Issue statements from incumbent State Rep. Kagi and challengers

By Evan Smith

Incumbent 32nd District State Rep. Ruth Kagi and challengers Wesley Irwin and David Schirle recently sent statements about what they think are the most important issues in this year’s election. Libertarian candidate Alex Hart has not responded to requests for an issue statement.

Democrats Irwin and Kagi, Republican Schirle and Libertarian Hart are running for the position that Kagi has held for nine two-year terms.

The four candidates are running in the August 2 primary, with the two leaders advancing to the November 8 general-election ballot, regardless of party.

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

Here are statements from the four candidates in the order their names appear on the primary ballot and in the voters’ pamphlet:

Ruth Kagi (Prefers Democratic Party)

The primary issue facing the legislature is fully funding education including early learning. We must assure that children arrive at kindergarten ready to succeed and have many opportunities to thrive in our K-12 schools. Also, the safety net for vulnerable children and families must be protected. Additional revenue is critical to success. I support progressive revenue proposals that do not increase the tax burden on low and middle-income families.

Too many children and youth gain access to guns in their own homes. I am reintroducing a safe gun storage bill to prevent needless tragedies in our homes and communities.

David D. Schirle (Prefers Republican Party)

We have lost our trust in the Government and those who run it and serve in elected position. Frustrated that as hard as we try, the politicians represent themselves and not us. We believe in telling the truth, working hard, and being good people. So TRUST is the most important issue that we face today. Not the budget, or transportation or education. When we have trust back. When we elect decent hard working Americans, the problems can be solved.

Alex Hart (Prefers Libertarian Party)

Has not responded to request for an issue statement.

Wesley Irwin (Prefers Democratic Party)

I believe strongly that we need to evolve from a fossil-fuel economy as quickly as possible to tackle the problem of climate change. I believe that strengthening our educational system will be one of the most effective ways to do this. By creating a WA State Public Bank, where students can get loans and refinance previous loans at interest rates that are fair and manageable we can take a step towards affordable higher education, and take control of our state's finances away from the Wall Street banks. Solving the climate crisis through educational opportunities is a priority for my campaign.

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