Introductory statements from incumbent Democratic 32nd District State Sen. Chase and her two challengers

By Evan Smith

Incumbent Democratic 32nd District State Sen. Maralyn Chase faces two challengers on the Aug. 5 primary ballot.

The two challengers are Democrat Chris Eggen and Republican Robert Reedy.

The top two vote getters in the primary, regardless of party, qualify for the Nov. 4 general-election ballot.

Chase is seeking a second four-year term in the State Senate after serving nine years in the House of Representatives. Eggen is in his seventh year on the Shoreline City Council. Reedy ran unsuccessfully for a Mountlake Terrace City Council position in 2011, for state representative in 2012 and for a Snohomish County Council position in 2013.

The 32nd District includes Shoreline, part of northwest Seattle, Lynnwood, Woodway, and nearby unincorporated areas of southwest Snohomish County, and parts of Edmonds and Mountlake Terrace.

The three candidates are scheduled to appear at a forum July 17 at the Richmond Beach Congregational Church in Shoreline.

Here are introductory campaign statements from the candidates in the order they will appear on the primary ballot:

32nd District State Senator

Maralyn Chase (Prefers Democratic Party) 

My family has been in Washington state for seven generations and represent traditional values of justice and fairness, of transparency and accountability in government. We believe a successful society is one in which all people are valued and treated fairly with respect and dignity, and public policy reflects the interests of every sector of our community, guided by adherence to the State Constitution and the principles of democracy.

Earned a BA and MA at UW and awarded Distinguished Alumni in 2008. Served in Legislature for 12 years, general contractor for 25 years. Endorsed by labor, education, environment, justice groups. http://www.maralynchase.com.

Chris Eggen (Prefers Democratic Party)

I am running to provide effective Democratic representation of the 32nd Legislative District in the State Senate. I will be a strong voice to fund schools with stable revenues and keep higher education affordable. I will work collaboratively to secure funding for Community Transit, Metro, and our roads and bridges. As a veteran and housing advocate, I will champion benefits for the vulnerable, including vets, seniors and kids. I am pro-choice and support protections for women’s health care. With your vote I will bring a record of practical leadership and an effective new voice to an unnecessarily fractured Senate. 

Robert Reedy (Prefers Republican Party) 

Sen. Chase and fellow Democrats want a state income tax as "not enough money is going into the state." They want us to believe that if the income tax is approved, via a vote of the people or not, the other state taxes will be removed. If you believe that, I have some oceanfront property in South Dakota I can sell you at a good price.

Furthermore, the government tells us that the unemployment rate is 6 percent. If that is true, then why is the parking lot at the unemployment office and at the food bank 100 percent full? 

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.