State Representative, District -- 37, Position -- 2

Party: Democrat

Date of birth: November 25, 1960

Residence: Mt. Baker Neighborhood

Education: BS Sociology , Oregon State Univ., Master of Social Work, Business Certification U of Washington

Political offices held: Current State Representative for the 37th Legislative District position #2.

Public service and volunteer experience: Eric has held jobs related to community involvement, safety and enrichment:
Public Policy Specialist, The Children’s Alliance; Deputy Chief of Staff for Public Safety, Mayor Norman Rice; Director of Emergency Management, City of Seattle; Executive Director Minority Youth Health Project, University of Washington.

Endorsements: Washington State Labor Council, National Association of Social Workers, Washington State School Principals, Washington State Public School Employees,
NARAL, Washington Conservation Voters, Washington State Firefighters

Campaign theme: A Record of Results for our Community.

Questions for candidates

What are the biggest differences between you and your opponent(s)? Our experience. I have been working for the past 17 years to improve my community. I initiated economic development changes as well as driving support dollars from private and public funding entities to non-profit organizations and businesses in my community. I successfully wrote a proposal to SAFECO that convinced them to open satellite offices across the country, and was instrumental in convincing Sound Transit and the city of Seattle to create a $48 million fund to lessen the impacts of light rail in my community. I am motivated more by the opportunity to do something for my community.

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? Support for education, children and family services and economic development. I would close the $1 billion gap between a combination of cuts, possible tax increases and investment in programs that give the state a better return on our dollar in the short and long term, i.e. early childhood education, reducing B&O taxes for small businesses.

Do you support the initiative to raise the sales tax 1 penny to raise money for schools and higher education? Yes

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? No, but it is better than the proposed alternative. With the proposed alternative (top two candidates move on to the general), third parties, which are well represented in my district, would less likely be represented in the entire election process. It is important to make sure those parties have a chance for representation and their supporters remain engaged with the political process and continue to add valuable ideas and input to all political parties. Answer to the 2nd question is No!

What do you think of the initiative to expand the use of slot machines to reduce taxes? I am against this initiative.

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