Everett, Wash.
Published: Wednesday, October 15, 2008

39th Legislative District House Position 2: Pearson, Personius clash on spending priorities

By Gale Fiege
Herald Writer

 Incumbent Rep. Kirk Pearson, R-Monroe, and his Democratic opponent David Personius of Arlington agree on at least one thing: The economy foreshadows tough times ahead for the state.

Pearson said the road ahead in the Legislature includes lots of hard work ahead to trim spending, protect jobs and help small business.

Personius calls himself a Franklin Delano Roosevelt-style Democrat and cautioned that cutting social services in tough times is not the way to go. They are vying for the 39th District, Position 2.

Running for his fifth two-year term, Pearson said he wants to ensure the safety of children and curb college tuition costs. Along with the economy, though, his major concern is safety on U.S. 2.

U.S. 2 also is at the top of his list of concerns, Personius said.

Despite their tenure, the Republican incumbents in the region are not bringing home the bacon for public works projects, Personius said.

During the primary election campaign Personius charged that Pearson is a full-time legislator who doesn't relate to working people. Pearson defended himself, saying that his father was a union butcher, he was working in a factory when he was first elected and he's even experienced the pain of being laid off. He also said he believes the only way he can do a good job as a lawmaker is working full time.



Reporter Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427 or gfiege@heraldnet.com.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA