Experienced Loomis will continue to lead

The editorial board of The Herald was in error when it gave Mike Hope the nod over state Rep. Liz Loomis in the 44th District.

Rep. Loomis has a long list of endorsements, including every law enforcement and firefighter endorsement in the district, even though The Herald liked Hope because he is a policeman. These endorsements are reflective of the extraordinarily fine job she is doing in Olympia. Rep. Loomis has deep knowledge and great experience in the state, county and local government systems. She knows the people, has access to those who can make a difference and is a highly valued and valuable legislator.

Liz has helped the people of this community through years of service in Snohomish as a council member and as mayor. Now as a state legislator, she has been unusually effective in getting bills passed that benefit our businesses and our economy. She successfully authored bills that cut taxes for Washington businesses, funded a study to facilitate east side commuter rail, and provided small businesses with access to health care for employees. She was selected vice chair of the House Transportation Committee — a highly influential body, that is key to helping us solve transportation problems through getting state and federal dollars for Snohomish County. She is a real asset to our region, and now, after her freshman term as a legislator, is poised to continue to use her energy, intelligence and expertise to help this region move forward.

Liz Loomis is significantly more qualified and capable than Hope: smart, effective and committed to service. She deserves our support, and The Herald was way off on this one.

WARNER BLAKE