Patrol Outstanding Achievement Award 1997,
Washington Traffic Safety Commission Award for Excellence in law Enforcement, 1997,
Washington State Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers Officer of The Year Award, 1989,1991,1992,1993,1994, 1995, 1996, 1997

Endorsements: Associated Builders and Contractors, Human Life of Washington, King County Republican Central Committee, Snohomish County Republican Central Committee, 1/32nd District Republicans, Kirby Wilbur, Councilman John Koster, King County Sheriff Dave Reichert and many other community leaders, as well as hundreds of your friends and neighbors.

Campaign theme: Jeff Merrill's Agenda:
1) Affordable Health Care
2) NO tax increases
3) Safe Neighborhoods for our kids

Questions for candidates

What are the biggest differences between you and your opponent(s)? My opponent has had 8 years in office to fix the problems we face today. Now, he wants more time. This is not acceptable. The 1st District has suffered from a lack of leadership in Olympia. I am not afraid to take a stand against the special interests. I have proven, time and time again, with my work on the Bothell City Council that I am a consensus builder who can get things done. Secondly, the finance reports tell it all. He is funded by special interest groups across the state.

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) NO TAX INCREASES 2) Return Washington to a business friendly environment 3) Protect our most vulnerable citizens Olympia doesn't have a revenue problem, they have a spending problem. We need to cut back spending and return Washington to a business friendly atmosphere once again. Businesses employ people and pay taxes when they thrive. IF we allow them to leave the state or close down altogether, they aren't putting anything into the system. The solution isn't difficult.

Do you support the initiative to raise the sales tax 1 penny to raise money for schools and higher education? NO. As you may have seen with my previous statement, I do not support increasing taxes. Currently, only 42% of each education dollar goes to basic education. Where does the other 58% go? Administration. This is straight from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction website. Sooner or later, taxpayers deserve something from the government other than administration.

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? I will not support a primary system that would essentially eliminate all third party candidates from the general election ballot. The more political parties and ideas that participate in the political process, the better.

Contact

PO BOX 266
BOTHELL, WA 98041-0266
(425) 487-1154
jeff@jeffmerrill.org

Campaign Web site:
www.jeffmerrill.org