Democrat Kagi’s, Republican Schirle’s legislative priorities

Ruth Kagi

Ruth Kagi

By Evan Smith

Incumbent Democratic 32nd District State Rep. Ruth Kagi and Republican challenger David Schirle recently shared opposing views on what they want to do if elected. Both have sent responses to a question about their legislative priorities.

Kagi and Schirle will meet on the general-election ballot to represent the 32nd District, which includes the city of Lynnwood, the town of Woodway and nearby unincorporated areas, parts of Edmonds and Mountlake Terrace, the city of Shoreline and part of northwest Seattle.

Here are the candidates’ statements in the order that their names will appear on the ballot and in the voters’ pamphlet:

Ruth Kagi (Prefers Democratic Party) —

The 2017 legislative session is going to be the most challenging in decades. We must find the resources to fully fund education, including early learning, without decimating the social services that support families facing serious problems like homelessness, mental health issues and drug addiction. Funding for these services was severely reduced during the recession and has not been restored. We are losing many social-service providers in our communities because the state’s reimbursement doesn’t come close to meeting the actual cost of service. One of my priorities is improved funding for critical social services.

Washington’s revenue system needs reform. In 1995, when we had a high quality education and social-service system, Washington State ranked 11th in state and local tax incidence – the taxes per capita that we pay. We now rank 35th — below Mississippi — and have the most regressive tax system in the country. I support closing tax preferences that do not produce public benefit, imposing a capital gains tax on the wealthiest 5 percent of our population, and assuring that large corporations pay their fair share. We need a more fair and progressive revenue system so we can rebuild a strong education system for Washington.

David D. Schirle (Prefers Republican Party) —

Logic over emotion? Please, all that can be asked is that we put whatever emotion aside and use only logic. REASON.

FACT: The State of Washington has been politically controlled by one party: The DEMOCRATIC PARTY for 20 years. My opponent has been in office for the past 19 years. She is part of the problem.

FACT: Sending the same “well intentioned” people to fix these problems will not work. They have failed. We know that. They know it.

FACT: THEY are proposing SOLUTIONS. Their solution (and it is always the same) is more money and bigger government.

FACT: More money, more government are not the solutions.

FACT: If we want to fix things, we have to change the people that we send to Olympia.

FACT: You do have a choice. With your vote you can send new people with different attitudes and new ideas.

FACT: That is the reasonable thing.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Snohomish County Health Department Director Dennis Worsham on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Health Department director tapped as WA health secretary

Dennis Worsham became the first director of the county health department in January 2023. His last day will be July 3.

Rick Steves launches $1M match challenge for Lynnwood Neighborhood Center

The $64.5 million Lynnwood Neighborhood Center will house several community spaces and partner with local nonprofits.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Cars drive along Cathcart Way next to the site of the proposed Eastview Village development that borders Little Cedars Elementary on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 in unincorporated Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Council denies latest Eastview Village appeal

Council members affirmed previous approvals of the development planned off Cathcart Way near Highway 9.

Everett
Everett police: Man sold drugs to woman prior to fatal overdose

The man, who faces a charge under the state’s controlled substance homicide law, remains in Snohomish County Jail on more than $1M bond.

Missing Marysville boy, 10, found safe and sound

Police said the boy was last seen Sunday morning before leaving to go for a run at a nearby middle school.

Red tape hangs in the front of the entrance to a burned down Center for Human Services building along 204th Street on Monday, July 7, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lynnwood fire destroys behavioral health nonprofit building

The cause of the fire is under investigation. The building housed an intensive mental health support program for youth and families.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.