Endorsements

Yes on Referendum 51

Referendum 51 is not perfect, but it’s not as bad as it’s been made out to be by opponents.

The tax plan includes a two-step, 9-cents per gallon gas tax increase.

If it doesn’t pass, the gas tax will be raised again eventually anyway – likely without the accountability of the regular project audits built into R-51. Opponents have said they will not support R-51 without more accountability in state government – but since this is not going to happen overnight, R-51 provides a jump start on the billions of dollars of needed transportation improvements until more funds can be found one way or another. Vote yes.

Mike Cooper in 21st District

Rep. Mike Cooper, D-Edmonds, faces a challenge from Republican Jeff Thorp of Everett. Thorp has creditable ideas about the need for efficiency in government, but Cooper has worked hard for his district and should be re-elected. He has been a leader on transportation, environmental and public safety issues. As vice chairman of the House Transportation Committee, he helped obtain several transportation projects for Snohomish County under R-51, and will continue to work to do so if the initiative fails.

Brian Sullivan in the 21st

State Rep. Brian Sullivan, D-Mukilteo, and his GOP opponent, Mike Huisman of Edmonds, are both good candidates. Sullivan has good experience in local government and Huisman has done his homework. A former small businessman, Huisman is strong on jobs creation.

Sullivan is also a small businessman, and this, in combination with his experience in state and local government gives him an edge in this race.

Al O’Brien in the First District

In the race between state Rep. Al O’Brien, D-Mountlake Terrace, and Republican Joshua Freed and Libertarian Chuck Jackson, the choice is O’Brien.

Freed takes a straight Republican line on issues, showing little inclination to work with the other party. He has erroneously pinned the release of sex offenders on O’Brien, whose bill aimed at allowing communities to plan for possible court-ordered release of the most dangerous felons is both well thought out and well intentioned. O’Brien’s background as a retired career police officer gives him a law-enforcement-oriented viewpoint on public safety issues to go along with his Democratic party perspective.