State Representative, District -- 48, Position -- 2

Party: Republican

Education: BA, Univ. of Washington; MBA, Univ of Southern California

Political offices held: State Representative, 48th district, position 2
Precinct Committee Officer (PCO), precinct 48-747

Public service and volunteer experience: Board Member, Washington State Arts Commission
Board Member, March of Dimes
Board Member, Mainstream Republicans
Volunteer Work:
Safe Rides – Providing teenagers an alternative way home, instead of them getting into an unsafe car that too often results in a tragic ending.
Bellevue Rotary – Community support and outreach. Park trail cleanups.
Windermere Foundation – Community service day. Cleaning up parks in Kirkland.

Endorsements: Washington Association of Realtors, Washington Conservation Voters, Children's Campaign Fund, Mainstream Republicans of Washington, NARAL, Washington Software Alliance, Public School Employees of Washington, Washington Affordable Housing Council, Women’s Political Caucus, Washington Credit Union League, National Federation of Independent Business, East King County Lawyers for Justice, Association of Washington Business, Washington Farm Bureau, Rental Housing Association, Log Cabin Republicans, Washington Restaurant Association, Washington State Dental, Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Campaign theme: I am running for re-election to the State Legislature to continue bringing a balanced, common sense, solutions oriented approach to Olympia. We need to put aside partisan politics and work to solve our state’s problems in education, the economy, health care and transportation.

Questions for candidates

What are the biggest differences between you and your opponent(s)? I’m a moderate who can work with the other party. Every politician says they’re moderate, but look at my endorsements; I’ve been endorsed by business groups, Republican groups, along with several Democratic leaning organizations. Too often in politics we concentrate on our differences, but it’s in our similarities where we find workable solutions. In addition, I’ve had 2 years experience as a proven Legislator who has kept his promises on working hard for education, transportation, and helping Washington’s ecomony grow.

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, the Economy, and Health Care. I believe education is the most urgent and fundamental problem we face because it’s the foundation of a knowledge based economy. Through world-class public education, we can short-circuit many of the social problems we’re experiencing with drug addiction, teen-age pregnancy, and crime. The Economy, because without an expanding economy, we can not properly fund programs that help citizens in need. Finally, Health Care because unless we get a handle on ever increasing health care costs, other programs will suffer in continued budget crises.

Do you support the initiative to raise the sales tax 1 penny to raise money for schools and higher education? Yes, I support I-884. I-884 is the best, most balanced, most comprehensive education reform measure I have seen. We desperately need additional funding in higher education if we are going to continue to attract high-tech companies that will form our future economic backbone. In K-12, with only 66% of our kids graduating, we need additional focused assistance for those students not meeting standard. Funding high quality preschools for the underprivelege is the best economic investment we can make. These children can not start school already years behind their classmates.

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 no like the party based system the Governor imposed on us. The Governor should be run out of town for his veto. I voted for a “top 2” system in Olympia, and will be wholeheartedly voting for and endorsing I-872. Washingtonians like to vote for the PERSON, not the party. Voters here are very independent and want to be able to vote for the BEST candidate, irregardless of their party affiliation. The current party based system will lead to more polarized, extreme candidates in both parties, and that exactly what we don’t need if we want our politician working to solve the challenges we face.

What do you think of the initiative to expand the use of slot machines to reduce taxes? I am opposed to the expansion of gambling. Why do we want to burden those that can least afford it with our budget shortfalls? Expanding gambling has far-reaching social costs down the road for those that become addicted to it. I do believe however that we need to renogiate our State’s compacts with the tribes. Governor Locke made a huge mistake in giving away this monopoly for free, whereas other states are bringing in hundreds of millions from their tribal casinos. McDonald’s doesn’t give away their franchises for free, and neither should the State of Washington.

Contact

PO BOX 594
MEDINA, WA 98039
(425) 466-1030
rodney@rodneytom.org

Campaign Web site:
RodneyTom.org