Editorial: A recap of The Herald’s election endorsements

By The Herald Editorial Board

A little more than a week remains for registered voters to complete and submit their ballots for the Nov. 8 general election.

Below, The Herald Editorial Board recaps its endorsements, some made prior to the primary election. The full endorsements can be found online at www.heraldnet.com/tag/editorials/.

In addition to these recommendations, voters also are directed to their local voters pamphlet — also mailed to registered voters — the state’s online voters guide and a series of recorded candidate forums available at the website of the Snohomish County League of Women Voters.

Ballots can be mailed or placed in one of several county election office drop boxes. Ballots must be postmarked or placed in a drop box before 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8. A list of locations for official drop boxes is available at tinyurl.com/SnoCoVote22DropBox. More information on voting, registering to vote and the primary and general elections is available at tinyurl.com/SnoCoVote22.

For information on your Congressional and Legislative district — which may have changed following redistricting — go to app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/.

Advisory votes

Advisory votes Nos. 39 and 40: Make no mark. Unlike actual advisory votes — votes taken prior to action by a government body — the tax “advisory” votes don’t require action by state lawmakers and serve no function. As the editorial board has advised before, these votes are little more than opinion polls. Both the ballot language and the voters guide are lacking in context or detail on how the revenue from the tax will be used.

Federal offices

U.S. Senate: Patty Murray, Democrat: “Sen. Murray’s legislative record and the confidence in her leadership shown by her colleagues … should earn Murray the continued support of Washington state’s voters.”

U.S. Representative, Congressional District 1: Suzan DelBene, Democrat: “During the last two years she has sponsored 21 bills, 11 earning bipartisan support, including reforms of a low-income housing credit, now in a House committee; and legislation to provide more timely pre-authorization of Medicare patients’ treatment, which passed the House and is now in the Senate.”

U.S. Representative, Congressional District 2: Rick Larsen, Democrat: “Larsen has used his tenure to develop a deep knowledge of government programs and how those can help his district’s constituents and communities.”

U.S. Representative, Congressional District 8: Kim Schrier, Democrat: “Schrier, in her two terms, has produced a record of legislation and attention to her district that should be appreciated by the district’s new voters in Snohomish County.”

State office

Washington Secretary of State: Steve Hobbs, Democrat: “Hobbs, provided the advantage of his appointment to the office, has not coasted while waiting for the election. Since taking office in November, Hobbs has adopted policies and shepherded improvements that have added to what (Kim) Wyman left in place.”

Legislative offices

District 1, House, Pos. 1: Davina Duerr, Democrat: “Duerr has shown herself as a productive lawmaker and a leader in the House, particularly on issues of importance to residents in her district.”

District 1, House, Pos. 2: Shelly Kloba, Democrat: “Kloba’s record of effectiveness and background knowledge on issues of education, data technology, housing and taxes makes a strong statement for her reelection.”

District 10, House, Pos. 1: Greg Gilday, Republican: The Herald Editorial Board has learned since publication of its endorsement on Sept. 20 that Democratic candidate Clyde Shavers misrepresented his resume on two key points: He indicated on a state Public Disclosure Commission form and in campaign literature that he works as an attorney; however, Shavers, while has has graduated law school and has worked for a law firm, he has not passed the Washington state bar exam necessary to make that claim. Shavers also made statements to the editorial board and in campaign literature that he had served aboard a submarine while in the Navy, before transferring to a public affairs office; however, while he completed some training for submarine certification, he switched to public affairs. Because of these misrepresentations, and the questions they raise regarding Shavers’ integrity, The Herald Editorial Board rescinds its endorsement of Shavers and now endorses Gilday. Having earlier shown a dedication in serving his community, Gilday’s first term has demonstrated he can work collaboratively with Democrats as well as those within his own party. Gilday, regardless of Shavers’ now questioned background, deserves voters’ support.

District 10, House, Pos. 2: Dave Paul, Democrat: Paul’s work within his district on educational and law enforcement issues is representative of his hands-on community-based approach.”

District 12, House, Pos. 1: Keith Goehner, Republican, is unopposed.

District 12, House, Pos. 2: Mike Steele, Republican: “Steele’s experience and working relationships with fellow lawmakers as well as the commitment already shown to meet and begin work with Snohomish County residents and officials will serve the constituents of the 12th Legislative District well.”

District 21, Senate: Marko Liias, Democrat: “His success with the transportation package in one session of his committee leadership is proof of the experience he has gained in his legislative tenure.”

District 21, House, Pos. 1: Strom Peterson, Democrat: “Peterson has long been an advocate for practical but meaningful legislation on a range of issues, particularly at the local level where it has the greatest affect on the lives of community members.”

District 21, House, Pos. 2: Lillian Ortiz-Self, Democrat: “Over her legislative career Ortiz-Self has risen as a leader in the House and effective in proposing legislation that serves the public.”

District 32, Senate: Jesse Salomon, Democrat: “Salomon in his first term has demonstrated a knack for drafting and winning passage for effective legislation that appeals to both parties.”

District 32, House ,Pos. 1: Cindy Ryu, Democrat: “Ryu’s track record as a representative has shown her as detail-oriented and someone who pays attention to potential unintended consequences in legislation. “

District 32, House, Pos. 2: Lauren Davis, Democrat: “Davis’ perspective and commitment for effective solutions (on behavioral health, drug addiction and domestic violence) is imperative. Voters should keep Davis working in all aspects of behavioral health.”

District 38, Senate: June Robinson, Democrat: “Robinson, in her two years on the Senate, has built on her experience in the House and quickly rose to vice chair of the Senate’s ways and means committee and its emphasis on budgets and taxes, which followed her work in the house as vice chair of the appropriations committee.”

District 38, House, Pos. 1: Julio Cortes, Democrat: “Cortes should be able to draw on his work within a diverse community that will help serve his district and its communities while broadening its representation.”

District 38, House, Pos. 2: Mark James, Republican: “James’ tenure and demeanor on Marysville’s council, his community work and his commitment to training in municipal service would serve district constituents.”

District 39, House, Pos. 1: Sam Low, Republican: “Low, one of two Republicans on the five-member county council, has worked effectively across the aisle there and should be able to transfer those skills to his work with fellow legislators in the district and in Olympia.”

District 39, House, Pos. 2: Carolyn Eslick, Republican: “Eslick, shown in her success in drafting and pursuing necessary legislation — and making sure it’s followed by funding and support — has a track record of working well with follow lawmakers, regardless of party, and paying attention to the interests of her district’s residents.”

District 44, Senate: John Lovick, Democrat: “Lovick has been a long-standing advocate for legislation and funding that improves government service and infrastructure, as well as bills that promote interests that add to communities’ quality of life and cohesiveness.”

District 44, House, Pos. 1: Brandy Donaghy, Democrat: “Donaghy has proven that commitment to bipartisan solutions and effective legislation.”

District 44, House Pos. 2: April Berg, Democrat” “Berg has shown herself as an effective and motivating legislator, able to work with fellow lawmakers of both parties, keen on details and concerned about issues”

Snohomish County

Prosecuting Attorney: Jason Cummings, Democrat: “Cummings extensive background with the office, his past leadership within it and an understanding of how best to use the resources available makes the closing argument for Cummings as the county’s next prosecuting attorney.”

Public Utility District 1

Commissioner, District 3: Tanya Olson: “Olson … has used her experience and knowledge on the commission and has retained an engaged interest in the utility and its customers.”

Monroe School District No. 103

Proposition 1: Replacement Program and Operations Levy: Yes:

“Voters in the Monroe School District should consider the changes now underway in their district and approve the funding that students need for an education they deserve.”