Experience and proven leadership, not promises

This is why I'm running again!

When I left the Legislature in 2006, there was full employment and the economy was booming. The state budget had a healthy surplus and secure Rainy Day Fund. It seems like the distant past as we face 10% unemployment and a state budget running billion dollar deficits.

Yet, this year incumbent legislators responded by raising taxes and trying for a state income tax! That is as wrongheaded as you can get. We need to cut wasteful spending and bring the budget back under control. I know we can do it; we've done it before — but we must set priorities and fund only essential services.

When my son was young, at school, and attending the University of Washington, I knew that our public schools were helping to prepare young people for a career and for a full life. I was ranking member of Senate Education Committee and worked with both Democrats and Republicans to ensure we had quality schools. Since then, education has declined and must be restored.

It has been one of the great honors of my life to represent this area of Snohomish County, my home for these past 30 years. I would appreciate your vote.