Candidates for State Senator, Question 2, What committees would you request?

The Senate seat is open due to the retirement of Senator Darlene Fairley.  Below are the responses from the three 32nd District Senatorial 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?

Patty Butler

Higher Education and Workforce Development – I have benefited from the Worker Retraining Program at our local colleges. After being out of work for two years, I needed to go back to school to acquire the tools needed for today’s job market. I am still enrolled in school, having completed my Associate in Business Management and will continue to pursue my BA. I also sat on the Higher Education Committee when I was in the House of Representatives.

Environment, Water and Energy – We must preserve water resources and quality, secure environmental laws, address climate change, and create incentive programs for energy efficiency and sustainability for home owners and 

businesses.

Health and Long-Term Care - We must protect our most vulnerable populations such as our elderly and disabled. I have served on the Board of Directors for Banchero Friends Services for 12 years; 10 as Board President. Banchero provides living services for Developmentally Disabled adults. I see first -hand the importance of quality care for this population. Yet those are the services that are constantly facing cuts. When my mother needed to be moved to a facility that could work with those with dementia, I experienced the anguish that families often go through when looking for quality care. We need to provide affordable health care.

Maralyn Chase

My preference would be Higher Education and Workforce Development; Natural Resources, Ocean and Recreation and Ways and Means or Economic Development Trade and Innovation.

I serve on the King County Workforce Development Board. The most important issue facing our state is the restart of our economy and putting consumers back to work. Economic renewal will depend upon an educated workforce. But, only about 11 of every 100 high school freshmen will earn a BA; 80% of the jobs in the new economy will require some additional education but not a BA.  A four-year apprenticeship degree (journeyman), graduates without debt and with a living wage. Community colleges create multiple pathways to a stable, successful life.

Natural Resources, Ocean and Recreation cover natural systems that are in danger of collapse. I have served on the state ocean policy committee, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators and the National Coastal States Caucus.

David Baker

As your next State Senator, my priorities will be to protect your money and control runaway spending; support transportation improvements to help local businesses and reduce traffic congestion; work to fund quality schools; make our communities safer for all, especially children and seniors; and promote job creation and economic growth. 

Therefore, I will seek to be on committees such as the Economic Development, Trade and Innovation Committee; the Transportation Committee; the Education Committee; or the Audit Review and Oversight Committee. Certainly my involvement with regional transportation issues, business experience and City involvement qualifies me to serve on these committees.