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The
Herald
Published: October 13, 2000
'Schmidt, Lovick model bipartisan work in 44th'
OUR VIEWS
It has been two years since we last endorsed Dave Schmidt and John Lovick for House of Representatives positions 1 and 2, respectively, in the 44th District. And we're ready to do it again, this year.
The Republican and Democratic lawmakers offer voters an excellent example of bipartisan cooperation and readiness to tackle exasperating issues such as transportation.
Schmidt, a Republican, is right on the mark when he says the House needs good senior leadership. He has a solid reputation among fellow legislators on both sides of the aisle. Schmidt has a very realistic understanding of the impact of initiatives on the budget process. He knows coming up with a budget won't be easy, but voters won't tolerate tax increases.
Schmidt supports bringing health insurance companies back to our state. An opponent of Initiative 745, Schmidt believes in a balanced approach to solving the transportation mess that includes light rail to Northgate, supporting transit in Snohomish County and improving roads. And he's looking ahead to the issue of establishing permanent funding sources for criminal justice. That may not be the hottest topic among voters this year, but Schmidt is wise to look forward and be prepared.
Schmidt is being challenged by Democrat Kerry Watkins. A Boeing aircraft mechanic and officer in the Washington Army National Guard, Watkins' record of community service sets an example. He offers an interesting suggestion for dealing with crime. Watkins proposes requiring a certain category of offenders, who meet the requirements, to serve in the military where they can learn structure and discipline.
Unfortunately, Watkins' thoughtful ideas have been somewhat overshadowed by negative and false campaigning against Schmidt. To his credit, Watkins has sincerely apologized for the incorrect information on his Web site. But such an error suggests to us he is not ready "to work with anyone who wants to put politics aside and work for the good of our community and state," as his political leaflet proclaims.
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