State Representative, District -- 38, Position -- 2

Party: Democrat

Date of birth: July 28, 1945

Residence: 3214 Grand Avenue, Everett, WA 98201-4211

Education: BA in Education, Central Washington University

Public service and volunteer experience: *1981 to Present-Serving on the Everett Housing Authority Board which oversees the Federal Housing programs in the City of Everett. Appointment was made by the Mayor of the City of Everett, and approved by City Council. I am currently the Vice Chair, and have served three terms as chair of the Board. The Board is responsible for oversight of a $23,890,000 budget.

*1995 to Present-Serving on the Central Washington University Board of Trustees where I am currently the Vice Chair. I was appointed by Governor Lowry, and reappointed by Governor Locke for a second term in 2000. The Board is responsible for university policy and oversight of the $65,696,000 budget.

Snohomish County Economic Development Council (1981 to present)
City of Everett’s Shoreline Public Access Advisory Committee (2003)
City of Everett Salary Commission (1998)
Snohomish County United Way and Executive Board (mid 80’s. Served as one of the Vice Presidents in 1985)
Washington State Temporary Special Levy Study Commission appointed by Governor Evans (1972-73)
Washington State Governor’s Citizen’s Advisory Committee appointed by Governor Lowry (1992-3)
Snohomish County Needs Assessment on Housing (early 90’s, Co-Chaired with County Executive Bob Drewel.)
Snohomish County Tomorrow (1990-91)
Snohomish County Executive’s Citizens’ Cabinet appointed by County Executive Aaron Reardon (2004)
Democratic Precinct Committee Officer (early 80’s until 1985)
Everett Public Library Strategic Planning Committee (2004)
Everett Area Chamber of Commerce Board (92-93)

Endorsements: Washington State Labor Council, AFL/CIO
Snohomish County Labor Council, AFL/CIO
Washington Education Association
Washington Federation of Teachers
Everett Education Association/United Teachers of Everett
Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council
Washington Conservation Voters, Snohomish County Chapter
Affordable Housing Council
Snohomish County Chapter of the Sierra Club
Teamsters Joint Council 28
NARAL Pro-Choice Washington
38th Legislative District Democrats
Snohomish County Democrats
Snohomish County Women's Political Caucus
Service Employees International Union State Council
American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees, Council 2
Everett Firefighters, Local 46
International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers, District Lodge 751
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 191
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 77
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 46
Northwest Washington Building & Construction Trades Council
Pacific Northwest District Council of Carpenters
Carpenters 562
Operating Engineers 302
Operating Engineers 609
Teamsters, Local 38
Teamsters Joint Council 28
Laborers, Local 292
Laborers, Local 901
United Food & Commercial Workers 1001
United Food & Commerical Workers 1105
Plumbers & Pipefitters, Local 26
Pilchuck-WEA Retired Teachers Association
Ironworkers 86
Association of Western Pulp and Papers Workers Int.
International Longshore & Warehouse Union, Local 32
Office & Professional Employees, Local 8
Washington Federation of State Employees

Individual Endorsements

Former State Senator Larry Vognild, 38th District, Campaign Co-Chair
Jan Mahlum, Campaign Co-Chair
Gary Locke, Governor, State of Washington
Aaron Reardon, Snohomish County Executive
Former State Senator Jeri Costa, 38th District
Former State Representative Dick King, 38th District
Carl Gipson, Former Everett City Councilman

Campaign theme: Leadership for today and tomorrow.

Questions for candidates

What are the biggest differences between you and your opponent(s)? Leadership experience, and working with state level issues such as education. As past President of the 900 member Everett Education Association, I have had to deal first hand with the results of state education funding levels. As a CWU Trustee, I have dealt first hand with funding that is inadequate to service the number of students qualified to enter higher education. As Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Snohomish County Labor Council, I have led an organization of 65 unions with diverse views that represent over 42,000 workers for bargaining and contract maintenance. I have worked locally on economic development issues, and advocated at the state level on transportation, education and affordable health care issues.

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? Education Transportation Affordable Health Care Family Wage Jobs We will need to encourage the kind of economic growth that supports family wage jobs, so that taxpayers can pay the taxes necessary to support the services that they expect. In addition, we will need to look at restructuring of the tax system.

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? While most other states have used a party primary system, I can understand how people would feel frustrated by the new system, especially when it has been done one way for over 70 years in this state. Hopefully, people will take the time to vote in this election to see how it works. I am concerned that the top two primary initiative may be ruled unconstitutional if it passes, nor does it take us back to the original primary system. We will be right back where we started on this issue.

What do you think of the initiative to expand the use of slot machines to reduce taxes? As a substitute for a stable tax system, it leaves a lot to be desired.

Contact

PO BOX 12395
EVERETT, WA 98206-239
(425) 923-3765
mikesells@aol.com

Campaign Web site:
www.sellsforstaterep.com/