Strong candidates in 44th District

Countryman/Dunshee

State Rep. Hans Dunshee, D-Snohomish, has served seven terms in the state House of Representatives and deserves voters’ confidence again this November in the 44th Legislative District race for Position 1.

Dunshee appears to have a steady finger on the pulse of what matters most to his constituents. As a member of the Ecology and Parks Committee, Dunshee sponsored a bill to reward businesses and local governments that reduce carbon gas emissions by investing in alternative energy sources. He has also gained crucial experience while serving as the 2008 vice-chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and as a member of the House Capital Budget that will serve the Legislature in working toward closing a projected $3.2 billion state deficit.

Dunshee’s opponent, Larry Countryman, is a former Snohomish City Councilman who owns a bed-and-breakfast. Although Countryman is versed in county government, voters will likely see value in electing the candidate with legislative experience.

Hope/Loomis

Both incumbent Liz Loomis and challenger Mike Hope are equally qualified to represent the district as a whole in the state Legislature.

Loomis, a Democrat, was appointed to the position when former Rep. John Lovick was elected Snohomish County Sheriff. Those of you concerned about education and transportation issues would have a strong advocate in Loomis. She encourages restructuring the WASL to better fit the needs of students and teachers, and is a proponent of expanded bus and light rail service.

Hope, a Republican, has an interesting perspective to bring to Olympia. As a Seattle police officer and a business owner, Hope has seen the impact the Legislature’s policies have had on both public safety and small businesses. The personable candidate would also bring a fiscally conservative eye to the state budget, a plus as the state faces the inevitable belt-tightening.