State Senator, District -- 5

Party: Republican

Date of birth: February 8, 1957

Residence: 20329 292nd Ave SE Maple Valley

Education: B.S. University of Washington, ESA certificate from Pacific Lutheran University

Political offices held: State Representative, 1999-2004; State Senatator, January 2004 to present

Public service and volunteer experience: A fourth generation native, I understand our values and priorities. I have volunteered for the PTA, Rotary, Washington Trails Association, Boy Scouts, Chamber of Commerce, Sammamish Symphony Board, youth athletic programs, and been a foster mother for Healing the Children. As a parent of four, I am committed to building a bright future through education and a growing job market. As a nurse, I care passionately about health care access and the need for research. After six years in Olympia, I know how to get things done for us.

Endorsements: Washington Taxpayers Association, Washington Medical Association, Public School Employees, National Federation of Independent Business, State Council of Police, Farm Bureau.

Campaign theme: I think that government should:
- Listen, not preach
- Respond with efficiency and accountability
- Help, not hinder, and
- Serve, not rule.

Questions for candidates

What are the biggest differences between you and your opponent(s)? I am a focused listener and work hard to insure my constituents get the help they need from government. I understand that public service isn't about making promises, it is about keeping them. Working across party lines is a reality with me, not rhetoric. I study the details and support practical solutions. I understand the trade-offs involved in every decision and consider consequences carefully. I have not made campaign promises to special interest groups.

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? We need legal and regulatory reforms and a responsible budget that promotes economic recovery, funds transportation improvements, supports excellent schools, and makes government more efficient and service-oriented. Raising taxes stalls economic recovery. Revenues are growing slowly as the economy improves. Policy reforms that improve the business climate, create jobs, produce a skilled workforce and encourage innovation will speed that recovery. Spending must not grow faster than revenue. New programs must be delayed, outdated and ineffective programs cut, and funding refocused on programs that achieve results.

Do you support the initiative to raise the sales tax 1 penny to raise money for schools and higher education? I support the intent of providing adequate resources for our schools and institutions of higher learning. If the initiative passes, I will work to insure that monies are spent productively. If it fails, I will work for alternative funding options that address those goals.

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 nearly everyone else, I liked the old system. Both the new partisan primary and the "top two" have significant flaws. I would prefer the "top two," as long as constitutional issues are addressed and the law insures that the people's right to vote in the primary is not taken away by party conventions.

What do you think of the initiative to expand the use of slot machines to reduce taxes? Such a major change in gambling law is likely to adversely impact our communities. Actual state revenues will probably fall far short of those predicted by the intiative backers, and existing state gambling revenues will be negatively impacted. It's a bad trade.

Contact

PO BOX 1505
ISSAQUAH, WA 98027
(425) 413-5333
cheryl@pflug.com

Campaign Web site:
www.pflug.com