Political newcomer Mark Davies, a Republican, is challenging 1st Dist. Rep. Mark Ericks, D-Bothell, because the state needs a change in direction, he said.
“We need to return to more of the conservative values that have made our state great — like self reliance, dependability and a belief in family as the foundational unit of our society,” said Davies, a Boeing employee.
Incumbent Ericks is seeking re-election in order to keep working on issues like economic development, transportation and affordable healthcare in order to create livable communities. Ericks is at the end of his first two-year term.
“I have worked really hard for two years. This is not an easy job,” said Ericks, a retired Bothell city administrator. “I take it very seriously. There is a lot of things in our system that needs change. And I am the guy who can make it happen.”
Ericks and Davies are competing for Pos. 2 in the 1st District, which represents Bothell, and parts of unincorporated Snohomish County to the south and west of Mill Creek.
Voters will decide during the Nov. 7 general election which one will go to Olympia to serve a two-year term, starting in January.
Ballots are being mailed to registered voters this weekend.
Davies said he is the best person for the job because of his strong religious convictions and determination to strengthen the state. Davies, 51, has been a performance product specialist at Boeing for 16 years and studied mechanical engineering at Brigham Young University.
His top priorities are to support traditional families, streamline government spending and improve infrastructure, especially roads, he said.
“We need to continue development of our state infrastructure so we can have a stronger business base in the state,” Davies said. “When a delivery truck sits in traffic, it hinders our ability to compete.”
Davies also wants to protect property rights and help the “truely helpless,” he said.
“I believe in self reliance. The first line of offense and defense (for a person) should be himself, followed by family, followed by other charitable organizations and then lastly by the state,” Davies said.
Ericks said he should be reelected because he is passionate about public service and adept at solving problems. Previously, he worked as Bothell’s director of administrative services for three years and Bothell’s police chief for 12 years.
During his first term, Ericks served as vice chair of the Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee and a member of the Capital Budget committee, Technology, Energy and Communications Committee and House Finance Committee.
At the top of Ericks list is to use economic development to empower communities to help themselves instead of giving more handouts.
Ericks favors legislation, competitive state grants and low interest loans to help cities and counties attract redevelopment, which will create more jobs, tax revenue and housing. People will have fewer reasons to travel and cause congestion if they can find jobs, goods and services in their own city or town, Ericks said.
“There are a number of issues that have to be addressed in order to help communities create their own economic vitality that is done in a way that includes the vision of their community,” Ericks said.
Ericks is also determined to address identity theft again. During his first term, Ericks pushed for and got stiffer penalties against criminals who commit identity theft. He also wants to take a closer look at making healthcare more affordable.
Davies and Ericks agree that the state can do a better job of managing its money, but they have slightly different strategies to achieve it. Davies favors state audits.
“We need to use audits as an opportunity to find waste within state government,” Davies said. “I think funds are available if we spend more carefully what we have.”
Ericks said state lawmakers need to do a better job of setting priorities.
“The public has expectations that we will provide a high level of education, do what we can with healthcare, improve our transportation systems, keep our commerce flowing and meet obligations to employees,” Ericks said. “We really need to tie our revenues that we have to those priorities so people can have confidence that we are doing our best with their tax dollars.”
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