Candidates for State Representative Position 2, Question 2 Legislative Committees

Wednesday, August 4, 2010


The State Representative Position No 2 seat is currently held by Ruth Kagi, who is running for re-election. Two additional candidates have filed for this position but one did not respond to us. This is our second question to the candidates: What committees would you request in the legislature - why are they important to you and what do you bring that would make it likely you would be assigned to those committees?

Stan Lippmann
Did not respond


Gary Gagliardi
Ways and Means and/or Finance because the budgeting and taxation are where our most difficult challenges and biggest opportunities lie. Poor spending and taxation policies are driving out business in our state. Having run an accounting software company that worked with some of the world’s largest organizations and having studied finance at Harvard Business School, I have experience in this area that most others lack. Education, because it is the largest budgetary item and because our current system is failing. For the last several years, I have run a educational organization that focuses specifically on making organizations more competitive. My work is used in schools all over the world.

Ruth Kagi
I first ran for the legislature to be a strong voice for children. The Early Learning and Children’s Services Committee which I chair is responsible for child care, pre-school, foster care, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. My background with the League of Women Voters and several commissions and agencies serving children and families has given me insight- and contacts with knowledgeable and valuable individuals. I also spend a lot of time visiting community programs and state offices to learn what we could change to improve operations and outcomes.

Next session, the primary issues will be budgetary. For that reason, I expect to continue serving on the Education Appropriations Committee, which provides fiscal oversight for education funding from pre-school through higher education. I will continue to serve on the Ways and Means Committee where my twelve years of budgetary experience will be valuable as we face another deficit.


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Candidates for State Representative Position 2, Question 3 Budget Shortfall

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

The State Representative Position No 2 seat is currently held by Ruth Kagi, who is running for re-election. Two additional candidates have filed for this position but one did not respond to us. This is our third question to the candidates: 3. What should the legislature do about the projected budget shortfall? Would your solution include increased property, sales, car tab taxes, or possibly an income tax?


Stan Lippmann
Did not respond









Gary Gagliardi
Increasing taxes in our state would decrease revenue by slowing hiring and driving out more businesses. Like all individuals and businesses, the state must decrease its spending when it money is tight. Taking more money from our people when times are tough is either hurts their ability to spend or their ability to hire employees, both of which hurt our local economy. The worst of all possible choices is a state income tax, which would destroy the biggest competitive advantage we have for attracting more business to our state.


Ruth Kagi
K-12 education makes up 42% of the state budget. If we cut another $2-3 billion from the state budget, education funding will be impacted as will all other services provided by the state. The lay off of thousands of teachers, professors, health care and child care workers will create higher unemployment, and a shortage of critically needed services.

I support an income tax to help us address the chronic shortfall of funding for education and health care. We are 44th in the nation on K-12 per pupil spending and 46th on student-teacher ratios. We must address the need to increase education funding.

Regarding other revenue sources, we need to look again at the tax loopholes that we did not close last year, and pass reforms that make our operations more efficient and reduce budget demands in future years.

Thank your for the opportunity to share my perspective with the voters of the 32nd District.

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Update: Shoreline Pool Masters Team competing in international meet in Gothenburg, Sweden

Update August 3, from Amy and Lib Rust in Sweden.

Everyone has had great swims. Charlotte Davis won five gold medals and broke two world records, 400 and 200 IM-60-64 yrs, Mike McColley - gold in the 400 IM, silver in 800 free and 200 back. Three other swimmers placed in the top 10 in their events. WE are having a blast.

Original article:

Seventeen members of the Masters adult swim team, the North End Otters (NEO), which trains at Shoreline Pool are in Gothenburg, Sweden, competing in the International Masters Meet, the FINA World Championship.

Team member Charlotte Davis celebrated her 60th birthday this year with the resolve to swim in this international meet. She wanted her team to be with her, so they started raising money for the trip at the start of the year, holding a large rummage sale in the spring.

The swimming competition begins on Saturday, July 31.  Teams come from Europe, South America, several states of the United States, Russia, Japan, and more. The diving competition results have already been posted, with categories by age group with the youngest group being 25-29 and the oldest 85-89.


Shoreline High School 1977 grads Amy and Lib Rust, daughters of Nancy and Richard Rust, have been on the NEO team for several years. Teachers in the Edmonds School District, they grew up in Shoreline and both swam on the Shoreline High School swim team.  Photo of Amy and Lib Rust and members of the North End Otters Masters swim team 2008 courtesy Nancy Rust.

The North End Otters (NEO) competed in the Alcatraz to San Francisco event and more recently in the Lake Tahoe Race. The team is part of the PNA, Pacific Northwest Aquatics organization, an association of Masters swimmers and swim teams in Western Washington. The PNA and its members belong to the United States Masters Swimming (USMS) organization.

NEO coach Robin O'Leary was an international level swimmer who attended college on a swimming scholarship, then finished a degree in kinesiology at the University of Washington. She began coaching a Master's team in 1983.


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Shoreline resident has special link to movie chosen for Outdoor Movie Night Saturday, August 7


Shoreline resident Vicki Montzingo (Photo, left) was startled to see that Harry and the Hendersons was the choice of movie for the Ballinger / North City Neighborhood Outdoor Movie Night on Saturday, August 7.

Not that she doesn't know the movie, which is about a Seattle family that ends up adopting a family of Sasquatch. She knows the movie from the inside out - the inside of a costume, that is.

Vicki was in the movie, playing the part of the baby Sasquatch.

She shares her experiences in the movie with us:

"A few days before filming, the director took me around the set, introduced me to the actors and crew, and familiarized me with the story. It was a closed set, no visitors allowed. It was also a very secretive project from Director William Dear and Steven Spielberg Productions. No information was to leak from the set before the film was done.

"I went to wardrobe where I met the Oscar award winning special effects makeup artist, Rick Baker. He won an Oscar for Harry and the Hendersons as well as many others. He was one of my favorite people.

"Kevin Peter Hall, who played the main Sasquatch, Harry, was a nice guy. The first time I met him, I was walking around the corner of a small trailer with the director and all of a sudden there he was, in full costume. It was an amazing sight. He was huge, hairy, and looked so real even at 2 feet away. He was sitting in a director's chair, legs crossed.

"He was a very tall man already, but there were platforms put under his feet to make him even taller. Some of the special effects guys were there testing the facial movements from several of their hand held controllers. It was funny to see the eyebrows go up and down at different times, the cheeks rise or fall, the mouth smile and frown. The costume face was making expressions which had nothing to do with what he was talking to me about. It was very strange.

"John Lithgow, the star, was funny and friendly. He stopped by my dressing room to say hi. It was nice getting to know him.

Photo of Vicki Montzingo and John Lithgow on the set of Harry and the Hendersons, shot in Seattle and the Cascades.

"That costume was so hot and itchy. It took a bit of time to get into it. They had to make a nylon body suit full of hair. Each strand of hair was individually placed on it to make it look more realistic. The head was a solid piece that was placed over the top of mine. It had large holes for the eyes which when placed on my head, allowed some of my skin to show. They had to paint dark brown circles around my eyes to hide the skin. The funny part was when I was able to remove the head to move and breathe better between takes, I had those big brown circles still on my face that made me look like I had black eyes. Such glamorous work!"

Photo of Vicki in full costume at her trailer on the movie set.

"It was a great experience, though. It was shot on location all around Seattle and multiple locations in the Cascades. My part was shot in the back woods way up Edgewick Road off of I-90. It was shot in a few months, but my part was shot in a day. We were deep in the forest.

"Before filming was to begin, everyone had to be camera ready. I saw one of the costumed Sasquatch's entire body being brushed, another being given a last drink of water through a straw in the mouth hole of their costume. The big and small fans used to cool down the actors in their heavy costumes were turned off and everyone was put into position.

"In one scene there were several Sasquatches. They were very tall, over 7 feet! Playing the Baby Bigfoot, I was only 4 feet tall. I almost got stepped on once when the director called "action". The mama Sasquatch, played by a man, didn't see me as I was crouching down behind a fern bush waiting for my cue. We were told to blend into the scenery. I guess I did a good job!"

Harry and the Hendersons will be shown at the Outdoor Movie event on Saturday, August 7, 7:30 pm at the Aldercrest Annex. See previous story.



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Evan Smith: Muni League chairman responds to comments

By Evan Smith
ShorelineAreaNews Politics Writer

My post 10 days ago on the Municipal League’s rating of legislative candidates has brought several comments from readers.

Here, King County Muni League Co-Chairman Gabe Meyer responds to some of those comments.

I talked to Meyer late Thursday afternoon. Here are his responses:

• To a comment that Democratic State Representative candidate Cindy Ryu’s low rating when she ran for re-election to the Shoreline City Council last year was due to her inability to appear at a League interview, Meyer said that when a candidate doesn’t appear at an interview, the League makes a decision based on the information that it has from other sources — questionnaires, references , etc. Meyer said that Ryu’s “adequate” rating of last year and her “very good” rating this year were both based on a variety of available information.

• To a comment that the League’s retraction of former Shoreline City Councilman Ron Hansen’s rating last year showed a lack of League credibility, Meyer said that when the League got a complaint about information that it didn’t have during its original evaluation, it retracted the rating because it didn’t have time to reopen its evaluation. He agreed with the comment that “rating retracted” was the proper term, rather than “unrated,” a term the League uses when it does not evaluate a candidate, usually when the candidate is unopposed. He said that a retracted rating should not be considered positive or negative, although he acknowledged that Hansen had complained because he had lost his “very good” rating without his having an opportunity to present his side of the story.

• To a comment that the League had made Democratic State Senate candidate Patty Butler’s questionnaire unavailable because Butler had listed her time in the Legislature as 2007-2009 rather than 1997-1999. Meyer said that such a simple error wouldn’t disqualify a questionnaire but said he didn’t know why the questionnaire was no longer available.

Butler’s completed questionnaire was available on the League web site Monday night, with the dates of her years in the Legislature corrected, but the date of her loss for re-election uncorrected.

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Shoreline Dog Parks made permanent, ShoreDog plans DogFest

ShoreDog, the Shoreline Off-Leash dog group, is planning its second annual DogFest, celebrating the two dog parks in Shoreline which were made permanent by the Shoreline City Council after a trial period. The Shoreview and Richmond Beach Off-Leash parks will be maintained by the ShoreDog group, which has long advocated for off-leash areas in the city.

Dogs need to be on-leash in the rest of the city parks. Warning tickets are being given now during what is considered an education period, with actual tickets and fines planned for later in the year.

The Richmond Beach area is at the far south end of the waterfront at Saltwater Park. The Shoreview area is adjacent to the parking lot at Shoreline Community College. For more information, see the ShoreDog website.
DogFest will be hosted by ShoreDog at the Shoreview Off-Leash Park on Saturday, September 18 from 11am to 3 pm.

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YMCA Dog Walking Group

All dogs, walkers, breeds and ages are welcome to join the Dale Turner Family YMCA’s Dog Walking Group for fun, social walks at a leisurely pace with man’s best friend. Two walk courses available, based on the needs and abilities of the dog and its owner. The group, which is led by a volunteer, meets on Tuesdays at the Interurban trail, just south of 192nd Street at 10 am. Participants should dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.

All dogs must be on a leash and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs. Dog lovers who are without dogs are also encouraged to attend. For more information visit the YMCA’s website or call 206-363-0446.

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32nd District legislative candidates part of Thursday forum in Edmonds


Most of the candidates running in the 32nd Legislative District and the 1st Congressional District will appear at a forum in Edmonds Thursday, August 5, 2010.

Since Edmonds is split between the 32nd and 21st legislative districts, the sponsoring League of Women Voters, American Association of University Women and Edmonds United Methodist Church have invited candidates for positions in both districts.

Organizers say that six of the nine candidates in the 32nd Legislative District, seven of the nine in the 21st District and three of the four in the 1st Congressional District have said they would appear, as will some candidates for the U.S. Senate.

The program starts at 7 pm at the United Methodist Church, 828 Caspers St. in Edmonds.

Doors open at 6:30 pm for voters to speak with candidates until the program begins.

Sponsors also have invited candidates for State Supreme Court and for Snohomish County prosecuting attorney.

More information is available from Valerie Stevens at 425-742-9843.

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Shoreline Police Blotter 7-22 to 7-28-2010


By Diane Hettrick, Categories are my creation

Fraud and identify theft
7-22….198xx Fremont N. Subject was paying tickets in Las Vegas when clerk asked what he wanted to do about the traffic infraction on 4/23 when he “wasn’t carrying ID”. Someone had stolen his identity.
7-23….1121 N 205, Bank of America. Person opened an account the previous day at another branch with forged checks, then tried to make a withdrawal from the AV branch.
7-28….163xx Fremont. Wallet lost or stolen from subject on southbound 358 bus. Attempted to use credit card in Renton Walmart but it was declined.

Garden variety theft
7-28…..17920 Meridian, Zion Presbyterian. Broke into storage shed and took lawn care equipment.
7-28….19290 Aurora, YMCA. Purse in unlocked gym locker at YMCA. Stole cell phone and credit card.
7-28….185/Aurora, Bartells. Subject shoplifted razors.

The Family Plan
7-22….5xx NW 201 Ct. Mother and son fighting, yelling. He took her car and returned it a couple of hours later, but she had already called the police.
7-27….21xx N 154. Sister moved in with brother. They fought over living arrangements. She keyed his car. He called cops.

Drunks and Punks
7-22….17001 Aurora, Parkers. Man was drunk and refused to leave. Removed and Trespassed from Parkers.
7-24….722 N 145, St. Dunstan’s Episcopal. Juvenile cracked the plastic cover on sign.
7-27….17554 15 NE, North City Tavern. Assault. Victim struck several times with wooden plank. Victim later located suspect through Facebook.
7-28….177xx 15 NW. Responding to a noise disturbance. Asked subject to stand in front of police car. He put an alcoholic beverage on the hood of the car. Gave a false name.

Takin’ it to the streets
7-22….NE 160/15 NE. Motorcycle, reckless speeding. Police pursuit, arrest. Driver had 9 tabs of Soboxsone in pocket. (Used to treat heroin addiction)
7-23….2300 N 175. Driving with License Suspended. Arrested.
7-24….N 173/Dayton N. Subject stole a car, got in a hit and run, fled on foot.

And not to neglect cars and bikes…
7-23….165xx 18 NE. Bicycle stolen.
7-26….3xx NW 176 Pl. Car prowl, unlocked car, took items.
7-27….10xx NW 178. Van in garage. Prowled. Took beer from garage.
7-27….173xx Fremont, Shorewood parking lot. Stole front license plate.

Golden Gardens allows bonfires – what’s our problem?
7-26….20xx NW 190. Illegal bonfire on beach at Richmond Beach Park.

Open season on campaign signs
7-27….NE 155/15 NE. Two dozen campaign signs removed. Broke stakes.

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Candidates for State Representative Position 1, Question 1 What are your 32nd district connections?


The Representative Position No 1 seat is open, because the incumbent gave it up to run for a different office. Below are the responses from the three 32nd District candidates to our first question, 1• What are your connections to the 32nd district?  Where and how would you get your information about what is important to your district?


Art Coday
I have lived with my family in the 32nd Legislative District over 10 years. Within the district I use the parks and recreational facilities, walk in the neighborhoods, shop locally, patronize businesses, use the library and roads, and educate my children. Within the district I have many neighbors and friends and I served on the board of a school. A graduate of Harvard Medical School, I have a general medical practice. I do home visits, mainly for Medicare and Medicaid patients (seniors, permanently disabled, very poor). I am based out of my home office; many of my patients reside in the district. I feel very connected to the people of my district and am aware of the issues important to them. If elected, I would continue to be closely connected to the people of my district and continue listening to them, just like I listen to my patients.



 Cindy Ryu
Over the last 20 years, my husband Cody and I have been proud to call the 32nd District cities our home. Our daughters and son grew up in and attended public schools in the Edmonds and Shoreline School Districts.

As a member of the Shoreline and Edmonds business community, a former Shoreline City Councilmember and Mayor, I was proud to have made substantive contributions to successful community initiatives such as the revitalization of Aurora Avenue, the preservation of South Woods, the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce’s Dollars for Scholars and Green Business program, and many more. I have personally knocked on nearly 3,000 doors this year alone, and get my information directly from the best possible source - the people themselves!



Doris Fujioka McConnell
My involvement in the district is very extensive, spanning many interests. I have been involved in many organizations, including Richmond Little League, Shoreline School District advisory committees, Rotary Club, Soccer Leagues, Baseball Leagues, member of many PTSAs, and Precinct Committee Officer for the 32nd District Democratic Organization.
I think that as an elected official for a district, it would be important to increase my membership and attendance with as many organizations in order to hear from the widest variety of individuals. There are many neighborhood meetings, an excellent way to meet my “neighbors”. Attending City Chamber of Commerce meetings would be an opportunity to better understand the needs of our business community. Being accessible via email, phone and letters is another important way that citizens can access their elected officials with their concerns. I am looking forward to representing my district by being as accessible as possible. 



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Candidates for State Representative Pos 1, Question 2 Legislative Committees


The Representative Position No 1 seat is open, because the incumbent gave it up to run for a different office. Below are the responses from the three 32nd District candidates to our second question 2• What committees would you request in the legislature - why are they important to you and what do you bring that would make it likely you would be assigned to those committees?

 Art Coday
I would like to serve on the Health and Human Services Appropriations, Healthcare and Wellness, and the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committees. I think that all of these committees would benefit from my input as a physician and my fiscal discipline as a small business owner. As one of the relatively few private doctors in Washington who sees mainly Medicare and Medicaid patients I am especially well qualified to ensure that the most vulnerable in our state have a proven advocate in the legislature. This will be essential in helping the Medicaid program absorb many new patients as the state implements federal reforms. Medicaid has a critical doctor shortage, but I think I can encourage more physicians to participate in caring for Washington’s poor. As a physician I can also assist the state in becoming better prepared for disaster, such as disease outbreaks, bioterrorism, and natural disasters.


 Cindy Ryu
Transportation Committee - Our district is an important transportation hub that requires continued attention from lawmakers. I served on SeaShore Transportation Forum with councilmembers from Lake Forest Park, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Kenmore and Bothell (2006-2009) and King County Regional Transit Committee (2009).

Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee - I have more than 18 years of experience in the insurance industry. I received a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Washington and served on the enterpriseSeattle Board. I serve on the Advisory Board of the Business and Economic Development Center at UW Foster School of Business.

Health and Human Services Appropriations – With a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, work experience in nursing homes, medical offices and labs, Harborview Medical Center and University Hospital coupled with Operations Management training and successful business and public budgeting experiences, I look forward to effective, efficient delivery of services and their funding.


Doris Fujioka McConnell
I would request assignments to committees that involve education. I have 15 years of experience in education as a leader in the Shoreline Schools. Of all the candidates, I have the most extensive experience working directly with my community. I have received two PTSA Golden Acorn Awards, a result of my commitment to the improvement of public education. I have chaired many programs and improved them along the way. My work indicates my ability and desire I have to identify the needs of students and implement workable solutions.

Additionally, I have an interest in improving our regional transportation systems as a result of my involvement on a committee as a current Shoreline City Councilmember. The future of our region lies in our ability to move people and goods efficiently. This is a key component for our regional economic development and future prosperity. 

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Candidates for State Representative Pos 1, Question 3 Budget Shortfall

Monday, August 2, 2010


The Representative Position No 1 seat is open, because the incumbent gave it up to run for a different office. Below are the responses from the three 32nd District candidates to our third question: 3. What should the legislature do about the projected budget shortfall? Would your solution include increased property, sales, car tab taxes, or possibly an income tax?



Art Coday
The key to effectively correcting the projected budget shortfall is to eliminate wasteful spending without compromising any core government functions. I'm confident this can be done without increasing existing tax rates or imposing any new taxes. To illustrate my point, I met a woman in my district who works for the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). In an unsolicited comment, she said her department is extremely wasteful. She works in an office with only four other employees; DSHS pays approximately $500,000 annually to rent the office. Working with our outstanding state employees, like this woman, I have no doubt that the state legislature can eliminate enough of this type of wasteful spending to eliminate the budget shortfall with no tax increase and no compromise of service. This is important because Washingtonians do not want critical services reduced but they want tax relief during this economic recession.


Cindy Ryu
Our budget shortfall is only a symptom of the larger economic crisis. Closing the deficit at the expense of economic recovery will only bring back larger deficits. That is why I support a balanced, common sense budget approach that emphasizes putting Washington State citizens back to work, and helping our local businesses thrive once again. I support measures that allow the State to stop relying so much on the sales, property, and B and O taxes that unfairly impact the poor, the elderly, and small businesses respectively.




Doris Fujioka McConnell
As a small business owner for over 25 years, I have learned the importance of saving into a rainy day fund. In addition to that, I have had to personally streamline spending and cut waste as a single mother.  Just like households during these economically difficult times, the legislature must continue to look to cut waste, while increasing efficiencies in spending. In a recession, it is increasingly difficult to look for new sources of revenue and we must give our citizens the choice whenever possible in how and if they want to tax themselves. 

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Candidate Forum, Thursday, August 5


The League of Women Voters of Snohomish County, in conjunction with the American Association of University Women, and the Edmonds United Methodist Outreach Team, announces their:

29th Annual Candidates Forum
Thursday, August 5
Edmonds United Methodist Church
828 Caspars Street, Edmonds 98020

Schedule:

6:30 pm Meet the candidates
7:00 pm Hear the candidates speak

All candidates for these offices have been invited.
  • US Senate
  • 1st Congressional District
  • State Supreme Court
  • Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney
  • 21st Legislative District
  • 32nd Legislative District
This event is usually well-attended, so carpooling is advised.

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OfficeMax Joins Shoreline Back to School Effort at events on Saturday August 7, Wednesday, August 11

The Shoreline OfficeMax at Aurora Village is partnering with the Back to School Consortium to host donation drives to collect backpacks and schools supplies. Consortium volunteers will be outside Office Max this coming Saturday, August 7 and Wednesday, August 11 collecting school supplies for Shoreline School District students.

Volunteers are still needed for pre-event work parties and at the event. If you would like more information on volunteer opportunities visit the Back to School Consortium website.

Shoreline School District families needing assistance this year can register for the event online or by calling 206-393-4916. 

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Guidelines for Letters to the Editor

Sunday, August 1, 2010

The Shoreline Area News welcomes Letters to the Editor.

These are the guidelines.

Letters should be fewer than 300 words.

Letters, unlike Comments, may not be submitted or published anonymously. The writers need to include their names, addresses, and phone numbers. However, only the name and city of residence will be published.

We will publish one letter per person per topic per month.

We expect civility.

We will allow ONE reply to anyone who has been challenged personally.

Letters should be sent to Editor@ShorelineAreaNews.com . Please be very clear whether your comments are intended for publication or are private communications to us.

All letters will appear on our website the day they are posted; in the emailed digest the following day; and permanently under the link Letters to the Editor in the right column of the website.

Comments posted to individual letters and comments on Facebook do not fall under these guidelines.

We appreciate your informed participation.

The Editorial Team

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Candidates for State Senator, Question 1 What are your 32nd district connections?

The Senate seat is open, due to the retirement of Senator Darlene Fairley. Below are the responses from the three 32nd District Senatorial candidates to our first question:
1• what are your connections to the 32nd district?  Where and how would you get your information about what is important to your district?


Patty Butler
I have lived in Shoreline for 55 years.  My father was a King County Police Officer and my mother was a Shoreline School teacher.  I am the product of the Shoreline School System from kindergarten to College.  I have owned a small business here.  I own my home here and raised my 3 sons here.  Presently two of my sons and my sister and her family live in the 32nd district.  All have attended and graduated from the Shoreline School district.  I serve on the Board of Directors for Banchero Friends Services and our clients live here. I subscribe to the Shoreline Area Newsletter.  I keep in touch with the Mayor of Shoreline (he is a friend), I have friends throughout the district and we regularly communicate. The 32nd District is my home.


Maralyn Chase
My family has lived in the 32nd Legislative District since 1990, and on Puget Sound since 1960.   My mother, daughter, grandson and I are active participants in the political, cultural and civic life of our community.   I am a board member of the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, an ardent supporter of the Shoreline Community College, St. Edward Park, Fircrest, Paramount Park, Ballinger Gardens, the Shoreline Historical Museum and Denny Creek Park Chili!  I find the newsletters and neighborhood associations to be especially helpful in knowing the pulse of our district.
I was elected to represent the views and values of all the people of the 32nd.  To do that requires creating opportunities for “authentic dialogue,” and deep, respectful listening to the people of the community.  I gain important knowledge of the issues of importance to my constituents from that listening.  I also like the blogs and the internet.


David Baker
I’m currently Mayor of Kenmore and have served on the Kenmore City Council since 2004.  I moved to this area in 1989.  My wife and I have raised a family here, and I have been involved in the district’s community, government, and charitable activities.  My business, Visions Systems Engineering, has its office in Kenmore.  I have served on a number of regional groups, including the Suburban Cities Board of Directors, the King County Hazardous Waste Committee, and the King County Regional Transportation Committee.  I also work very closely with the Councils of Lake Forest Park, Shoreline, and Edmonds on a number of regional committees, and I hope to cultivate a close working relationship with Woodway.  I am involved with various community organizations, and I am on the board of Directors of the Friends of Fircrest.  I also am a member of the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce and actively promote their activities.  This affords me the opportunity to be kept current on what is important to the district.



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Candidates for State Senator, Question 2, What committees would you request?

The Senate seat is open due to the retirement of Senator Darlene Fairley.  Below are the responses from the three 32nd District Senatorial candidates to our second question:  2• what committees would you request in the legislature - why are they important to you and what do you bring that would make it likely you would be assigned to those committees?


Patty Butler
Higher Education and Workforce Development – I have benefited from the Worker Retraining Program at our local colleges. After being out of work for two years, I needed to go back to school to acquire the tools needed for today’s job market. I am still enrolled in school, having completed my Associate in Business Management and will continue to pursue my BA. I also sat on the Higher Education Committee when I was in the House of Representatives.

Environment, Water and Energy – We must preserve water resources and quality, secure environmental laws, address climate change, and create incentive programs for energy efficiency and sustainability for home owners and 
businesses.

Health and Long-Term Care - We must protect our most vulnerable populations such as our elderly and disabled. I have served on the Board of Directors for Banchero Friends Services for 12 years; 10 as Board President. Banchero provides living services for Developmentally Disabled adults. I see first -hand the importance of quality care for this population. Yet those are the services that are constantly facing cuts. When my mother needed to be moved to a facility that could work with those with dementia, I experienced the anguish that families often go through when looking for quality care. We need to provide affordable health care.


Maralyn Chase
My preference would be Higher Education and Workforce Development; Natural Resources, Ocean and Recreation and Ways and Means or Economic Development Trade and Innovation.

I serve on the King County Workforce Development Board. The most important issue facing our state is the restart of our economy and putting consumers back to work. Economic renewal will depend upon an educated workforce. But, only about 11 of every 100 high school freshmen will earn a BA; 80% of the jobs in the new economy will require some additional education but not a BA.  A four-year apprenticeship degree (journeyman), graduates without debt and with a living wage. Community colleges create multiple pathways to a stable, successful life.

Natural Resources, Ocean and Recreation cover natural systems that are in danger of collapse. I have served on the state ocean policy committee, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators and the National Coastal States Caucus.


David Baker
As your next State Senator, my priorities will be to protect your money and control runaway spending; support transportation improvements to help local businesses and reduce traffic congestion; work to fund quality schools; make our communities safer for all, especially children and seniors; and promote job creation and economic growth. 

Therefore, I will seek to be on committees such as the Economic Development, Trade and Innovation Committee; the Transportation Committee; the Education Committee; or the Audit Review and Oversight Committee. Certainly my involvement with regional transportation issues, business experience and City involvement qualifies me to serve on these committees.


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Candidates for State Senator, Question 3 Solution for the state budget shortfall

The Senate seat is open, due to the retirement of Senator Darlene Fairley. Below are the responses from the three 32nd District Senatorial candidates to our third question: 3. What should the legislature do about the projected budget shortfall? Would your solution include increased property, sales, car tab taxes, or possibly an income tax?


Patty Butler 
I am not in favor of raising property taxes. Our sales tax is already one of the highest in the nation. I would consider small increases in vehicle licensing fees, but only after further research on its effects. The middle class home owner is constantly being hit by increasing taxation. I believe we also need to research and implement a comprehensive income tax that does not target one specific income group.


Maralyn Chase
We need tax reform. We don’t have a budget crisis, we have a revenue crisis. We should put intangible property (stocks, bonds, patents, royalty payments, documents that represent value such as intellectual property -- property that makes money- back on the tax rolls instead of forcing homeowners to pay the entire property tax burden. The State Constitution called for uniform taxation of tangible and intangible property but homeowners’ property taxes doubled after intangible property was removed from the tax roles in 1997. We should cut B and O taxes and reduce sales taxes; car tabs were a fair tax in that wealthy buyers purchasing expensive cars paid a higher tax than low income purchasers. Finally, we should have a graduated tax on personal income which would be deducted from the federal income taxes. Cancel most tax incentives. except those that help create market demand for made in Washington products.


David Baker
The problem is runaway spending. Taxes are already too high – the legislature ought to control spending in order to promote job creation and economic growth. I don't support a state income tax, and I am opposed to any increase in property, sales, or car tab taxes. We need to restore the voter-approved limits on government spending. I know this can be done, because I’ve done it in Kenmore. As Mayor, I have a proven record of putting families, jobs, and communities first – without raising taxes. In seven years on the City Council, I’ve voted against every proposed tax increase, and I voted to reduce utility taxes by 2%.


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Letter to the Editor: Lake Forest Park City Budget is Missing - Vote NO on Proposition 1


To the Editor:

Friends and neighbors around Lake Forest Park, observe the political campaign dynamics now that the ballots are in your hands. Numerous campaign pieces, door-bellers, pronouncements from the School Board & Arts Council, etc. coming to your door, your mailbox, and your e-mail. As you sit down to make your ballot decision on Proposition 1, please mull over a few things. City Hall wants you to make a decision that will affect you and your property taxes for 6 years. A lot can happen in 6 years. The economy in the past few years has fooled the experts. In the meantime, City Hall expects you to vote for what?

City Hall has produced no budget, no promises, but lots of scare tactics. It has produced numerous forecasts of dire circumstances. Something is strangely missing in all their material and that is - a clear plan. The fact that the School Board took a position means nothing. The City provided money to the Arts Council, Friends of 3rd Pl, etc.; it was supposed to be seed money. The nonprofit organizations in our community are healthy. They know how to market their services. They can raise funds on their own.

The City of Edmonds responsibly adopted a balanced budget, and then offered voters an enhanced budget if they wanted to pay for it with higher taxes. Imagine that.

Think about all the things you are doing without right now, and how you have adjusted your lifestyle to make the best of this bad economy. City Hall could have and should have given you a plan, and a promise to be held accountable since they are looking for you to hand over your wallet for 6 years. Meanwhile, City Hall sits on a $2 million rainy day fund specifically designed for hard times such as these.

Voting No on Proposition 1 simply tells City Hall your trust and your wallet are worth more than empty promises. 6 years is way too long. There are no caps or limits. No certainty. No accountability. Vote No on Proposition 1.

Tony Holman
Lake Forest Park

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Evan Smith: CORRECTION: We sent a Republican to Olympia in 1986


By Evan Smith
ShorelineAreaNews Politics Writer

When I wrote Friday about the Seattle Times’ endorsement of Republican David Baker for 32nd District State senator, I misstated how long it has been since this area has elected a Republican.

Former Democratic State Rep. Nancy Rust tells me that the area elected Republican Bill Kiskaddon to the State Senate in 1984, when Shoreline and Lake Forest Park were part of the 1st Legislative District.

Rust noted that almost all of what was then the 1st District became the 32nd District after the 1990 census. She said that in the 16 years that she served in the State House of Representatives, beginning when she won the 1980 election, she represented the 44th, 1st and 32nd districts, all while living in the same Shoreline home.

When the area became part of the 32nd District for the 1992 election, Democrat Al Williams was the District’s senator. Because Williams didn’t live within the new boundaries of the district, he couldn’t run for another term. Democrat Darlene Fairley won the seat in 1994.

That makes Kiskaddon the last Republican to represent Shoreline and Lake Forest Park and Williams the last male Democrat.

In the House, the string of female Democrats goes back to 1980.

Since 1982, Position 1 has been held by Democrats Rust, Patty Butler, Carolyn Edmonds and Maralyn Chase, and Position 2 by Democrats Grace Cole and Ruth Kagi.


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Lake Forest Park Police Blotter 7-19 to 7-25-2010


By Diane Hettrick (Categories are my creation)

Bothell Way
7-19….153/Bothell Wy. Subject arrested for criminal trafficking.
7-21….153/Bothell Way. Car running down Bothell Way at 70 mph, ran red light. Rear-ended other vehicle but neither stopped. Seattle Police report subject has hit a car in Seattle and is headed back toward LFP.

Eventually they’ll run out of 4th of July
7-19….30xx NE 185. Subject heard firecrackers. Next day discovered damage to his mailbox. His morning paper was wrapped around a metal can full of nails. Police say it’s just garbage.
7-20….178xx 40 NE. Subject heard shots, scream. Police can smell fireworks, no one around.
7-24….179/28 NE. Two people called in report of shots heard. Aerial fireworks from Shoreline.

It’s illegal to steal, damage, tamper with political signs
7-19….51xx NE 187. White males in four-door sedan smashed a Yes Prop 1 sign.
7-20….165xx 39 NE. Half a dozen Yes on Prop 1 signs were pulled from the right-of-way and dumped in yard. Signs are stored at police station for pickup by campaign.
7-20….51xx NE 187. Attempted theft of YesProp1 political sign. White sedan similar to Dodge Spirit. White male, slender, black hair, in his 20s. A sign was taken from this address the day before, this one was present, but tipped over.
7-24….174xx Ballinger. Illegal sign removal.

Rite Aid really needs to sponsor a driving school
7-19….Towne Centre. Report of a DUI, a Cadillac weaving down the road, went to Bank of America. Police: male driver in his 70’s, not under the influence.

Domestic dramas
7-19….184xx 24 Pl NE. Citizen needs police report so phone company will block harassing calls from bill collectors looking for his son.
7-20….33xx NE 156. Subject looked at bank account online and found someone had cashed a check from subject’s account. Checks kept in drawer at home. Two actual checks were missing. Babysitter only non-family member in house. Froze accounts.
7-20….192xx Forest Park Dr, condos. Subject is in California on vacation but received a $2,000 bill from Sears and a receipt for Western Union. Had locks changed on condo so son and suspect girlfriend can’t get in.
7-24….16xx NE 195. Man came to get his roommate’s belonging from previous living space. Caller wouldn’t let him have them. Roommate appeared and verified permission.
7-24….16xx NE 195. Caller mad at roommate, wanted police intervention. Police say it’s a civil matter.

Alarms and Fumble fingers
7-20….171xx Hamlin Rd NE. Audible alarm. Person in house couldn’t find codes for a while, so police were dispatched. Found codes, call cancelled.
7-21….32xx NE 204. Alarm going on and off for 3-4 days. 3 different calls about alarm, but it’s off when police arrive and no one can tell where it comes from.
7-22….145xx Bothell Wy, Lake City Kidney Center. 911 hang up. Called back, got voice mail for “Jennifer.” Called main number downtown Seattle, don’t know Jennifer.
7-22….192xx 51 NE. Two alarms same location. Homeowner forgot to secure the door.
7-23….182xx 30 NE, group home. 911. Accidental call.
7-23….157xx 38 NE. Alarm. Owner accidentally used remote activation. Reset but alarm company wouldn’t cancel police call due to hold-up status.
7-23….Towne Center. Fire alarm at mall. Assist Fire to clear building.
7-23….169xx 33. Alarm. Unknown cause.
7-25….38xx NE 150. 911. Trying for husband’s cell phone number.

Good deed
7-23….Albertson’s. Shopper found envelope with $30, turned it in. Shopper who lost the money correctly described the envelope, got money back.

School’s out for summer
7-20….174xx 44 NE. Noise complaint, underage juveniles having a beer party. Some ran from police. Police talked to the teen-aged girl who lived there.
7-24….148xx Bothell, Waterfront apartments. Loud party. Second call 45 minutes later. Police explained consequences to party-goers.
7-25….33xx NE 182. Loud juveniles, music. Police told them to close windows and keep noise down.

Mental, drugs, alcohol
7-20….44xx NE 187. Female left suicide voice mail with her doctor. Doctor called police for welfare check. Found woman alive but groggy from pills. Took to Virginia Mason.
7-22….183xx 28 NE. Alcoholic, adult son threatened suicide with kitchen knife. Father was able to take it away from him. Involuntary commitment at Northwest.
7-25….173xx Beach Dr NE. Mother high on prescription meds trying to drive to Ballard for her “drug issues.” Son tried to stop her by letting air out of tires, but she drove off anyway. Thinks she’s headed to buy street drugs.

Graffiti
7-24….173xx Ballinger. Spray paint in fire hydrant.
7-24….46xx NE 175. Marked up street sign.
7-25….172xx 37 NE. Tagged street signs and mailbox.

Car prowls and other theft
7-22….187xx 50 NE. Car prowl. Took wallet from unlocked car.
7-24….168xx Bothell Wy, Shell Gas. Left without paying for gas.
7-25….191xx Ballinger. Car prowl. Broke back passenger side window. Nothing taken.
7-25…..192xx Forest Park Dr NE, condos. Car prowl. Broke side window. Took Zune, clothes.
7-25….197xx 40 Pl NE. Car egged. Has been going on for two months.

Traffic stops
7-22….33 NE/NE 155. Juvenile on bicycle. King County interested, may have outstanding warrant on him. LFP transported home and turned him over to his father.
7-22….NE 178/25 NE. Tabs don’t match vehicle. Owner has two cars and put tabs on wrong car.

Trail
7-22….Burke Gilman Trail. Elderly male fell on trail. Transported to his vehicle. Private transport to hospital.

Love your neighbor
7-19….30xx NE 193. Mentally disabled 10 year old got away from grandma and pulled all the mail from the neighbors’ boxes. Mother came home from work and put the mail back. Police: get locking mailboxes.
7-20….191xx Ballinger, condos. Neighbor B doesn’t want Neighbor A’s dog to potty on common area grass. Threatened to poison dog. Police advised Neighbor A to go to homeowners’ association, consider a harassment order, and call 911 if altercation occurs – and be careful with the dog.
7-21….30xx NE 182. Neighbor’s car parked so it blocks line of sight when subject pulls out of driveway. Plus their dog barks all day. Police: Put 72 hour removal notice on car and left note for resident to talk to police about barking dog.
7-24….193xx 46 NE. Complaint about barking dogs. Police couldn’t locate.

Help! (LFP) Police!
7-19….Station. Guy was involved in a road rage incident on I-5 and the other party took pictures of him. He called 911. Advised to talk to Washington State Patrol because they have jurisdiction.
7-22….Station. Two guys live in same apartment building in Kenmore. Neighbor A called Kenmore police to complain about Neighbor B. Now Neighbor B is following Neighbor A down the road, tailgating. Neighbor A pulled into LFP police station for help. Issue is apparently smoke from one apartment going into the other apartment. Police say don’t follow, don’t intimidate, talk to building manager.
7-24….171xx Bothell. Road rage. Subject was at stop sign and other driver was honking and tailgating. Police contacted other driver who said he honked when other car cut him off in Kenmore but didn’t pay further attention.
7-24….174xx Ballinger. Subject got beat up in Kenmore the day before. Kenmore police told him if he pressed charges they’d all go to jail. Wants help from LFP. Police said sorry, back to Kenmore, their jurisdiction.

Suspicious, maybe
7-20….174xx 32 NE. Guy stopped to talk to teenager mowing lawn about buying the car in the driveway, which was not posted for sale.
7-20….167xx 37 NE. Subject came home to find two people in his carport, a male and female, teen to 20’s in age, black. They said they were selling magazines. Police contacted couple who said they had just knocked on subject’s door and were throwing away their trash in his garbage can when he drove up. Informed them there is no soliciting in LFP.
7-21….167xx 32 NE. Suspicious person asking questions of 15-year-old son. Police could not locate. Callback from original caller - now think it’s a census worker.
7-22….145xx Bothell Wy, Déjà vu. Subject drinking beer and tossing cans in parking lot. Made him pick up the cans.
7-25….29xx NE 178. Caller heard crying and yelling from house. Police found it’s a group home and young female resident doesn’t like to wake up and get dressed.

Oops
7-20….19651 47 NE, park. Tennis players nearly got their car locked inside the park.
7-22….Towne Centre. Window, broken from inside. Worker cleaning ducts at Honey Bear accidentally broke a window.

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