Candidates for State Representative Pos 1, Question 2 Legislative Committees

The Representative Position No 1 seat is open, because the incumbent gave it up to run for a different office. Below are the responses from the three 32nd District candidates to our second question 2• What committees would you request in the legislature - why are they important to you and what do you bring that would make it likely you would be assigned to those committees?

 Art Coday

I would like to serve on the Health and Human Services Appropriations, Healthcare and Wellness, and the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committees. I think that all of these committees would benefit from my input as a physician and my fiscal discipline as a small business owner. As one of the relatively few private doctors in Washington who sees mainly Medicare and Medicaid patients I am especially well qualified to ensure that the most vulnerable in our state have a proven advocate in the legislature. This will be essential in helping the Medicaid program absorb many new patients as the state implements federal reforms. Medicaid has a critical doctor shortage, but I think I can encourage more physicians to participate in caring for Washington’s poor. As a physician I can also assist the state in becoming better prepared for disaster, such as disease outbreaks, bioterrorism, and natural disasters.

 Cindy Ryu

Transportation Committee - Our district is an important transportation hub that requires continued attention from lawmakers. I served on SeaShore Transportation Forum with councilmembers from Lake Forest Park, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Kenmore and Bothell (2006-2009) and King County Regional Transit Committee (2009).

Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee - I have more than 18 years of experience in the insurance industry. I received a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Washington and served on the enterpriseSeattle Board. I serve on the Advisory Board of the Business and Economic Development Center at UW Foster School of Business.

Health and Human Services Appropriations – With a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, work experience in nursing homes, medical offices and labs, Harborview Medical Center and University Hospital coupled with Operations Management training and successful business and public budgeting experiences, I look forward to effective, efficient delivery of services and their funding.

Doris Fujioka McConnell

I would request assignments to committees that involve education. I have 15 years of experience in education as a leader in the Shoreline Schools. Of all the candidates, I have the most extensive experience working directly with my community. I have received two PTSA Golden Acorn Awards, a result of my commitment to the improvement of public education. I have chaired many programs and improved them along the way. My work indicates my ability and desire I have to identify the needs of students and implement workable solutions.

Additionally, I have an interest in improving our regional transportation systems as a result of my involvement on a committee as a current Shoreline City Councilmember. The future of our region lies in our ability to move people and goods efficiently. This is a key component for our regional economic development and future prosperity.