State Representative, District -- 21, Position -- 1

Party: Democrat

Date of birth: September 14, 1947

Residence: Edmonds, Washington

Education: University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), BA, Political Science

Public service and volunteer experience: Edmonds Community College, Trustee; Children’s Campaign Fund, Chair; United Way of Snohomish County, Board Member; Snohomish County Committee for Juvenile Justice, Co-Chair; Committee for Washington’s Future, Finance Committee and Speakers Bureau; Child Abuse Prevention Association of Washington; Washington State Transportation Policy Institute; Snohomish County Committee for Improved Transportation; Snohomish County Redistricting Advisory Committee; Snohomish County Engineering Design and Development Standards Advisory Committee; Transportation Benefit District Advisory Committee; Washington State Women’s Political Caucus; Washington Women United, Founding Board Member; Washington State House Appropriations Committee, Budget Analyst; Clinton for President, Snohomish County Coordinator; Snohomish County Democratic Central Committee, Chair

Endorsements: 21st Legislative District Democrats; Aerospace Machinists Industrial District Lodge 751; Amalgamated Transit Union; Children's Campaign Fund; House Democratic Campaign Committee; IBEW Local 191 Public Information Fund; Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties; NARAL Pro-Choice Washington; National Organization for Women, Washington State;Office and Professional Emplyees Local No. 8; Public School Employees of Washington; SEIU Washington State Council; Snohomish County Democrats; Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon; Snohomish County Labor Council; State Representative Mike Cooper, 21st District; State Representative Brian Sullivan, 21st District; State Senator Paull Shin, 21st District; Tulalip Tribes of Washington; United Auto Workers Region 5; United States Congressman Jay Inslee; Washington Conservation Voters; Washington Education Association; Washington Federation of Teachers; Washington Health Care Association; Washington Public Employees Association; Washington School Administrators; Washington School Principals LEA; Washington State Building and Construction Trade Council; Washington State Coalition of Mental Health Professionals and Consumers; Washington State Council of County and City Employees; Washington State Democrats; Washington State Labor Council; Washington State Nurses Association; Washington State Women's Political Caucus; Washington Teamsters Legislative League

Campaign theme: I am running for State House because we need experienced leadership to get things done for our children and our communities. As a long-time champion for children and education issues, I will bring invaluable expertise in improving the quality of life and education for our children to the state Legislature. I am committed to finding tangible solutions for our education system, while ensuring that our schools have the funding they need to provide high quality education to our children.

I am proud of my years of service to the community and want to take my experience to Olympia to get results for all of us. I will work hard to strengthen our economy, and protect and expand local jobs. I will fight to alleviate traffic congestion by investing in roads, while adequately funding ferries and transit, and assuring pedestrian safety.

Questions for candidates

What are the biggest differences between you and your opponent(s)? I am a long-time resident of the 21st District and an active Democrat with a proven track record of advocating for children, education and economic growth. I am running for office after many years of public services, and I believe I have the experience to effectively represent the interests of the district. I am actively campaigning and reaching out to voters in the 21st District to learn about their concerns and priorities for our leadership in Olympia.

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 are children, education, economic well-being, transportation, and fair taxes and spending. To close the budget gap, we need a mix of spending cuts, tax increases and eliminating tax exemptions while still meeting the state’s needs. We need a clear understanding of the impact spending cuts will have on future costs. Tax increases should not drive businesses or jobs from the state. Past state-level decisions, which pass costs onto local government, should be re-evaluated.

Do you support the initiative to raise the sales tax 1 penny to raise money for schools and higher education? I am supporting Initiative 884 because it will make desperately needed funds available to our entire education system. Its recognition of the importance of pre-school education is extremely important and it will create new opportunities for meeting the needs of both our K-12 and higher education systems. While such a tax is regressive it deserves our support because it is the best solution currently being offered.

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 primary system is leaving many voters frustrated and confused. But the top two primary approach will deny voters in districts with a strong minority party any voting option. I will vote against this initiative.

What do you think of the initiative to expand the use of slot machines to reduce taxes? I am opposing this initiative. I see no value in expanding gambling in Washington State and think our current approach has allowed significant economic development which is benefiting our Native American communities.

Contact

6710 128TH ST SW
EDMONDS, WA 98026
(425) 745-9954
maryhelen@electmaryhelen.com

Campaign Web site:
www.electmaryhelen.com