44th Legislative District: House Position 1: Countryman, Dunshee spar on transit spending

One says the state spends too much on transit. The other says too little is spent on it.

Larry Countryman, a former Snohomish city councilman who is a Republican, said the state probably has enough money to ease traffic congestion but state leaders are using the money unwisely. For example, he said they are overspending on mass transit.

His opponent in the 44th Legislative District is Rep. Hans Dunshee, a Snohomish Democrat who is seeking his eighth two-year term to the Legislature.

Dunshee argues that the state needs to spend more on transit.

The two are facing off in the district, which stretches between Mill Creek and Marysville east of I-5.

Dunshee, 54, said his top issues include developing alternative energy such as biofuel and bringing a University of Washington branch to Snohomish County. He said he secured a $500,000 state grant for a new $1.2 million center in Cathcart to dry and store canola seeds, steps needed to turn them into biodiesel.

Dunshee, the vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said that his experience in Olympia should help Snohomish County add the UW campus.

Countryman, 67, said his opponent has stayed in Olympia for too long and accomplished too little for the district.

The state will probably face a budget deficit next year due to the slow national economy, Countryman said, adding that he's more in tune with regular people than Dunshee. Countryman said he has raised six children and owned small businesses, including a bed and breakfast in downtown Snohomish.

Countryman is known for self-publishing cartoon coloring books that mock political foes. He's not planning to do one this year, but he said he has some other ideas.