Several positions around the state are up for grabs in this election cycle, including the 21st Legislative District seat currently held by Mary Helen Roberts
Roberts, a Democrat incumbent for the 21st legislative district, has an informed, intelligent take the issues.
She shows concern for problems facing the region, including environmental issues, the damage the foster care system can do to children and the challenges of public transportation. With her political experience, she is a stellar choice for re-election.
Roberts faces two Republican challengers for the seat, Brian Travis and Douglas Kerley. Neither have held elected office before, and both would face a very steep learning curve if elected. Travis, however, can talk in a much more specific way about local issues, and has strong opinions on current problems. Travis thinks that illegal immigrants draining the health care system are a major factor in Stevens Hospital’s fiscal problems, and that global warming does not exist.
Voters will have time to learn more about his views if he passes to the general election.
32nd District
In the 32nd District, incumbent Maralyn Chase, D-Shoreline, is running to maintain the seat she was first elected to in 2002. Although she’s been the author of some controversial legislation — the ban on plastic shopping bags comes to mind — she nonetheless has a firm grasp on the issues that matter to her constituents.
Chase faces two challengers for her position, Alex Rion of Kirkland and Margaret Wiggins of Bothell. Of the two, Rion may be better prepared for the challenge of stepping into a Legislative seat. A newcomer from Michigan, Rion shows a commitment to his adopted state that would serve him well in the general election.
Wiggins has a point that more technical expertise is needed in the Legislature, but she can best serve the public in a position like the one she held as commisioner for the Northshore Utility District.
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