State Representative, District -- 39, Position -- 1

Party: Democrat

Date of birth: August 24, 1950

Residence: Monroe, WA

Education: BA, Business and French, 1974; Portland State University; MBA, Marketing and Finance, 1983; Universi

Political offices held: None

Public service and volunteer experience: Volunteer &/or Officer: Sno-Isle Libraries, Portland Jaycees, Active 20/30 Club, Salem Woods PTA, Planned Parenthood of Western Washington, Traveler’s Aid, Governor’s Chamber Music Festival. Chaired three campaigns resulting in a new library and funding for a 22-branch system. Led three successful campaigns to build badly-needed new schools, improve aging facilities, get safer school buses, and pass area's first-ever 4-year levy. Chair of son’s pre-school co-op, regular volunteer in son’s classroom, volunteer salmon watcher.

Endorsements: U.S. Congressman Rick Larsen; WA Education Assn.; Former Gov. Albert Rosellini; WA State Nurses Assn; Progressive Majority; IBEW Local 191; WA Women’s Political Caucus; Snohomish Executive Aaron Reardon; WA Conservation Voters; Snohomish Central Labor Council; Monroe Professional Firefighters Local 3315; Speaker of the House Frank Chopp; WA Assn. of School Administrators; NARAL Pro-Choice WA; Democracy for America; U.S. Congressman Jay Inslee; Washington State Building & Trades Council; Representative Hans Dunshee

Campaign theme: Effective Leadership Fighting for our Families and Communities

Questions for candidates

What are the biggest differences between you and your opponent(s)? I spent 2 months before deciding to run listening to citizens in the 39th tell me their concerns. The large majority of people said that they had never heard of, seen, or talked with my opponent. Second, I will work to close the deficit gap, but believe some investments (job creation, education, etc.) may require additional funds, knowing that may mean cuts elsewhere. My opponent has promised he will never increase taxes regardless of need. Finally, my opponent cites business experience as his key background. I cite 30+ years of business, plus extensive community involvement and work with children.

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 priority, consistent with the State Constitution, is to provide funding for education. I also want to provide incentives to make it easier to start new companies that can create more jobs and a stronger economy. A major short-term step to close the budget gap would be to close existing tax loopholes. In the long run, I will work to change our existing tax structure to one which is less regressive and more stable.

Do you support the initiative to raise the sales tax 1 penny to raise money for schools and higher education? Yes, with reservations. The Washington State Constitution states, “It is the paramount duty of the state to make ample provision for the education of all children residing within its borders.” The legislature chose to not do this last session, which is the reason for this initiative. However, the sales tax as currently structured is regressive. While I support this initiative, which provides a dedicated trust fund to supplement an under-funded system, I will work simultaneously to implement tax reform and find other ways to provide stable, secure funding for our children’s education.

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? I am upset that the two major political parties forced this change, even though I understand the legal and political reasons. However, I do not support the “top 2” system, because it represents what I feel is still an inadequate compromise to the open primary or our current (new) primary.

What do you think of the initiative to expand the use of slot machines to reduce taxes? I oppose it. The state deficit needs to be addressed, but expanding gambling is not the solution. It will foster more gambling, which leads to increased social costs, countering many of the short-term economic benefits. It undermines the ability of Native Americans to fund their social and educational efforts. Estimated property tax savings of $13 per $100,000 assessed is not worth the social costs, and is subject to large fluctuations based on gambling revenues. And by taking sales away from other existing state gambling, we will be decreasing funding that goes to education.

Contact

PO BOX 331
MONROE, WA 98272
(360) 805-4022
electjoel@yahoo.com

Campaign Web site:
www.joelselling.com