State Senator, District -- 11

Party: Democrat

Date of birth: February 22, 1931

Residence: 6245 S. Langston Rd., Seattle

Education: Diploma, St. Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing, Phoenix, Ariz; attended University of Washington

Political offices held: Renton School Board
Wa. St. House of Representatives
Wa. St. Senate

Public service and volunteer experience: Vice Pres., Wa. St. Nurses Assn.
Renton School Levy Chair
Board Member, Renton Area Youth Services
Platform Committee, King County Democratic Party; Vice Chairman King County Democrats

Endorsements: Washington State Patrol Troopers Association
Amalgamated Transit Union
Women's Political Caucus
Children's Campaign Fund
Wahsington Federation of State Employees
United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local 1797.
Washington State Labor Council
Public School Employees of Washington
Washington Public Employees of FCW Local 365
Service Employees International Union
Seattle/King County Association of Realtors
Escrow Assn of Washington
Washington Education Association
United Transportation Union

Campaign theme: A robust economy brings jobs

Questions for candidates

What are the biggest differences between you and your opponent(s)? 50-year resident in the area. Have chaired a number of important committees. Although I am partisan, I am pragmatic and work well with Republicans. I've been successful at passing legislation. My strength is that although I am not usually the original idea person, I listen to everyone and try to find the best elements and craft legislation that will pass.

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? If we are in the majority, I will chair Ways and Means. If plan to scrutinize where all of expenditures go and make sure we are getting the state's money's worth. I've proposed taxing enhanced card rooms up to the 20% that is now allowed. Plan a series of hearings to explore the tax system.

Do you support the initiative to raise the sales tax 1 penny to raise money for schools and higher education? No. It will cost us revenue as more people buy in border states. It will make our tax regressiveness worse.

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? The new system is constitutional under the 1st Amendment. The Initiatve changes the general election, would people be mad then! There will be legal challenges. The parties could make the choice at convention and we would hear the howling then.

What do you think of the initiative to expand the use of slot machines to reduce taxes? The enhanced card rooms are already making plenty. They are much too greedy. An expansion of gambling would invite organized crime, money laundering (already present). I have been successful in stopping a similar bill in the Senate. I have been an ex-officio member of the gambling commission for 9 years.

Contact

6245 S LANGSTON RD
SEATTLE, WA 98178
(206) 772-6480
mlprentice@juno.com

Campaign Web site:
margaritaprentice.com