Endorsements

Published 9:24 am Friday, February 22, 2008

Yes on Referendum 51

Referendum 51 is not perfect, but it’s not as bad as it’s been made out to be by opponents.

The tax plan includes a two-step, 9-cents per gallon gas tax increase.

If it doesn’t pass, the gas tax will be raised again eventually anyway – likely without the accountability of the regular project audits built into R-51. Opponents have said they will not support R-51 without more accountability in state government – but since this is not going to happen overnight, R-51 provides a jump start on the billions of dollars of needed transportation improvements until more funds can be found one way or another. Vote yes.

Mike Cooper in 21st District

Rep. Mike Cooper, D-Edmonds, faces a challenge from Republican Jeff Thorp of Everett. Thorp has creditable ideas about the need for efficiency in government, but Cooper has worked hard for his district and should be re-elected. He has been a leader on transportation, environmental and public safety issues. As vice chairman of the House Transportation Committee, he helped obtain several transportation projects for Snohomish County under R-51, and will continue to work to do so if the initiative fails.

Brian Sullivan in the 21st

State Rep. Brian Sullivan, D-Mukilteo, and his GOP opponent, Mike Huisman of Edmonds, are both good candidates. Sullivan has good experience in local government and Huisman has done his homework. A former small businessman, Huisman is strong on jobs creation.

Sullivan is also a small businessman, and this, in combination with his experience in state and local government gives him an edge in this race.

No endorsement in Chase-Ransom

The race for 32nd District House, Pos. 1, offers voters a distinct and difficult choice between appointed incumbent Rep. Maralyn Chase, D-Edmonds, and GOP challenger Bob Ransom, a Shoreline City Council member. Both candidates are staying true to their political roots and both have shown an Achilles heel.

Chase is a loyal local Democrat, a legacy that brought her more than $11,000 in union-related campaign contributions.

Ransom has a background of service on the Shoreline School Board and appointed commissions and has received local business-related support, including more than $5,000 from gambling interests.

Chase’s rocky relationships with other party members have made her the eye of a political storm, unexpected for an appointee with such a long partisan history. The ruckus makes one wonder how effective she can be in crafting compromise in Olympia.

Ransom’s record of service is admirable. On the City Council, he often speaks up with alternative and valuable viewpoints. However, despite a recent example, his vocalizations rarely turn into a vote of his conscience. Ransom has also shown indifference to campaign regulations, suffering fines from the state Public Disclosure Commission.

Whichever they choose, voters should know that in this race, what they see is likely what they’ll get.