State Representative, District -- 45, Position -- 2

Party: Democrat

Residence: Kirkland, WA

Education: BA Education, WWU;

Political offices held: Kirkland City Council member, 1993-present; Kirkland mayor, 2000-03.

Public service and volunteer experience: Organized and chaired the Kirkland Community Summit in 1993. First president of Kirkland Downtown Association. Member, board of directors of Kirkland Art Center, Kirkland Performance Center, Eastside United Way Operations Council, Kirkland Chamber of Commerce - chaired Community Service Committee. Member Kirkland Downtown On the Lake Association, member Kirkland Historical Society,
Graduate of Leadership Institute in 1996, President of Leadership Institute 2002, Member of board of directors of Leadership Institute, Member of Eastside Leadership Task Force.

Endorsements: 45th District Democrats, Children’s Campaign Fund, Democracy for America, King County Conservation Voters, King County Democratic Central Committee, King County Young Democrats, Kirkland Fire Fighters, King County Women’s Political Caucus, Mental Health PAC, National Association of Social Workers - PACE, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, Planned Parenthood Votes! WA PAC, Progressive Majority, Redmond Firefighters Local 2829, Washington Education Association (WEA-PAC), Washington Federation of State Employees, Washington State Labor Council, Washington State Nurses Association, Washington State School Retirees PAC, Young Democrats of Washington.
Individuals: Jay Inslee, 1st Congressional District Congressman; Mary Alice Burleigh, Mayor City of Kirkland; Rosemarie Ives, Mayor City of Redmond; Becky Nixon, Mayor City of Duvall; Kathy Huckaby, Mayor City of Sammamish
(For a complete list please visit www.Lspringer.com)

Campaign theme: I will bring common sense and proven leadership skills to Olympia, and will continue to work towards bipartisan solutions to our state's problems. I will bring my experience in education, healthcare, transportation, environmental protection, and job creation to state government.

Questions for candidates

What are the biggest differences between you and your opponent(s)? As a former school teacher, I understand the importance of quality education to our students and to the economic future of Washington. As a successful small business owner for over 20 years I have been through high and low economic periods and know how to survive in a down economy and still meet the demands of payroll. My 12 years as a non-partisan Council Member and Former Mayor of the 8th largest city in King County and appointments to regional planning commissions have given me the experience needed to implement solutions to regional problems like transportation, job growth and protecting parks and open space. I have a broad base of bi-partisan support which makes me the right person to work in Olympia. I recognize compromise is the life blood of a democracy and always strive to fully understand both sides of a debate. As a legislator, I'll listen first, research second, and decide third.

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 as a legislator are to represent the citizens of the 45th District, while at the same time making decisions that are in the best interests of the entire state. I'll make sure we fund basic education, ensure healthy economic development and make wise investments in transportation improvements. Using my experience in Kirkland during a budget shortfall, I would prioritize services and fund the top priorities first. I would look for every opportunity for efficiency and would support audits of state departments.

Do you support the initiative to raise the sales tax 1 penny to raise money for schools and higher education? I do not support I-884. The use of sales tax, which is volatile, is not a good solution to fund a system which must maintain steady rates of revenue and expenditures.

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 do not agree with Washington's new primary, nor am I in support of the "top 2" primary system because it will almost always eliminate the 3rd party candidates.

What do you think of the initiative to expand the use of slot machines to reduce taxes? I am not in favor of this initiative. It is an inconsistent and unsustainable revenue source that potentially opens the door for further budget woes.

Contact

700 20TH AVE W
KIRKLAND, WA 98033
(425) 822-2907
info@lspringer.com

Campaign Web site:
www.Lspringer.com