EVERETT — Cris Larson’s foray into politics was spurred by his claim that a handful of politicians rarely returned his phone calls and e-mails.
Now, the 42-year-old Everett man who teaches English at Everett High School is financing his own campaign to unseat state Rep. John McCoy, D-Tulalip.
“That’s what got me frustrated enough to consider running,” said Larson, who added that he has long held an interest in public office.
McCoy, 64, a three-term incumbent in the 38th Legislative District, denies ever giving Larson the cold shoulder and said his assistant has phone logs and e-mail records to prove it.
If sent back to Olympia in January, McCoy said there is much he would like to accomplish.
“I still feel there’s more to do in the area of education, transportation and health care,” said McCoy, who has served as chairman of the House technology, energy and communications committees.
It seemed as if McCoy was going to run unopposed when Larson made the decision to run against him. There are 27 Republican and Democratic state lawmakers running unopposed this year, something Larson calls “pathetic.”
The 38th District includes Everett, parts of Marysville, the Tulalip reservation and the Snohomish Valley west of Highway 9.
McCoy, who manages the tribe’s bustling Quil Ceda Village retail development, is running a low-key campaign. He even funneled $15,000 from his $76,000 war chest to assist other Democrats running for state office.
McCoy, who retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1981 after two decades of service, is one of three American Indians in the Legislature.
Consolidating state computer systems and revamping complex K-12 education funding are two possible ways state government could slice the state budget deficit next year, McCoy said.
Improving rural access to technology, including expanding broadband services to areas where only dial-up Internet service is available, and improving health care in rural areas are among McCoy’s other legislative priorities, he said.
Larson did not file for office as a Republican or Democrat because he said he considers himself an independent thinker who tends to be socially liberal and fiscally conservative.
While he has no prior political experience, Larson said his classroom management skills and years as a leader with the teachers union have prepared him for office.
If elected, Larson said he would work to make government more accountable and seek ways to balance the state budget without cutting funding for education and services for senior citizens.
Campaign finance reform is another cause Larson said he would support.
Aside from a $100 political contribution from a family friend, Larson said he has paid about $4,200 out of his own pocket for campaign signs and advertisements.
After the election, he said he plans to use his experience running for office in classroom discussions. For now, Larson said, he keeps his comments generic, telling students they can complain about problems or they can try to become part of the solution.
“Things don’t have to stay the way they are,” he said. “People can go out and make a change.”
McCoy has raised 17 times more money than Larson, with dozens of political donors including labor unions, tribes, businesses, professional organizations and individuals.
McCoy received $800 from a Cristopher Larson, though not the same Cris Larson who is running against him, according to public records.
Larson said he has voted for McCoy in past elections and said he agrees with him on many issues.
Even so, he said he is concerned that McCoy’s job with the Tulalips could become a conflict of interest.
McCoy, who has heard the same refrain voiced by opponents in past elections, insists that he places the interests of the whole district first.
“I’ve worked hard to represent the entire district,” McCoy said.
Reporter David Chircop: 425-339-3429 or dchircop@heraldnet.com.
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