By Evan Smith
Incumbent Democratic 1st Legislative District State Rep. Derek Stanford and his three challengers recently sent statements about what they believe are the most important issues in the election, with the candidates emphasizing education, highways and taxes.
Democrat Stanford, Republicans Neil Thannisch and Brian M. Travis, and Democrat Kazuaki Sugiyama all have sent issue statements.
The four candidates will run on the Aug. 2 primary ballot, with the two leaders in the primary, regardless of party, advancing to the November general-election ballot.
Stanford has held the position for three two-year terms.
The 1st Legislative District includes most of Mountlake Terrace, all of Brier and Bothell, north Kirkland, unincorporated areas of King County between Bothell and Kirkland, and unincorporated areas of Snohomish County north and east of Bothell including the Maltby area.
Here are the statements in the order the candidates’ names will appear on the primary ballot and in the voters’ pamphlet:
1st District Representative Position 1, 2-Year Term:
Neil Thannisch (Prefers Republican Party) —
Your voice is being ignored in Olympia while government waste keeps growing. It’s time to have your voice restored to the House. I-405 tolls should be removed, not massaged. Traffic congestion needs relief, not to be used as a pawn for light rail. Teachers and student education, not unions and administrators, should be properly funded. Our business environment should encourage job growth, not force companies to leave the state because of regulation and tax burdens. We’re tired of not being heard. Check out my website and then vote for Neil Thannisch. Let’s restore your voice to the House.
Kazuaki (Kaz) Sugiyama (Prefers Democratic Party) —
If elected, I will accept only one term. Politicians have become indebted to special interests and not the voters. I have not requested any endorsements because I should not be indebted to anyone except District 1. I am looking to make a political difference, not a political career.
I have dedicated my adult life to public service as a commissioned officer in US Coast Guard Reserves and as a social services specialist working with the mentally ill, elderly and the children of Washington State. My intent is to continue this tradition of service in Olympia.
Brian M. Travis (Prefers Republican Party) —
As if paying the 2nd highest gasoline taxes in America weren’t enough; our state now charges tolls to drive on freeways already paid for. Sound Transit is asking to raise sales taxes, property taxes, and car tabs. In the name of education even more taxes will come next year and the year after. Is there any limit to how much these people will take from us?
I’m not anti-government; nor oppose the vital services government must provide. But, with rapidly rising rents, housing costs, and stagnant wages, how are we to live? To survive? When will it ever be enough?
Derek Stanford (Prefers Democratic Party) —
As a father and a legislator, I believe the most pressing issue in this election is education. We must fund education now – not only because the Supreme Court ordered it, but because our children’s future depends on it. And, we have to fund education without taking away things like healthcare and higher education opportunities from our kids to bridge that funding gap. We must work together and live up to our responsibility to our kids
Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.
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