46th Legislative District candidate Cann denies incumbent Pollet’s charges

By Evan Smith

When appointed incumbent Democratic 46th District State Rep. Gerry Pollet outpolled fellow Democrat Sylvester Cann by a 60 percent to 40 percent margin in a two-person primary, he seemed to be well on his way to victory in the general election, but several things have made the race contentious.

First, the Seattle Times endorsed Cann, calling him “independent, rational and patient.”

Then, Cann continued his fundraising advantage. Cann reports raising $122,180 and spending $108,581, with supporting independent expenditures of $55,704 and opposing independent expenditures of $842, compared to Pollet’s $113,644 raised and $106,900 spent, with supporting independent expenditures of $27,281.

Next, Pollet sent these comments Oct. 26: 1) “ It’s important for voters to know that the American Federation of Teachers filed a complaint against STAND for its mailing on behalf of Cann,” citing an article in the Stranger; 2) “Additionally, mailings and e-mails for Cann in the past week also illegally used a photo of President Obama and falsely claimed that Cann was endorsed by NARAL (the National Abortion Rights Action League). It's illegal to use a photo of an official who has not endorsed or given permission. Cann is not even endorsed by the Democratic Party. This is the second time that mailings for Cann falsely claimed he was endorsed by NARAL. There were news stories on this in July and early August.”

Cann responded Oct. 28: “First, none of these so-called ‘allegations’ have anything to do with me or my campaign. I am neither responsible, nor can I comment, on what outside interest groups mail on my behalf. 

“What I can say is that I am proud to have the support of business and union organizations, the environmental community, and education advocates on all sides of the reform debate. 

“And I have these endorsements for a reason: I have a temperament and track record that can bring people together to solve problems. 

“I’ll stay focused on the issues that matter; great schools and living wage jobs. Hopefully voters will notice the difference of focus and motivation.”

The candidates had appeared at a candidate forum that the Washington Environmental Council sponsored Oct. 21.

Cann called the debate “productive,” noting that it focused on environmental issues. Cann said that he is strong on environmental issues because of his background in engineering.

Cann told me that his campaign is strong: “People seem to really understand the differences between me and my opponent, and are ready to make their voice heard. “

Incumbent Pollet said that the event “showed a world of difference in terms of both my having far more experience and commitment to environmental and tax reform-issues.

“I did use the forum as an opportunity to announce that I'll be working on bills to create a solar energy loan program for homeowners, and we also discussed my work to improve park-and-ride and bus access on 522 without putting park and rides in residential neighborhoods or greenbelts.”

The 46th District includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northeast Seattle.