Two Whidbey Island Democrats are vying for their party’s nod for the open seat in the 10th Legislative District.
Coupeville Mayor Nancy Conard and Gina Bull of Oak Harbor will square off in the Sept. 14 primary. The winner will take on Chris Strow, a Republican from Clinton who is running unopposed in the primary.
The seat was vacated when Barry Sehlin, R-Oak Harbor, decided not to run for re-election.
Conard said her political experience, including nine years as mayor, four years on the Town Council, plus leadership in numerous civic groups, sets her apart. It should also make her more electable after the primary, she said.
“It’s a swing district, which means that the person who can be elected needs to attract both Democrats and Republicans,” Conard said. “My track record of work as mayor is gaining me a lot of support on both sides.”
Bull, however, said she had the advantage with voters who swing between the two parties. Her father heads the Democratic caucus in the Legislature, while her husband is the eldest son of a retired Navy admiral.
“I would consider myself a conservative Democrat,” Bull said.
Bull and Conard each have strong ties to education. Their positions don’t differ much, except that education is Bull’s top priority, while health care tops Conard’s list.
Bull has 25 years of experience as dean of students at Oak Harbor High School. She also worked as a lobbyist in Olympia for the public school employees union.
Conard retired after 30 years as business manager for the Coupeville School District.
Both said their experience with the budgeting process in Olympia would help them with school issues.
Conard said she would get money more directly to classrooms.
Bull recommends giving teachers more flexibility instead of having them focus on standardized tests. She also wants to protect support jobs that help teachers.
Conard would like to focus on the cost and access to health care, particularly as it relates to rural areas. Some Island County communities have a hard time recruiting doctors, she said. Many don’t want to hassle with cash-strapped federal aid programs that many rural residents rely on.
Bull also believes health care is a priority.
“I certainly don’t have the answers,” she said. “I’m hoping that Washington state will be a national leader” by calling attention to the problem.
On economic issues, Bull favors policies that would help small businesses and farms.
“It’s important that families are given the opportunity to live and work in the same area,” she said. “When that happens, they invest back in their community to maintain and keep good jobs.”
Conard said her experience as mayor would prove useful in growth management decisions. She cited success in Coupeville negotiating for 12 acres of open space and trails for a development next to downtown.
Reporter Scott Morris: 425-339-3292 or smorris@heraldnet.com.
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