Democratic district targeted by GOP

In a year when many incumbents in the state House of Representatives are running unopposed, three Republicans are taking on the legislators in the strongly Democratic 32nd District.

The district covers the southern part of Edmonds in Snohomish County, and Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and Juanita in King County.

State Senate

Sen. Darlene Fairley, D-Lake Forest Park, is seeking her fourth term as a state senator.

Her opponent, Republican David Baker, said that’s too long.

“I just think you need a change every now and then, and get back in touch with the district,” said Baker, 62, who was elected to the Kenmore City Council three years ago.

In recent years, Fairley has sponsored successful bills to require licensing for mortgage brokers, to increase restrictions on payday loan companies, and to preserve open space in Shoreline and Juanita, both in King County.

If re-elected, Fairley, 63, said she’ll focus on affordable housing and developing a death-with-dignity law.

Baker said he’d like to get more transportation money for cities and counties. He opposes building a tunnel to replace Seattle’s Highway 99 viaduct. He also would like to see a thorough examination of the state’s spending priorities.

House position 1

Rep. Maralyn Chase, D-Edmonds, has focused on the environment, alternative energy and helping small business in her five years in the Legislature. She was appointed to the House in 2001 and was first elected in 2002.

Recently she sponsored bills appropriating $350,000 to study problems in the Hood Canal, to make small manufacturers eligible for federal grants and to offer tax breaks for solar power.

“We have a responsibility to create renewable energy by every means possible,” said Chase, 64.

If she’s re-elected, she’ll continue with these issues and also focus on education, she said. Chase proposes establishing low-interest loans for college students.

Her challenger, Republican Norine Federow, said money isn’t the answer to improving education. In fact, she said, it’s part of the problem.

“The solution is to take away money as a panacea, and look at the real situation without money as a factor,” said Federow, 61. She said school curriculums should be examined closely to make sure they enable children to succeed.

She also advocates encouraging ridership on buses by making the buses more comfortable, and by giving vouchers for discount gasoline to bus pass holders.

House position 2

Rep. Ruth Kagi, D-Shoreline, has championed education for disadvantaged children in her eight years in the state House of Representatives.

Last year, she sponsored successful bills to keep foster children in their original schools when possible and to fund education coordinator positions in the foster-care system.

This year, she sponsored the bill that created the Department of Early Learning.

“It’s really providing a focus for making sure kids are getting what they need to get to school ready to learn,” said Kagi, 61. “This will continue to be a focus for me.”

Her opponent, Republican Steve Gibbs, said Kagi’s approach is flawed.

“It’s a mistake to get the government too involved in early learning,” said Gibbs, 42. “I question the wisdom of having the government that has enough trouble with K-12 take over with 2- to 4-year-olds,” he said.

In general, Gibbs said, “I think the spending has gotten a little out of control in Olympia,” he said. “I’m a limited government type of person.”

Name: Darlene Fairley, Democrat

Age: 63

Residence: Lake Forest Park

Occupation: Co-owner, Pioneer Square antique store

Name: David Baker, Republican

Age: 62

Residence: Kenmore

Occupation: provider of camera systems for medical diagnostic and industrial use

Name: Maralyn Chase, Democrat

Age: 64

Residence: Edmonds