This year, the two 2nd Congressional District House candidates give voters a real choice. Retired Navy Captain Doug Roulstone and incumbent Rick Larsen have obvious different work experiences, philosophies of government and political supporters.
The contrasts are major in work experience. Larsen was a lobbyist for the Washington State Dental Association before he was elected to the Snohomish County Council in 1998. He was narrowly elected to replace Congressman Jack Metcalf in 2000. By contrast, Capt. Roulstone, a graduate of the Naval Academy, was a helicopter pilot in the Navy and later in his career was commanding officer of the nuclear powered carrier John Stennis. When he retired 25 years ago he returned to the Northwest, which he considered home, i.e. Oak Harbor. He established a small high-tech business in the Snohomish area where he is a Boeing parts supplier.
Regarding philosophy of government, Larsen is similar to Seattle Democrat Jim McDermott, a far-left congressman who votes for expanding government. Larsen is described by many as a neo-socialist from the Northwest. Roulstone is a believer that government should be more efficient and it should reduce its growth at the national level. The primary requirement of the federal government is national defense, highways, Social Security, Medicare and homeland security.
The 2nd Congressional District is primarily small town, rural and many residents are veterans and retired military. Only the city of Everett would be considered to be urban. Larsen’s voting record supports big government. His most recent anti-middle class vote was voting against an increase in the national minimum wage. He also voted against the extension of the reduction of estate taxes levied upon the assets of the deceased individual, commonly called death taxes.
Voters are encouraged to visit the Internet and become informed about these two candidates. For me, Doug Roulstone best represents our district and his election would benefit our independent voters.
PAUL BLOWERS
Arlington
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
