The job
At stake is a two-year term as a representative in the state Legislature. This seat is for Position 1 in the 39th Legislative District that covers Monroe, Arlington, Granite Falls and other Sky Valley towns. The annual salary is $42,106.
Election Day: Nov. 2, with ballots scheduled to be mailed out Oct. 15.
Eleanor Walters
Age: 55
Occupation: Running for office full-time; previously worked 8 years for Starbucks in contract management
Residence: Snohomish
Website: www.EleanorWalters.com
Party: Democratic
Education: Bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Oregon; law degree from Gonzaga University
In her own words: “There needs to be a more balanced approach to legislation and a new voice for the constituents,” Walters said.
Walters’ priorities:
• Said she wants to simplify government while growing the economy. “You’ve got to have both,” she said.
• Sees education as key to the state’s health. “Adult, children, preschool (education),” she said. “Everything. We need to make sure we support our education system.”
• Intends to “stir the pot” on U.S. 2 since she said the Sky Valley highway hasn’t received the attention it deserves in the past decade.
Notable: Walters has not passed the Washington State Bar, but said her law degree gives her a better understanding of legislation.
Walters said she chose to make her first run for elected office to bring a Democratic voice to the 39th District and combat partisan politics.
Dan Kristiansen
Age: 47
Occupation: Incumbent state representative
Residence: Snohomish
Website: www.dankristiansen.com
Party: Republican
Education: Took classes at Shoreline Community College but does not hold a college degree
In his own words: “We have not been putting forward sustainable budgets. We have to do that.”
Kristiansen’s priorities:
• Wants to save and restore jobs. “It’s the private sector jobs that you have to look at that drive the economy,” he said.
• Said the state Legislature can strengthen the economy by reviewing, and potentially changing, tax and regulatory policies, “to make sure we’re on a level playing field.”
• Feels the best way to balance the budget will be to fund necessary programs first, and then invest in others as remaining dollars allow. “It’s no different than what we do with our personal budgets,” he said.
Notable: Kristiansen started a construction business with his father after graduating from Shorecrest High School.
Kristiansen, seeking his fifth term in office, serves as the chairman for the Republican Caucus in the state House of Representatives.
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