Introductory statements from incumbent State Rep. Kagi and challengers

By Evan Smith

Incumbent 32nd District State Rep. Ruth Kagi and challengers Alex Hart, Wesley Irwin, and David Schirle recently sent statements introducing themselves to voters.

Democrats Irwin and Kagi, Republican Schirle and Libertarian Hart are running for the position that Kagi has held for nine two-year terms.

The four candidates will run on the August 2 primary ballot, with the two leaders advancing to the November general-election ballot, regardless of party.

The 32nd Legislative District includes the city of Shoreline and part of northwest Seattle, the town of Woodway and nearby unincorporated areas of southwest Snohomish County, south Edmonds, the city of Lynnwood and part of Mountlake Terrace.

Here are statements from the four candidates in the order their names will appear on the primary ballot and in the voters’ pamphlet:

Ruth Kagi (Prefers Democratic Party)

My work in the legislature has been focused on creating opportunities for all children to succeed. I have been recognized as a “Champion for Children” for the major strides Washington has made in early learning, services for homeless youth, major reforms in foster care and juvenile justice, and improved services for developmentally disabled children. I currently serve as Co-Chair of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission to create a new department of children and families. My highest priority in the coming session is fully funding education, including early learning, and passing legislation to create a department of children.

David D. Schirle (Prefers Republican Party)

You have no reason to trust me or to vote for me. But like you, I am tired of the politics “as usual.” Frustrated that as hard as we try, the politician represents themselves and not us. The solution is to find selfless, smart, reasonable, compassionate patriotic citizen legislators. In other words, regular people, people who place the good beyond themselves. I have done that my entire life. A local doctor, retired Army major, and married 35 years; a life dedicated to serving God and others; grounded in individual liberty, rule of law, limited government, and reason over emotion.

Alex Hart (Prefers Libertarian Party)

I run a large auto-parts store in the Northgate area. I’m running to improve our school system and to get the money to the classroom not sucked down by bureaucracies, and to ensure our children are leaving high school with a career. College should be an elective not a requirement. I also am a big supporter of cutting government spending by getting rid of the waste, and overregulation, to ensure our community small businesses can become prosperous again. I am your Libertarian candidate. Liberty for all.

Wesley Irwin (Prefers Democratic Party)

As a life-long educator, I know that getting a great education can be the most powerful force in upward economic mobility, social progress, and personal happiness. I am running a campaign to restore funding to Washington State Public Schools, in order to decrease class sizes, increase teacher salaries, and provide education opportunities to children who otherwise would be left behind in the age of Charter Schools. My political voice represents the voice of 1 million Washington children who are demanding a future education based on creativity, imagination, and loving instruction.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com