State Representative, District -- 43, Position -- 1

Party: Democrat

Residence: Seattle, WA

Education: B.A. Sociology, University of Portland

Political offices held: State Representative

Public service and volunteer experience: Council staff to Seattle City Council Member Martha Choe; Member, Greater Seattle Business Association; Plymouth Housing Capital Campaign;
Puget Sound Regional Council, Transportation Policy Board

Endorsements: Cascade Bicycle Club, Children's Campaign Fund, King County Labor Council, King County Women's Political Caucus, King County Municipal League "Outstanding" rating, Law Enforcement Administrators of WA, NARAL, Public School Employees of WA, Seattle-King County Association of Realtors, Seattle Metropolitan Elections Committee, Service Employees International Union, United Staff Nurses Union, United Transportation Union, WA Conservation Voters "Champion" rating, WA Federation of State Employees, WA Public Employees Association, WA Restaurant Association, WA State Council of Fire Fighters, WA State Labor Council, WA State Patrol Troopers Association, WA State Nurses Association, WA State Veterinary Medical Association, Women In Unity "A" Rating

Campaign theme: Results: for the 43rd Legislative District and for the State of Washington.

Questions for candidates

What are the biggest differences between you and your opponent(s)? I have not yet had the opportunity to meet or debate my Republican opponent. I look forward to doing both.

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 transportation, education, health care, and civil rights. It’s too early to predict the shortfall given recent economic improvements and various initiatives on the ballot. To address any shortfall, I would utilize the Priorities of Government process to allocate funds to those programs/functions considered most effective and reduce/eliminate those not as effective. If additional funds are necessary, examine the results of the exemption review process undertaken through the Priorities of Government. This would be the first time such a review would be undertaken. Only when a full review is complete, should we consider raising taxes to pay for the state's responsibility, particularly for education and health care.

Do you support the initiative to raise the sales tax 1 penny to raise money for schools and higher education? Yes. Simply put, a good education leads to opportunity and higher pay. We must do more when only 7 of 10 students will graduate from high school and only 2 will get a college degree within 6 years of graduation. With budget shortfalls (and no tax reform in sight), we can't support the increased results we've mandated for graduation. I-884 will provide crucial funding for preschool through K-12 programs to ensure our kids succeed and help us meet enrollment needs for our growing college-age population.

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? Like most Washingtonians, I preferred our tradition of an open primary. Even my very Democratic district is not satisfied with the legislative solution to the court decision ending our primary process. Voter concern about restricted choices must be readdressed by the Legislature. Since the question asks only about the new system versus the top 2 system, I support the new system. The top 2 will lead to even more voter frustration during a general election when the top two, in some elections, end up being from the same party.

What do you think of the initiative to expand the use of slot machines to reduce taxes? Doubling the amount of slot machines to pay for a reduction in property taxes is not a credible example of tax reform. Expanding gambling beyond tribal casinos to bowling alleys, bars and restaurants statewide promotes a price on those least able to afford gambling losses or addiction. Gambling is an unreliable revenue source that could cause cuts in the general fund, the fund that provides for such reliable investments as education and treatment for those struggling with addiction.

Contact

1122 E PIKE #799
SEATTLE, WA 98122
(206) 325-8294
edwardmur@msn.com

Campaign Web site:
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