Candidates for State Representative Position 2, Question 1 What are your 32nd District connections?

The State Representative Position No 2 seat is currently held by Ruth Kagi, who is running for re-election. Two additional candidates have filed for this position but one did not respond to us. This is our first question to the candidates: 1• What are your connections to the 32nd district? Where and how would you get your information about what is important to your district?

Stan Lippmann

Did not respond

Gary Gagliardi

I have lived in the same house here since my wife and I were married over 25 years ago. We started our software company here in a little office in Midvale. My church and all the other community organizations that I belong to are here. I would get information from my friends and neighbors, from groups I belong to such as the Rotary and Chamber and, of course the ShorelineAreaNews.com.

Ruth Kagi

My "roots" in the 32nd District are in the social service and education communities where I served prior to my election. I stay in touch with the Center for Human Services and Hope Link, the community colleges, school board members and superintendents, and teachers. I visited nine schools before session last year to talk with teachers about how the budget cuts are affecting their ability to teach.

Local elected officials are also an important source of information as much of our legislative work impacts local governments. I routinely meet with city councils before and during session.

I contact individuals and organizations in the district about specific issues, including nursing homes, homes for the developmentally disabled, banks, business leaders, local child care centers, and parents and foster parents. Finally, I pay close attention to constituent email, letters and calls to learn what issues are of concern in the 32nd District.