Education: Bachelor of science in agricultural education and natural resources from Washington State University
Experience: Worked 32 years as an agriculture teacher and Future Farmers of America adviser, primarily at Mount Vernon High School. Named the state’s vocational teacher of the year in 2002. Served six years on the state Professional Educators Standards Board and served as president of the Washington Association of Career and Technical Educators. Ran unsuccessfully against Rep. Barbara Bailey in 2004.
Web site: www.timknue.com
Norma Smith
Age: 57
Residence: Clinton
Party: Republican
Education: Bachelor of arts in theology from Puget Sound Christian College
Experience: Appointed to her 10th Legislative District seat in January 2008. Served as president and member of the South Whidbey School Board in the early 1990s. Worked six years as a congressional assistant to former U.S. Rep. Jack Metcalf, R-Wash., who died in 2007. Ran unsuccessfully in 2000 against state Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen and in 2002 against U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen.
Republican state Rep. Norma Smith is trying to retain the 10th District seat that she was appointed to in January. Democrat Tim Knue is making a second run at a seat in the district.
Smith was named to the position by the Snohomish County Council and Island and Skagit county commissioners after former state Rep. Chris Strow resigned to take a job with the Puget Sound Regional Council.
Smith is challenged by Knue, who attempted to unseat Position 2 Rep. Barbara Bailey when he first sought legislative office two years ago.
Knue, 54, grew up on his family's small farm in the Oak Harbor area and retired as a longtime, award-winning high school agriculture teacher. He said his experience on a governor-appointed state board where he represented career and technical education allowed him to become a voice to influence legislation.
Knue said his primary concerns as a legislator would be education, support for farmers and the owners of small businesses, and tackling issues such as growth and transportation, including highways and ferries. Knue is in favor of performance audits to make sure state money is spent well, he said.
Smith shares Knue's interest in the state's economic vitality and said she would like to be returned to Olympia to continue her bipartisan work to protect home owners and small businesses.
Both she and Knue believe that the current regulatory climate is tough for the owners of small businesses and family farms.
The solutions to transportation problems, especially in the state ferry system, will require a tough look at the budget, Smith said.
Smith said she believes in treating people respectfully and that she had an encouraging welcome in the statehouse in January by members on both sides of the aisle.
Reporter Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427 or gfiege@heraldnet.com.