By The Herald Editorial Board
The 44th Legislative District, among the fastest growing parts of Snohomish County, is positioned centrally in the county and includes all or parts of the cities of Marysville, Lake Stevens, Snohomish, Everett and Mill Creek.
The district’s two House seats are up for election. The district’s Senate seat, currently held by Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, will be up for election in 2022.
House, Position 1
Rep. John Lovick, D-Mill Creek, is challenged by Snohomish Mayor John Kartak, a Republican, for the two-year term.
Kartak was elected to the mayor’s office in 2017, following a successful campaign by himself and others to change the form of government in the city of about 10,000 residents from city manager to “strong mayor.” In a joint interview with the editorial board, Kartak said he hoped to represent the “small town values” of the district and work for fiscal responsibility and improvements regarding the district’s transportation needs and its small businesses.
Lovick’s recent tenure in the House began with his appointment to a vacancy and election in 2016. Lovick previously served in the House from 1999 to 2007. His resume includes terms as Snohomish County sheriff and Snohomish County executive. He also served on the Mill Creek City Council and worked 31 years with the Washington State Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Drawing on his law enforcement experience, much of the legislation for which he was primary sponsor has focused on policing, traffic safety and public safety. Two successful pieces of legislation in the last two years include bills that established a law enforcement grant program for alternatives to arrest and jail practices and requiring a skills demonstration for the state’s motorcycle license endorsement.
A bill he proposed this year, even prior to the protests over undue and sometimes deadly use of force by police, would require all police agencies to report incidents of police use of deadly force and would share that data on a state law enforcement agency association website. The bill passed the House but did not pass the Senate.
Considering the emphasis that will be needed on budget issues and the constraints of an online Legislature next session, Lovick said he expects the pace of consideration of bills to slow. But Lovick said he intends to continue addressing issues of law enforcement and racial equity that have gained prominence following the death of George Floyd and others in police custody. Lovick said the Legislature is considering a list of some 50 such reforms.
Kartak has professed sincere respect for his opponent as well as for both Republican and Democratic constituents in his district, but recent gaffes call that sincerity into question.
Last week, Kartak apologized after the brief appearance on his Facebook page of a meme that showed small toy figures being mowed over by a toy car under the label of “‘Peaceful Protest’ Action Set.”
His explanation was less than convincing: “I thought it was just about violence and riots that happen in streets where cars are parked,” Kartak told The Herald. “I thought it depicted a riot that spilled over on top of a car.”
And after a Confederate flag was displayed during a May 31 protest involving Black Lives Matter supporters and armed counter-demonstrators, Kartak, in a paid political advertisement on HeraldNet.com, appeared to dismiss the flag’s presence and its implied menace: “Some see it merely as a symbol of youthful rebellion or southern pride rather than racism,” he said in the ad. “I recently learned this was the case here, and a young man will reportedly no longer fly that flag.”
A similar example of an ill-considered meme posted by County Council member and Democrat Megan Dunn — and an equally unsatisfying apology — offers the opportunity to remind public officials and candidates for office to give more thought to the messages they send out. Too often it distracts from the good work they are trying to accomplish.
While all public officials have been tripped up by their own words at times, these recent instances offer contrast to a record of thoughtful response and consideration to events and challenges that Rep. Lovick has demonstrated during a nearly 50-year career as a public servant and official.
Lovick, selected by fellow House members as deputy speaker pro tem, has served his district well and should be returned to his seat.
House, Position 2
The appointment of 44th district Rep. Jared Mead, D-Mill Creek, to the Snohomish County Council this April left a vacancy at that post. This summer’s primary election set the ballot for Nov. 3 with Republican Mark James of Marysville and Democrat April Berg of Everett.
James, of Marysville, has served on its city council since his election in 2017. An Army veteran, he runs a coupon and advertising magazine. He also serves on the Snohomish County Planning Commission.
Berg, of Mill Creek, was elected to the Everett School District board in 2019 and also serves on the Mill Creek planning commission. Berg formerly served on the Edmonds school board and was an aerospace program manager.
Prior to the primary election, the editorial board endorsed Berg.
Berg was injured in a vehicle accident on the day of the Aug. 4 primary when the car in which she was a passenger was struck head-on by a suspected impaired driver. Berg suffered back injuries, but in an email to the editorial board this week she said she continues to improve. While she remains in a back brace, she is using a cane when walking.
Both James and Berg in a joint interview with the editorial board demonstrated a detailed understanding of issues lawmakers are likely to face next session. And each offers experience and background that would serve the district, but Berg’s background in education, planning and aerospace, and her past work as a legislative representative for the Edmonds School Board, prepares her well to serve the district and its residents.
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