2010 Jefferson Primary Voter Guide by Peninsula Daily News & Sequim Gazette

July-August 2010

Primary Election Guide

A public service of the Peninsula Daily News

JEFFERSON COUNTY

Introduction THIS SPECIAL SECTION of the Peninsula Daily News, also available at no charge at the county courthouse, libraries and other public places across Jefferson County, provides voters with information about the Aug. 17 general election. It’s also available electronically at www.peninsuladaily news.com. This Primary Election Guide profiles the candidates for countywide and local races in which there are more than two candidates (except in judicial races), and also discusses measures on the ballot. Washington state has adopted the top two primary system, in which the two top vote-getters in all nonjudicial races advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation. In the case of the Jefferson County commissioner District 3 race, only voters in that district — southern Jefferson County — will vote to determine the two who will advance to the general election. Voters countywide will then select among the two in the Nov. 2 election. Compilation of information, including the question-andanswer segments, was coordinated by PDN Senior Writer Paul Gottlieb. Candidates’ answers to questionnaires were limited to

July 28. They must be postmarked no later than Aug. 17 or dropped off by no later than 8 p.m. Aug. 17 at the Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson St., Port Townsend. Election calendar Here are some significant dates relating to the primary and general You can register to vote online or learn more about the elections: election process at the Jefferson County elections ■ Aug. 9: division website, http://tinyurl.com/jeffcovotes. Voter registration dead75 words per question and line for people not currently were edited for length, gramregistered to vote in Washingmar and spelling. ton. Only primary races in the Registration must be done primary election are profiled in person at the Auditor’s in this section, and write-in Office in the county courtcandidates are not included. In Jefferson County, all vot- house in Port Townsend. ■ Aug. 16: Last day for ing is done by mail. There is no Election Day precinct poll- write-in candidates to file a Declaration of Candidacy for ing. Mail-in ballots were sent to the Aug. 17 election. ■ Sept. 1: Deadline for registered voters in the approCounty Canvassing Board to priate jurisdictions starting

certify the primary election returns. ■ Oct. 4: Deadline for online and mailed voter registrations for Nov. 2 election. ■ Oct. 13: Ballot distribution for Nov. 2 election begins. ■ Oct. 15: Peninsula Daily News’ general election voter guide for Jefferson and Clallam counties published. ■ Oct. 25: Deadline for voter registration in person in the Auditor’s Office in the county courthouse in Port Townsend. ■ Oct. 13: Ballot distribution for Nov. 2 election begins. ■ Nov. 1: Last day for writein candidates to file a Declaration of Candidacy for the Nov. 2 election. ■ Nov. 2: Deadline for returning ballots in the allmail general election. Got questions? Questions about Jefferson County elections can be posted to the County Auditor’s Office elections division at 360-3859117 Mondays through Fridays. Voter registration information is available by phoning 360-385-9119. Statewide elections information — including a link to the state’s online voters guide — is available from the Secretary of State’s Office in Olympia on the Web site, www.vote.wa.gov.

Primary Election Guide

A public service of the Peninsula Daily News

July-August 2010

JEFFERSON COUNTY

Commissioner, District 3 Why are you running for this position? Austin: I am running for reelection because a majority of the voters in Jefferson County asked me to serve as commissioner. I believe I have a duty to continue my service. My experience in county and state government has given me the knowledge of how to get things done. I have demonstrated the collaborative leadership skills necessary to face the challenges we face today. Boyer: I have serious concerns about the lack of representation expressed to me by citizens throughout the 3rd District. The rights of people are being overrun by an aggressively expanding government. The budget has gone out of balance, yet the spending continues. I am the candidate who can bring a new perspective to the board, one of common sense and common values. I am the kind of person I’ve always wanted to vote for. Johnson: I am fed up with the lack of common sense and concern and respect for our citizens shown by the incumbents. I was taught not to just complain about something, but to get involved and do something about it. I believe I will be a strong, effective voice for the people of District 3 and for the county. What personal qualities do you possess that recommend you for this position? Austin: Personal qualities include honesty, a history of service to the community, a good listener, collaborative leadership, ingenuity, high energy and a broad knowledge of the community. Boyer: Honesty, determination, common sense and the belief that our greatest asset is our youth. The people we need to

be the productive stewards of our future must not be ignored or driven away because of misplaced priorities. I have managed budgets and do not agree with spending money we don’t have. The budget fund money was earned by productive citizens who trust it to be applied fairly and wisely; this isn’t being done. Johnson: Honesty, common sense, intelligence, compassion, approachability (I listen well), leadership skills, ability to work with others. How well is the current county commissioner serving the needs of Gardiner, Port Ludlow and the rest of District 3? Explain. Austin: As the current commissioner, I visit and listen to people in the diverse areas of District 3: Gardiner, Port Ludlow, Quilcene, Brinnon, Coyle and the West End. I will continue to drive the miles and respond to the varied community needs, from infrastructure in Brinnon, to fire protection in Gardiner, to roads in the West End, to the community center in Quilcene. Boyer: Not well. He spent money we don’t have to create new parks knowing we can’t support the parks we already have. He insisted on shoreline buffers that will impose tax increases on inland property owners. He voted against a Department of Natural Resources land swap proposal that would have increased their timber holdings by 2,000 acres. It would have created a community drainfield opportunity in Paradise Bay enabling. that community to abandon septic systems along the shoreline. Johnson: It is my perception, and that of most people I have met in District 3, that the current commissioner ignores and at times even belittles the needs and opinions of the residents. Turn

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John Austin

Diane Johnson

Jim Boyer

Residence: Port Ludlow

Residence: Quilcene

Residence: Port Ludlow

Phone: 360-437-5175

Phone: 360-969-0902

Phone: 360-302-0989

E-mail: atwoodjohn03@ yahoo.com Age: 69 Education: Bachelor of science, business administration, master’s degree and Ph.D. in counseling psychology, all at the University of California at Berkeley Occupation: Retired psychologist Campaign website: www.austincampaign.com Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? Yes. I was elected as Jefferson County commissioner for District 3 in November of 2006. Party preference: Democratic

E-mail: Campaign@ ElectDianeJohnson.org Age: 66 Education: Ph.D. in clinical psychology, Michigan State University Occupation: Psychologist/psychotherapist; private practice currently located in Port Hadlock Campaign website: www.electdianejohnson.org Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? I never felt the need to run before. Party preference: Democratic

E-mail: j2010b@ gmail.com Age: 64 Education: California public schools, U.S. Army, Texas Tech University, raising a son, owning and operating a small business Occupation: I suspended my business as a homebuilder to run for this office. I have built custom homes but mostly concentrate on entry-level affordable housing. Campaign website: www.jimboyer2010.com Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? No Party preference: Republican

Primary Election Guide

July-August 2010

A public service of the Peninsula Daily News

Jefferson County commissioner, District 3 Continued from preceding page District 3 residents need jobs, infrastructure to support new business and industry that bring jobs, and for government to stop attacking the value of their major asset, their homes and land, which may also provide their livelihood. How would you balance the needs of much larger District 3 with the rest of Jefferson County? Austin: Since District 3 is most distant from the county seat and covers so much territory, it requires extra attention from the board of commissioners. This means extensive outreach by going to community meetings, listening to complaints and ideas and nurturing projects that help the widespread population centers. This I will continue to do. Boyer: I would (and do) listen to the needs of farmers, rural residents and longtime landowners. District 3 citizens should be respected and listened to when new regulations are proposed. Preserving our rights to own and enjoy land we’ve worked for and paid taxes on should not be seen as an intrusion on the Victorian style of Port Townsend. Johnson: Geographic size is not the issue — although the presence of five population centers with quite different character and specific needs requires much more research and planning than when one has a single community to address, as in District 1. That said, I believe that investing in development of the natural resources District 3 has in abundance will benefit the whole county in the creation of jobs and taxes paid to support the county. As an overseer of Team Jefferson, the economic development group, what would you do to foster economic growth in Jefferson County?

About the job Jefferson County commissioner, District 3 Partisan or nonpartisan: Partisan Primary election boundaries: Southeast Jefferson County, then westerly to the Pacific coast and the communities of Quileute, Kalaloch and Queets. Voters: 7,543 Compensation: $63,926 beginning in January, mileage allowance of 50 cents per mile or use of a county vehicle. Commissioner also receives all county medical, dental and optical benefits and retirement benefits. Duties: Approve a budget that in 2010 is $52.8 million, including a general fund operating budget of $15.6 million that covers 287 employees. Commissioners hire a county administrator, who supervises a four-person staff. The general fund budget for the commissioners’ office is $392,147 in 2010. Commissioners serve as an appeals board for all land-use issues, and sit as the majority on the seven-person county Board of Health, which sets county health policies and hears appeals of rulings by the county health officer. They serve individually as a board representative on various local, regional and state boards and committees.

Austin: I will continue to foster economic growth by creating the infrastructure essential to business and job development in the Tri-Area. I will encourage vocational training and education for our younger citizens and will support the efforts of Team Jefferson to nurture our current businesses. I will continue working to support our tourism, aquaculture, timber and agriculture. Boyer: I am a strong advocate for completing the sewage treatment improvements in the Tri-Area. It will build our economy and protect Puget Sound. I would allow the permitting of interim septic systems so businesses can grow and put people to work right now. I would encourage logical zoning as an incentive to businesses we need, such as medical support services and retail opportunities. Johnson: I believe Team Jefferson has been hampered by

Port Townsend politics, but its strategy of growing existing businesses one person at a time is not enough. We need new businesses and industry. I will expect DCD to expedite valid building permits and seek to modify restrictive building codes that prevent expansion, rezone more land commercialindustrial and establish infrastructure needed for instant start-up. These in place, Team Jefferson can do its job. What would you do to generate county revenue? Austin: County revenue depends upon a strong economy, construction starts, sales taxes, timber, tourism and aquaculture. I will continue to improve permitting for construction and will protect the natural resources that serve our timber, agricultural and tourist economies. Boyer: I’d vote to allow

sensible business growth to build a sustainable economy and provide career opportunities. We are sending our shopping dollars, our sales tax revenue and our children away because of misguided and over-restrictive planning decisions. This is unsustainable. A strong economy would provide money for better law enforcement and resources to protect our environment. Our aging population needs local medical support services. The Tri-Area is a logical place for this. Johnson: See answers to questions two and three above for long-term solutions. In the meantime, take a realistic look at how the county is spending money, with an eye to resetting the department budgets to focus only on core services necessary for public health and safety during this economic crisis period. Retain “nice to have” programs only if the money is still available once core needs are met. What was your position on the recently approved increase to 150 feet for shoreline buffers? Austin: With my fellow commissioners, I supported a modified shoreline buffer that recognized a balance between private property rights and the need to protect the health of Puget Sound. Boyer: I opposed the 500-percent buffer increase, because its necessity was not proven with factual, peer-reviewed science. I proposed a 50-foot buffer, a slight increase that would have also protected the financial interests of taxpayers and property owners. The Shoreline Master Program process is supposed to be locally debated and constructed — not steered by the state Department of Ecology. Designating hundreds of properties as nonconforming exposes

us to economic downsides all across the county. Johnson: State law mandated an update. Our commissioners went along with the Department of Ecology agenda. The science justifying 150-foot buffers is not peer-reviewed, a methodological flaw. DOE has no hard data to show failure of the current 30-foot buffers. The larger buffers will cause significant economic hardship and financial loss to shoreline property owners, and thus the tax base, another example of onesize-fits-all regulation that does more harm than good. Why should voters choose you over your opponents? Austin: Voters should choose me if they seek a commissioner who will listen to their concerns and will act with energy and reason for an effective, responsive government. Johnson: I have a long history in the county, which gives me a unique perspective on underlying political and social currents. I use common sense and real data, not theories, to solve problems such as balancing the needs of people and fish. My highest priority will be the best interests of the people, even when carrying out state or federal mandates. I will listen to everyone’s ideas and be a strong voice for the people. Boyer: I’ll work for the benefit of all with a realistic view of our future. I will vote to balance our budget before spending money on special projects that need even more money to support them in the future. I don’t believe we have to operate the county like a courtroom where someone has to lose so that someone else can win. It is a commissioner’s job to serve everyone by seeking mutually beneficial results.

Primary Election Guide

A public service of the Peninsula Daily News

July-August 2010

CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND

Proposition 1 — fire levy By Charlie Bermant Peninsula Daily News

While the city government decides which option to pursue for future fire and rescue services, voters are being asked to approve a measure to continue services until a new organizational structure is in place. If approved, the city of Port Townsend Proposition No. 1 fire and emergency services levy lid lift will give the city the authority to raise property taxes $1 per $1,000 of assessed value to maintain the current level of fire protection. Port Townsend had a municipal fire district until 2007, when it contracted with East Jefferson Fire Rescue to provide services. This system has run its course, forcing the consideration of one of two options: Annexing the city into East Jefferson Fire Rescue or creating a regional fire protection service authority that includes both the city and county. Either would consolidate services, but the authority is the favored option for the city because it would place it on equal footing with the county in the administration process. The city has established a task force to study the options, but the soonest it could place a measure on the ballot is fall 2011. This creates a funding shortfall, which the current ballot measure is designed to correct. Voters are certain to get a sense of deja vu from not that long ago. Jefferson County voters passed a similar measure in April, approving lifts for fire and emergency medical services in the county and EMS within the Port Townsend city limit. But the City Council chose to postpone the fire service lift, hoping that another source for the $600,000 shortfall would emerge. When it did not, the City

Council approved the ballot measure to ensure continuous funding. City Manager David Timmons and East Jefferson Fire-Rescue agree the issue is complex and say the voters can’t avoid a certain amount of confusion. To simplify, Timmons said the measure will raise the property taxes $192 for a $300,000 home for taxes due in 2011. It also has the potential of raising the taxes $300 for the same value home over the next three years. Voting this increase doesn’t mean that another increase is imminent, as either the annexation or the RFA options will raise taxes to the same level. When that decision is approved, it will replace the current levy, and the taxes will be the same, according to Timmons. While this is a “bridge” measure, Pomeroy said it provides an immediate improvement over business as usual. “This will allow people to know exactly how much is being spent on fire and rescue,” Pomeroy said. “When it comes out of the general fund it is harder to tell.” Timmons said he knows of no organized opposition to the lift, but does not see its passage as a slam dunk. “The people who oppose it are the ones who are against all tax increases,” he said. Of the three measures placed before the voters in April, county fire, county EMS and city EMS, the city proposal passed with the highest margin, 67.47 percent in favor. The city is not allowed to campaign for the measure, but has placed an informational package on its Web site. Go to www.cityofpt.us and select “City Fire Services” in the “What’s New” section. Pomeroy said he will campaign in support of the measure if he is asked to do so.

Questions and answers HERE ARE FREQUENTLY asked questions and answers, excerpted from information on Proposition 1 on the Port Townsend city website, www.cityofpt.us. More questions and answers — plus an estimated levy tax chart — appear on the website. We just passed a levy. What’s this one for? Yes you did. However in the city it was for emergency medical services only. Why $1 for a fire service levy instead of 43 cents? The $1 fire service levy provides a dedicated funding source for the fire service and matches the $1 levy approved by the district voters. This option results in “banked” capacity of 57 cents — the amount that is currently earmarked for fire service from the general fund, and that the council in Resolution 10-017 earmarked for only capital transportation uses in the future. This approach facilitates the transition to a new fire service regional governance by equalizing the $1 levy tax assumed recently by the fire district. With the levy decision and “banked” capacity put into place, the next decision will only deal with regional governance. The alternative of only requesting an additional 43 cents for fire service (and continuing to rely on 57 cents from the general fund) avoids the “banked” capacity issue for the time being. However, “banked” capacity would have to be addressed when the regional governance vote takes place, making that decision two issues (governance and levy amount) rather then one (governance). To simplify a vote on transition to regional governance and to provide a dedicated funding course for the fire service, the $1 increase to match the recently approved fire district levy increase was chosen. What happens to the fire service levy if a regional fire governance is formed in the future? First, the $1/$1,000 assessed valuation levy authority in this ballot measure terminates if a regional fire governance is established. This is explicitly stated in the ballot measure and

Resolution 10-017. Second, state law sets a maximum regular levy rate for a city like Port Townsend of $3.60/$1,000 assessed valuation. A regional fire authority may by state law levy up to $1.50 /$1,000 assessed valuation. By state law, this reduces the city maximum regular levy to $2.10/$1,000 assessed valuation. The city’s estimated levy rate for 2011 (without this levy increase) is approximately $2.04/$1,000 assessed valuation including that portion of the general fund currently allocated to fire services. Will this proposition measure increase my property taxes? Yes. The measure will establish a new additional levy rate of $1 per $1,000. Is there a specified purpose for this increase? Yes. The money is specifically earmarked and dedicated for funding for fire services that are provided under an agreement between the city and East Jefferson Fire and Rescue. What is the basis for requesting this increase? The $1 fire service levy matches the $1 levy approved by the district voters in April. The cityEJFR joint oversight board (three city councilors and three fire district commissioners) identified that increased revenue is needed to meet firefighter/EMT staffing needs and capital equipment needs, including replacement of out-of-date capital equipment. Will I pay the full amount of the levy in 2011 (the first year it would be effective)? No. The City Council has declared by Resolution 10-017 that none of the 57 cents of banked capacity would be levied until a transportation plan was approved, and also declared that the banked capacity would only be used for capital transportation projects including street and road improvements that are consistent with the transportation plan. This means use of the increase would not occur for several years, and be phased in after that to fund identified projects.

July-August 2010

Primary Election Guide

A public service of the Peninsula Daily News

WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE

Representative, 24th District Position 1 Why are you running for this position?

From my experiences as a small business owner, banker, pilot, military veteran and union worker, I can view our issues from the many perspectives of the people of our district and can relate to their concerns. Years of community leadership and volunteer service demonstrate additional layers of expertise.

Durgan: Government is out of control. Spending and taxation are in an upward spiral with no end in sight under the current political leadership. This needs to end, and governVan De Wege: The most ment needs to be fundamentally important quality I possess is the changed. ability to listen. Whether it is hearing conGase: When I wonder about cerns about a sales tax increase the future in store for my grand- from constituents, about the sons, I become concerned with Department of Ecology abusing the economic direction in which its government power from landour state is headed. owners, or about the need for What kind of an economy are family-wage jobs from families, I we creating, and is it acceptable? have listened first and then acted I think not. in Olympia. This is the time in my life I work to be an independent that I can devote to this very voice for citizens who want soluimportant job. It is with a “fire in tions, not partisan politics, in the gut” passion that I believe I Olympia. can make a positive difference. How will you balance your Van De Wege: As a firecurrent job status with being fighter/paramedic, I see the a state representative, espeeveryday struggles that the peocially during the three-month ple of the 24th District face. legislative session, when I am running for this position being in Olympia on a daily because I see families who strug- basis is so important? gle with health care, seniors who cannot afford their prescription Durgan: I am retired and drug medications and business own a storage business. owners who are trying to survive. While the Legislature is in Our community is concerned session, I will be able to devote about the economy. my full attention to that job by I’m running to keep governhiring a manager to operate the business. ment in check and help create jobs that put people back to Gase: I will be a full-time repwork. resentative for the three-month What personal qualities do session. During the remaining nine you possess that recommend months, I will continue to act as you for this position? a self-employed real estate consultant and share my real estate Durgan: I have been a fiscal duties with team members as conservative my entire life. needed. I have had to work for everyThis will allow me to be in thing I got and therefore underconsistent and regular communistand the value of money. cation with the people of the disMoney is a limited resource trict, in person. that must not be squandered. Having flexible control over my time is a distinct advantage Gase: I bring more than 50 to better serve the district. years of relevant and pertinent life experience to the table, and Turn to next page not a single day as a politician.

Craig Durgan

Dan Gase

Residence: Port Ludlow

Residence: Port Angeles

Phone: 360-437-4127

Phone: 360-417-2804

E-mail: durgan@olympus.net Age: 53 Education: Bachelor of science degree from U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

E-mail address: Dan@votedangase.com Age: 56 Education: Associate of arts, Peninsula College, industry-specific courses at Arizona State University and The Wharton School [of Business] at University of Pennsylvania.

Kevin Van De Wege Residence: Sequim Phone: Home, 360-6814412; cell phone, 360-4770548 E-mail: kevinvandewege@hotmail. com Age: 35

Campaign website: www.newwaycampaign.com

Campaign website: www.votedangase.com

Education: Associate’s degrees in fire investigation and administration from Edmonds Community College; paramedic certification from Northwest Medical Training; professional writing certificate and bachelor’s degree in social science from Washington State University

Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? Nope

Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? No

Occupation: Firefighter/ paramedic with Clallam County Fire District No. 3

Party preference: Republican Party

Campaign website: www.kevinvandewege.com

Occupation: Retired from a seagoing career as a marine engineer. Last position was as chief engineer onboard the MV President Polk.

Occupation: Real estate managing broker, consultant

Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? State representative for the 24th Legislative District since 2007 Party preference: Democratic Party

Primary Election Guide

A public service of the Peninsula Daily News

July-August 2010

State House of Representatives, 24th District, Position 1 Continued from preceding page Van De Wege: I have been blessed with a wonderful family and am fortunate to have a career as a firefighter/paramedic in Sequim. I have been able to combine my career with being a state representative, which makes for a busy schedule, a schedule that I have had great success handling the past four years serving the district. With that experience, I am ready to continue being a voice for them in Olympia. How well is the current legislative delegation serving the 24th District? Explain. Durgan: Not very well. Unemployment is sky high, with no end in sight. Government regulation is severely restricting small business. It is the small business that historically leads the country out of a recession. But that is not possible due to excessive government regulations. And to add insult to injury, the Legislature is raising taxes. This is merely a recipe for a prolonged recession.

In 2009, we implemented an “all cuts” approach to our state’s budget, resulting in cutting core services for citizens. Durgan: This action is despiA balanced budget approach cable. in 2010 helps everyone in our The people voted to limit taxa- state. tion, and the Legislature thumbed its nose at the people. What should the state of Government and politicians Washington do to take care of need to understand that the peo- needs of those who can’t take ple are the final say in all things. care of themselves? Explain.

Gase: I believe that it is very challenging for my opponent serving the 24th District to do a satisfactory job carrying out the duties of the office. Having a full-time job in addition to the duties of his office creates a conflict of interests and a considerable challenge to regularly meet with and listen to the entire district during the year — thus creating a significant hardGase: The people of the state ship for the personal constituents spoke clearly when they voted for of his district. their Legislature to require a two-thirds majority vote before Van De Wege: Even though raising our taxes. we have faced huge economic My opponent voted to “suschallenges, the current legislative pend the will of the people,” delegation has been very success- resulting in major tax increases. ful serving the 24th District by This was wrong. helping create jobs, making sure government is running more effiVan De Wege: We face the ciently, continuing to protect our worst economic crisis in years. most vulnerable citizens and I voted for the suspension of making sure we are steering our I-960 to eliminate tax loopholes public school system in the right that corporations were using to direction, which will prepare our fund Wall Street greed. children for the challenges of the Reigning in loopholes ensures 21st century. corporations contribute more to our tax base, making it fair for Was it right or wrong for everyone.

state government will allow this to take place. Van De Wege: Our focus should be to continue to make government run more efficiently. This includes core services the state provides to protect the elderly and our vulnerable populations. We cannot have seniors being kicked out of nursing homes and children with no access to health care, and we cannot turn our backs on the disabled. The state must make tough and careful choices in these arenas to ensure vulnerable populations are protected in an efficient manner. What’s your plan of attack for fighting the estimated shortfall of at least $3 billion that’s expected for the 20112013 state budget? Durgan: Across-the-board pay and benefit cuts for all state workers are the first order of business. Second, I would commission the state auditor to recommend cuts and possible elimination of ineffectual programs. Gase: Washington state does not have an income problem, we have a spending problem. I would eliminate excessive spending on lower-priority items. We must continue evaluating more efficient ways of accomplishing the same goals.

Van De Wege: The plan of attack for our state’s budget will be to make state government more efficient, to carefully build on the nearly $4 billion in cuts Durgan: People who are in we made this biennium and to true need should receive help. close any remaining tax loopThe real question is how holes that corporations are abusmuch of the money is being used ing. for them and how much for the This plan has gotten us state bureaucracy. through the worst of the recession, and combined with our Gase: Taking care of the vulaggressive job creation, Washingnerable population of Washington ton state is expected to lead the state — those individuals who nation out of the recession. have nobody to care for them — must remain a priority of our Why should voters choose state. you over your opponents? This must be accomplished with the help and cooperation of Durgan: My opponent voted all the people of Washington. to set aside Initiative 960. He I believe we are a population has been in office for four years that is willing to give of ourand therefore is culpable for the selves. A focused prioritization of current budget problems that the

state is having. Gase: I am the pro-business, free-enterprise, reduced-spending, smaller-government and cut-tax candidate. My opponent’s record shows that he has voted for bigger government and higher taxes. The voters have an opportunity to make a choice between two very distinct approaches to government. Van De Wege: The way out of this recession is to create jobs. I worked this session to help find ways to create jobs such as helping Peninsula Plywood open, which created 125 jobs; creating sustainable jobs with new biomass projects, securing the 520 bridge pontoon project in Grays Harbor and doubling the small business tax credit. My proven experience has created real results — not political rhetoric and excuses for the people of our district.

Send me to school! SUPPORT EDUCATION: When you go on vacation, donate the credit for your suspended copies to provide the PDN to schools. Phone 360-452-4507.

Peninsula Daily News

Primary Election Guide

July-August 2010

A public service of the Peninsula Daily News

WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE

Representative, 24th District Position 2 Why are you running for this position? Carter: When I talk to my friends and neighbors, there are two common beliefs that we all hold. First, we love living on the Olympic Peninsula. Bugsy and I have lived all across the United States, and there is nowhere we would rather live than here. The other is that we are deeply concerned about the direction our state is heading. We have to take back our state! I will address some of those concerns below. Dwyer: I am running for this position because I wish to represent this entire district. I am committed to serving as a full-time legislator in Olympia. I have served well on the Montesano School Board, the ARC of Grays Harbor (Special Olympics), and the Leukemia Society of America. I am ready to make a difference in Olympia. McEntire: Today, our state’s governance does not, cannot and will not get us to the economic future all of us desire for our posterity. It squelches our American system of private enterprise. The Legislature has thrown out former Gov. Locke’s and thenstate Sen. Dino Rossi’s “Priorities of Government” approach to balancing the state budget. Government itself has become the priority. I’m running for office to be a part of a more fiscally responsible state Legislature. Tharinger: Because I am the best person for the job. There is no one running for this seat that has the experience and skills that I bring. The Legislature and the 24th Legislative District face a number of serious challenges during this recession. Turn

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Larry Carter

John (Jack) Dwyer

Residence: Port Ludlow

Residence: Montesano

Phone: 360-437-9224 E-mail address: lwc@cablespeed.com Age: 62 Education: Attended Northeast Louisiana State College. Fell in love with high school sweetheart. Dropped out and married her in 1967. Still married to Bugsy. Joined the Navy. No regrets. Occupation: Retired — U.S. Navy, Naval Nuclear Power Program until I made master chief. I was assigned as command master chief for my last two jobs in the Navy. Campaign website: www.newwaycampaign.com Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? No Party preference: Republican Party

Phone: Office: 360-2498041; cell phone, 360-4706282 E-mail address: jackdwyerdc@yahoo.com Age: 54 Education: Associate of science, Burlington County College, N.J.; bachelor of science, Thomas Edison State College, N.J.; master’s of divinity, John XXIII College, Mass.; doctorate of chiropractic, Cleveland Chiropractic College, Calif. Occupation: Chiropractor Campaign website: www.jackdwyer.net Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? Elected to the Montesano School Board in November 2009 Party preference: Democratic Party

Jim McEntire

Steve Tharinger

Residence: Sequim

Phone: 360-452-2199

Phone: 360-683-6480

E-mail: votejimmcentire@gmail.com Age: 60 Education: Bachelor of science, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, Conn., 1972; master’s degree in public administration, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., 1988 Fellow, Secretary of Defense Strategic Studies Group, Arlington, Va., 1998-1999 Occupation: Retired in 2000 from the U.S. Coast Guard as a captain after 28 years of service as an officer (colonel equivalent) and retired again in 2006 from the federal Senior Executive Service after an additional six years of civilian service to the nation. Campaign website: www.jimmcentire.com Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? Elected as commissioner (District 1), Port of Port Angeles, in 2007, in a countywide vote. Assumed office in January 2008. Party preference: Republican Party

E-mail: tharyoko@olypen.com Age: 61 Education: Bachelor of arts, political science, Colorado College, 1971 Occupation: Clallam County commissioner Campaign website: www.stevetharinger.com Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? County commissioner Party preference: Democratic Party

Primary Election Guide

A public service of the Peninsula Daily News

July-August 2010

State House of Representatives, 24th District, Position 2 Continued from preceding page I have a proven track record of fiscal responsibility and working to make government efficient, effective and accountable. I want to take my experience to Olympia to represent the people of the 24th District. What personal qualities do you possess that recommend you for this position? Carter: Qualities that are sorely missing in Olympia like accountability, faith in our citizens and a gut-wrenching knowledge that the state is not the answer to every problem. There should be an adult in the state House who will stand up to petty political partisanship and bring common sense into the equation. I’m a fearless and energetic leader who is not swayed by special interests and will dedicate myself to your needs in the district. Dwyer: As a chiropractor, I am a small business owner and understand the challenges of doing business in our district. I am a great listener, and I am utilizing this quality to hear the needs of our constituents as I campaign throughout the district. I feel our legislators are elected to follow the will of the people, not necessarily their own. To do that effectively, I must listen to what people are telling me. McEntire: I am a thoughtful, reasonable, common-sense, fiscal conservative. I have extensive experience in public-sector budgeting, strategic planning and business realignment. I know how to ask all the right questions to discover which state government programs are working and which are not. Most importantly, shown by my record as a port commissioner, I am willing and able to make the hard choices necessary to bring spending in line with our state’s tax revenues. Tharinger: I have lived in the 24th District for more than years. I am an active listener with

About the job 24th District state representative Partisan or nonpartisan: Partisan Primary election boundaries: Clallam and Jefferson counties, and the northern half of Grays Harbor County, including Hoquiam, Montesano and Ocean Shores, but not including Aberdeen. Voters: 84,216, including 45,804 in Clallam County, 21,586 in Jefferson County and 16,826 in Grays Harbor County. Compensation: $42,106 yearly salary, $90 a day for expenses while the Legislature is in session, mileage allowance of 50 cents. Legislators are eligible for the same medical, dental and retirement benefits as state employees. Legislators supervise one full-time legislative assistant who schedules appointments, follows up on constituents’ correspondence and serves as an office assistant. In odd-numbered years, the session lasts 105 days, while in even-numbered years, it’s 60 days. Duties: Draft bills, vote on state laws, address constituents’ complaints and concerns, participates on legislative and regional committees. Approve a state operating budget than in 2009-2011 is $30 billion. The budget pays for 110,000 employees, including 48,000 higher education employees. good facilitation skills. I have the proven capability to do the hard work of bringing people together to find solutions. I understand our communities and our way of life on the Peninsula, the challenges we face. I take the job of representing the people seriously, but don’t take myself all that seriously. How will you balance your current job status with being a state representative, especially during the three-month legislative session, when being in Olympia on a daily basis is so important? Carter: I’m a retired Navy command master chief who will commit my time and energy to working for the good folks in the 24th District. Unlike other candidates, I will not be encumbered with conflicting responsibilities or time restraints. Being your representative will be a full-time job; listening to you, working for you, and responding directly to you.

pate by phone, according to county policies, when in Olympia. Washington has a citizen Legislature, while most representatives have other jobs. My other job would be to serve as county commissioner. The roles complement each other and will keep me in constant contact with the people I represent. How well is the district’s current legislative delegation serving the 24th District? Explain. Carter: The current legislators provide more support for the I-5 corridor and their party bosses than they do to the district citizens. I’m not accepting campaign contributions. They force an allegiance that often conflicts with what is right. I don’t want voters’ money, I want their votes. Dwyer: Rep. Lynn Kessler has done a great job for the 24th District over the past 18 years, and we have much to be grateful for. She has led the way to initiate and maintain jobs in the district. In Grays Harbor, we are enjoying her efforts with the pontoon project, biodiesel plant and the Satsop Development Center. It will be my job to continue the efforts of Lynn Kessler and create additional opportunities.

Dwyer: I have made definite plans to be a full-time legislator, along with caring for my patients. As a chiropractor, I am able to alter my office schedule to allow this flexibility. During the intense legislative session, I will have another chiropractor in my office to care for McEntire: I’m running for an my patients. open seat. I strongly disagree with the McEntire: As has been Legislature’s suspension of the reported, if the voters of the 24th will of the people, clearly District elect me as one of their expressed in I-960, which state representatives, I have required a two-thirds vote in committed to resigning my curboth Houses of the Legislature to rent office as a port commisraise taxes. I will vote to re-impose the sioner, effective as of the date my supermajority if I-1053 does not successor is appointed or by the end of 2010, whichever is earlier. make the ballot. I’m retired, so I will wholly Tharinger: The current deledevote my time to representing gation is extremely effective in citizens of the 24th. serving the district. Sen. Hargrove focuses on longTharinger: Having a team of term issues such as natural experienced county commissioners who focus on the public inter- resources, health and human services and corrections. est, not special interests, faciliMajority Leader Kessler has tates the decision process, makbeen a strong voice linking rural ing it possible for me to particiand urban Washington.

Kevin Van de Wege is a champion for jobs, education and the environment. Losing Lynn Kessler’s style of leadership and seniority is a challenge. My experience as a commissioner will help meet that challenge. Was it right or wrong for the state Legislature to suspend voter-approved, tax-limiting Initiative 960? Explain. Carter: It was wrong! They are arrogant, and overrode the will of the people. I-960 was passed by the people of Washington to prevent the Legislature from running amok with our tax dollars. Rather than facing the truth and having the courage to cut government waste and challenge special interests, our Legislature called the budget crisis “complicated” and implied we, the people, aren’t smart enough to understand it. These legislators work for lobbyists, not for us. Dwyer: The decision to suspend Initiative 960 was wrong. It was a mistake that the Legislature must correct. Legislators are elected to follow the will of the people. We cannot suspend or void the clear vote of the people, even when legislators think they have a better idea. Legislators are servants and not policy makers. This is an important difference between me and other candidates for this position. McEntire: In this instance, it appears that the majority of the Legislature once again avoided the difficult choices facing us in “re-setting” state government for a different economic era. Although the state Legislature has the constitutional power to repeal or amend laws placed on the books by initiative two years after they are enacted, I believe laws restricting action by the Legislature should be honored in all cases. Tharinger: It was not right to suspend I-960. Turn

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July-August 2010

Primary Election Guide

A public service of the Peninsula Daily News

State House of Representatives, 24th District, Position 2 Continued from preceding page of work or have lost health insurance benefits. It is necessary to adhere to The new federal health care the voter’s voice. program is scheduled to return The public as a whole needs to almost $180 million to our state. engage in the conversation about These funds should be reinwhat kind of state we want and vested into Washington Basic how we best pay for it. Health Care for those without A thriving, healthy and wellinsurance benefits. educated state requires thoughtful investments, not partisan McEntire: I have six prioriantics. ties for the state budget: We need effective problem Legal obligations such as pensolving in Olympia, and I look sions for retired state employees, forward to sharing my experience debt service, budget stabilization, to create solutions to our state’s and K-12 education; public safety challenges. and health, law and justice, transportation, protecting the What should the state of vulnerable of our society and Washington do to take care of common-sense environmental needs of those who can’t take protections. care of themselves? Explain. Children suffering from abuse and elderly or intellectually chalCarter: First, we should stop lenged folks without family or using our limited resources in who are being exploited by their subsidizing illegal aliens. family are examples of those who We should focus on core are vulnerable. responsibilities for citizens and fund those critical to those who Tharinger: We are a stronger can’t take care of themselves. community when we pull We should consolidate protogether to help each other. grams and agencies to eliminate Effective, efficient, accountredundant administration and able government has a role in payments. meeting the needs of the most Truthfully, I don’t think we vulnerable. give ourselves enough credit for Good government partners what we are already doing. with the building blocks of our We Washingtonians are noted communities that are closest to for our pioneering spirit and gen- home — family, the church, the erosity. service club, the cities and counties — to deliver services. Dwyer: We have a responsiI have a proven track record bility to help our citizens who of working to provide compashave lost the means to support sionate assistance to local prothemselves and their families. grams while remaining fiscally So many of our people are out responsible.

What’s your plan of attack for fighting the estimated shortfall of at least $3 billion that’s expected for the 20112013 state budget? Carter: We must relax onerous regulations and taxes on our businesses to unleash their potential. Eliminate state funding for programs that send jobs overseas and discourage the removal of productive land from tax rolls. For state employees, let’s raise retirement age and have them contribute more to bring the benefits state employees get in line with those of the private sector. We should implement school vouchers and let parents decide what is best for their children. Dwyer: The state has lots of money. We really have a crisis in setting our priorities. We should do the hard work of setting our state’s priorities, for example, education, health care, etc. Then we take the amount of funds and distribute it according to the priorities. This is the way we do our family and business budgets. Why can’t we do the same thing with this state? We need to live within our means. McEntire: Please refer to the six priorities I have already noted. Everything else is on the table. Tharinger: We face unprece-

dented challenges in our state. The governor and other leaders have called for a radical rethinking of how we fund and operate our state government. My proven record of bipartisan solutions that have kept Clallam County debt-free will help to develop the new strategies that our state needs. We must continue to find efficiencies and develop sustainable budgets. There are no simple soundbite solutions to this challenge. Experience and hard work will help. Why should voters choose you over your opponents? Carter: I will provide honest representation. I will listen to constituents, and I will tell them exactly what I think I can or can’t do. I will not campaign in the district with one set of promises and vote in Olympia with a different set of promises. With me, voters get a tough, smart legislator who will not be intimidated. My campaign shows that I have not, and cannot be bought. Please visit me at www.newwaycampaign.com. Dwyer: I am fully qualified for this position and ready to serve. I am a man of integrity whom the voters can trust. It’s time we had representa-

tion that we can respect. I wish to bring honor back to our Legislature. I want to represent this entire district, to support education, health care, senior citizens, those with disabilities and to put our residents back to work. I ask for your vote. McEntire: I’ll respect the will of the people of the 24th. As a port commissioner, I’m proud of my record in encouraging good jobs and in vigorously pursuing other economic development opportunities to bring jobs to Clallam County. I’m also a strong proponent of our port’s fiscal discipline — keeping the port’s tax levy the same, banking the authorized 1 percent increase and keeping port charges from rising in a very difficult economy. Tharinger: We need proven leadership, not ideological simplicity. I understand the diversity of the issues and challenges. I have a record of creating solutions. I know how to form partnerships to keep our communities safe, healthy and working. I have worked to protect our quality of life and environment while supporting economic development. For inclusive, transparent and accountable representation, I am the best choice. I ask for your vote to represent you in Olympia.

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Primary Election Guide

A public service of the Peninsula Daily News

July-August 2010

STATE SUPREME COURT

Justice, Positions 1, 5, 6 Position 1

By Rachel La Corte

winner of that match-up will also advance unopposed. Independent pollster and OLYMPIA — Washington political scientist Stuart Elway state Supreme Court Justice said that with an expected low Richard Sanders is no stranger primary turnout and the relato controversy. tively low-profile nature of court And his bid to seek a fourth races, challengers have an uphill term has led to an unusually battle. spirited campaign that may However, Wiggins has raised a extend beyond next month’s pricompetitive amount of money mary. and endorsements from a variety Sanders has drawn two oppoof groups. nents, former Court of Appeals Chushcoff hasn’t raised any Judge Charlie Wiggins and money and says he doesn’t plan Pierce County Superior Court to, but his presence could result Judge Bryan Chushcoff. in neither Sanders nor Wiggins It’s not the only Supreme getting more than 50 percent of Court race on the Aug. 17 primary ballot, but it’s the only high the vote. “The conventional wisdom is if court race where there’s a good chance that no one candidate will someone has the resources to mount a campaign, that could be draw more than 50 percent and pretty effective because they’re win the race in the primary. Also up for re-election are Jus- such low visibility races,” Elway said. tice Jim Johnson and Chief Jus“It’s a real targeted camtice Barbara Madsen. Madsen is running unopposed paign.” First elected to the Supreme in the primary, so she will Court in 1995, Sanders is known advance alone to the November for his sometimes passionate disballot. senting opinions, and in past Johnson faces Tacoma attoryears has drawn fire for controney Stan Rumbaugh, and the The Associated Press

Jim Johnson

versial actions on and off the bench. Wiggins has wasted little time in attacking Sanders on those fronts. Last year, the state Supreme Court withdrew a landmark public-records ruling after the losing party, King County, complained that Sanders had a conflict of interest because he didn’t disclose that the ruling affected a public-disclosure lawsuit he filed

Stan Rumbaugh

in Thurston County in 2005 against the state attorney general. Sanders withdrew from the public-records case, although he insists that the cases weren’t similar, and that he was advised by the court’s staff ethics adviser that he didn’t need to recuse himself. In 2005, Sanders was given an admonishment by the state Judicial Conduct Commission for

Position 5

Barbara Madsen

touring Washington’s sex predator commitment center at McNeil Island while residents had appeals pending. In 2008, Sanders stood up and yelled “tyrant!” at then-U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey at black-tie dinner in Washington, D.C., for The Federalist Society, a conservative legal group. Turn

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Washington’s three historical Supreme Courts Special to the Peninsula Daily News

Washington has had three distinct Supreme Courts in its relatively short history. While part of the Oregon Territory (1848-1853) three justices, appointed by the president of the United States, served on the territorial Supreme Court. When not hearing appeals the three jurists rode circuit, presiding over important trials in three separate and widespread judicial districts which encompassed much of the present-day Oregon, Washington and Idaho. In 1853 the area north of the Columbia River and east to the Continental Divide was separated from Oregon and became the Washington Territory with its

own Supreme Court composed of three (and later four) justices. On October 1, 1889, the people of the Washington “Territory” west of the present Idaho line approved a state constitution, elected public officials, and by means of an Act of Congress became a full-fledged member of the Union. The Supreme Court was composed of five justices elected by the voters of the state. John P. Hoyt, Thomas J. Anders, T. L. Stiles, Ralph O. Dunbar and Elmon Scott were the original members of the court. Hoyt had served on the territorial Supreme Court and was presiding officer at the conven-

tion that wrote the new state constitution. Stiles and Dunbar also were delegates to that convention. The number of justices serving on the Supreme Court has varied from the original five to the present nine. Although justices were no longer responsible for riding the trial court circuit as in territorial days, they continued to experience crowded dockets, necessitating an increase in membership. In 1905, the court was permanently expanded to seven justices, and in 1909 the number was increased to the present nine. Between 1889 and 1909 all cases were heard en banc, with

all justices participating. Between 1909 and 1969, most cases were heard by a department of the court, each composed of the chief justice and four associate justices. Since establishment of the Court of Appeals in 1969, all cases are heard en banc.

Nearly two-thirds of all justices of the Supreme Court have been initially appointed to fill a vacancy, but with rare exception all appointees have been confirmed by the voters. In 1907, the Legislature established a direct nonpartisan election system for nominating judges, replacing political party conventions. Six-year terms Separate nonpartisan ballots Each justice serves a six-year were also authorized for the term, with three submitting November general elections, themselves to the electorate removing judges from the politievery two years. cal party lists. Vacancies that occur through Except for a brief return to resignation or death are filled by partisanship in 1912, the names the governor, but these appointees of candidates for the Supreme must gain approval of the voters Court have subsequently at the next general election. appeared on nonpartisan ballots.

Primary Election Guide

July-August 2010

A public service of the Peninsula Daily News

State Supreme Court justice, Positions 1, 5, 6 Position 6

Continued from preceding page Sanders later released a statement saying he was speaking his conscience, and he cited inadequate access to the legal system for detainees at Guantanamo Bay and the importance of the Geneva Conventions. Sanders calls Wiggins’ criticism of his personal behavior “a campaign of character assassination.” “I wanted to go into this election talking about legal issues, talking about my record,” he said. On that point, both Chushcoff and Wiggins point to concerns about Sanders’ judicial philosophy. Wiggins notes that in cases where the Supreme Court is divided, Sanders votes in favor of the defendant 94 percent of the time. “By protecting the rights of the accused to this extent, he’s really failing to protect the rights of the public,” Wiggins said. Sanders takes issue with Wiggins’ figures, noting that they exclude unanimous cases and petitions for review. That said, Sanders is unapologetic for “preserving and protecting our individual rights.” “If I’m going to stick up for the

Where to find out more about the Supreme Court candidates: ■ Sanders campaign: www. friendsofjustice.com ■ Wiggins campaign: charliewigginsforjustice. com

Bryan Chushcoff

Richard B. Sanders

rights of some criminal, you know I’m going to stick up for the rights of other people,” Sanders said. Wiggins has raised about $120,000 and secured the endorsements of many prosecuting attorneys, the state Democratic Party and the Washington Council of Police & Sheriffs. Sanders, a self-described libertarian, has raised nearly $150,000 and has the support of the powerful Building Industry Association of Washington, the state Republican and Libertarian parties, and business groups. In the other contested race,

Johnson, who is seeking his second term, has raised about $82,000. He’s fighting off challenger Rumbaugh, who has raised nearly $49,000 and secured endorsements from liberal advocacy groups like Seattle-based Fuse. As Wiggins’ does with Sanders, Rumbaugh points to the support that Johnson has received from the Building Industry Association of Washington, or BIAW. “It’s become clear over the last six years that my opponent has danced with the people that brung him,” Rumbaugh said.

Charlie Wiggins

BIAW has endorsed both Johnson and Sanders, but they haven’t yet donated money to either campaign, though they have given hundreds of thousands of dollars in prior Supreme Court races — including Johnson’s first failed bid to the court in 2002. “If people I had worked for and worked with didn’t support me, that would be a bigger story,” Johnson said. “They supported me because of what I wrote, not vice versa.” BIAW spokeswoman Erin Shannon notes that the builders aren’t alone in supporting judi-

■ Chushcoff campaign: www.Chushcoff4Justice. com ■ Johnson campaign: www.JimJohnsonforJustice. org ■ Rumbaugh campaign: www.rumbaughforjustice. com ■ Madsen campaign: chiefjusticemadsen.org cial candidates, and points to the trial attorneys who support Rumbaugh.

About the job State Supreme Court justice Partisan or nonpartisan: Nonpartisan Primary election boundaries: Washington state Voters: 3,535,879 (as of March 31) Term: Six years Compensation: Each of the nine justices on the Washington State Supreme court is paid the same: $164,221 annually. Duties: The Washington State Supreme Court is the court of last resort in Washington. It is based in Olympia in

the Temple of Justice on the state capitol grounds. Nine justices serve on the court; they are elected in nonpartisan elections to serve six-year terms. The court’s duties and responsibilities are defined in Article IV of the Washington State Constitution of 1889. That constitution originally set the number of judges on the court at five, giving the Washington state legislature the right to change the number of judges from time to time as it deemed advisable. Some 8,500 cases are tried each year before the 143 judges of the Superior Courts of Washington state, the trial court of general jurisdiction. About 3,500 appeals are filed by losing parties claiming that the outcome was the result

of error, either of fact or law, sometimes both. In 2007, the Washington Supreme Court had a total of 1,463 filings. Among those, 98 were from trial courts, 1,120 were from the Court of Appeals, 134 were original actions. To be considered a qualified candidate to serve on the state Supreme Court, a person must be licensed to practice law in Washington. Justices must also retire from service at the end of the calendar year that he or she turns 75, according to the state constitution. The state Legislature is given the leeway under the constitution to reduce the retirement age to 70 should it see fit to do so. Additionally, justices of the court are

ineligible to serve in any other form of public employment during their term on the court, nor are they allowed to practice law in any Washington state court during their tenure on the Supreme Court. The chief justice serves as the court’s chief spokesperson, presiding over the court’s public hearings and serving as the administrative head of the state’s trial and appellate court system. Up until 1995, the chief justice was determined through a rotation system. In 1995, the voters of the state passed a constitutional amendment changing this system to one in which the chief justice is elected by the other justices. That same amendment changed the term of the chief justice from two to four years.

Primary Election Guide

A public service of the Peninsula Daily News

July-August 2010

U. S. C O N G R E S S

Representative, 6th District Why are you running for this position? Cloud: I want to bring more economic prosperity to the citizens of this district. Restrictions on property use, burdensome taxation and a never-ending web of regulations have stifled the American economy. When elected, I will endeavor to stop the growth of the federal government and restrain its influence. I will fight cap-and-trade legislation, seek to repeal the nationalization of health care and work to bring more jobs to this district through a revitalized private sector.

I have successfully represented citizens of this district in trial, in the state Supreme Court and in the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. I understand how legislation and laws adopted by Congress affect people. My background in economics allows me to analyze the economic effects of federal policies. My lifelong residence in the district will enable me to serve effectively.

Dicks: I was born and raised in the 6th Congressional District and have dedicated my life to serving this region. I am proud of my ability to work across party lines to forge consensus on issues important to Dicks: I remain deeply conthe Olympic Peninsula and our cerned about the challenges faced region. by people living here on the PenAnd I believe I have demoninsula, and I believe that through strated the energy and dedicamy experience and my position tion for fighting for job growth, in the U.S. House, I am uniquely protecting our environment and qualified to represent their inter- helping veterans, military perests and to help expand economic sonnel and their families here in opportunities for working famithis area. lies. I have worked hard for the Young: I possess a never-quit, Elwha restoration, creating new no-excuse mind-set that is jobs and restoring salmon runs, needed in our Congress. and I’m committed to helping I believe my life experience this area address all its critical (rising up from homelessness to infrastructure needs. excel in school and beyond) and business career (traveling the Young: I am running for the country consulting with major future of our kids. corporations as a business techAt my age, not many people nology consultant) have are in a position to put everycemented within me a much thing on hold and run for U.S. needed innovative spirit as well. Congress. Finally, I believe that “leaderMost of us are “heads under ship” equals “service.” water” working on building our Some leaders try to dictate families, homes and careers. After much consideration, I’ve while others try to dominate, but truly effective leaders serve. come to the conclusion that if I don’t act now, my/our children What’s your opinion about will not have the same opportunities for success that we enjoyed tearing down the Elwha River dams? growing up. What personal qualities do you possess that recommend you for this position? Cloud: As an attorney, I have fought corruption in both the private and public sectors.

Cloud: The decision to tear down the Elwha River dams occurred so long ago, in the early 1990s, that it would be appropriate to reopen the issue to determine if the rationale supporting the removal of the dams and the science behind it has changed.

Doug Cloud

Norm Dicks

Jesse Young

Residence: Gig Harbor

Residence: Belfair

Residence: Gig Harbor

Phone: 253-627-3133

Phone: 253-272-5884

Phone: 253-432-0200

E-mail: doug@dougcloud.com Age: 53 Education: University of Washington, bachelor of arts in economics, 1980; law degree, University of Washington, 1983 Occupation: Attorney Campaign website: www.dougcloud.com Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? No. Party preference: Republican Party

E-mail: norm@normdicks.com Age: 69 Education: Bachelor of arts, University of Washington, 1963; law degree, University of Washington School of Law, 1968 Occupation: U.S. congressman Campaign website: www.normdicks.com Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? Yes, I am the current representative of the 6th Congressional District in the House of Representatives. Party preference: Democratic Party

E-mail: info@jesseyoungforcongress. com Age: 33 Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, management information systems, University of Notre Dame Occupation: I resigned my position of senior business technology consultant at Russell Investments, Tacoma, four months ago to fully campaign. Campaign website: www.jesseyoungforcongress. com Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? This is the first elected office I’ve sought. Party preference: Republican Party

Dicks: In Congress, I have led the effort to secure funding for the Elwha restoration because I believe it’s the right thing to do. This is a unique opportunity to bring back the river’s historic salmon runs, and it’s an important investment for generations to come. In addition, the jobs created

by this project will have a positive impact for working families and our local economy in this region now, when it is needed the most. Young: I will move to keep the dams. The science behind their removal was agenda-driven from

the start and incomplete regarding the true impact to our fish and wildlife. There are better alternatives available that’ll benefit both our habitat and our communities. I will move to implement such alternatives. Turn

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Primary Election Guide

July-August 2010

A public service of the Peninsula Daily News

Member of Congress, 6th Congressional District Continued from preceding page How well is the current congressional seniority system serving the needs of the 6th Congressional District? Explain. Cloud: The current congressional seniority system is a disservice to this and every other district in America. The seniority system rewards one thing: longevity in office. It allows an inept incumbent to claim perpetually that he must be retained lest we give up the seniority. Recently, a Harvard Business School study determined that chairs of congressional committees who have seniority do not economically benefit their districts. This is because government influence and control kills the economy. Dicks: I believe I have demonstrated a record of results based on my dedication to this job, on my interest in working cooperatively with colleagues and on the increasing ability that my committee assignments have provided to fight for people in the 6th District. I now serve as chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and vice-chairman of the Interior Subcommittee, both critically important to the interests of this district and to our region. Young: It serves us very poorly. Our incumbent would have you believe that his pork is good for us. First, no amount of pork can compete with the blessings of the free-market system. It guarantees growth that benefits us all, while relying on pork leaves us hoping and begging for handouts. Second, there is no guarantee that we’ll get his pork because polls are showing that Republicans will take back control of Congress this November. What should be done to address the federal deficit? Cloud: Spending must be less than revenues. Consequently, federal spending must be reduced.

About the job 6th Congressional District Partisan or nonpartisan: Partisan Primary election boundaries: Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, Mason, Kitsap counties, and part of Tacoma in Pierce County. Voters: 375,369 Term: Two years Compensation: $174,000 yearly salary, with annual costof-living increases. House members receive health and retirement benefits under the same plans available to other federal employees. Members can participate in the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees’ Retirement System. Duties: The 435 members of the House draft bills and vote to enact federal laws. All congressional spending bills are initiated in the House. House members elect the president in Electoral College deadlocks. The House has the power to initiate impeachment proceedings, while the Senate conducts impeachment trials. More government-provided services should be contracted to private companies. Less money should be transferred from one group of people to another. Some departments of the government should be considered for complete elimination, for instance, the Department of Education. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq should be wound down. Less money should be spent on foreign aid.

and implement prioritized spending via the “household budget” model. Regardless of what we are told by our president and Congress, we all inherently know that we should not spend more than we make. As such, we should publicly engage the nation with a prioritized list of spending options and allocate money on the top priorities down through the list until it is used up. Cut spending for all the rest.

Dicks: I am strongly committed to reducing the federal deficit. I remain determined to discontinue inefficient and wasteful federal programs, to ensure that we have tax fairness for working Americans, and that we seek more sustainable models to ensure the solvency of federal entitlement programs. As chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I am committed to ensuring that our defense dollars are spent wisely and that the weapons we buy meet today’s defense requirements.

What should the federal government do to spur the economy? Explain.

Young: Remove political game-playing from the process

Cloud: Too often, the federal government makes the economy less efficient. Thus, we need less government meddling in the economy. The federal government must reduce the regulations that raise costs to businesses and citizens and slow economic productivity. Likewise, the heavy burden of taxation must be reduced. Thus, the government should reduce spending, cut taxes and limit regulations in order to spur the economy.

Dicks: Bringing new jobs to our area remains my top priority. The removal of the two dams on the Elwha River has put more than 200 to work and will have a lasting, positive impact. I am working with community leaders to identify projects that improve our economy. I am also fighting to ensure that Boeing has a fair shot at winning the Air Force tanker program bid, which will support thousands of good jobs in Washington State. Young: The free market works. Let’s use it and distinguish ourselves from the rest of the world. We need legislation that makes it easy for individuals to create small businesses, innovate, and find ways to provide valuable goods and services to the market. Such policies will unshackle our innovative spirit, create demand for our goods and services, grow our economy and create more jobs. It is a virtuous circle of success to which we must return. Should the moratorium on offshore drilling be lifted? Explain. Cloud: Yes, the moratorium on off-shore drilling should be lifted. However, a comprehensive review of existing laws limiting the damages of those responsible for off-shore oil drilling spills should be completed. Laws limiting the liability of those responsible for oil spills should be changed so those responsible for environmental catastrophes must pay the costs of their pollution. More drilling safeguards are necessary, such as requiring the drilling of simultaneous relief wells, to prevent well blowouts. Dicks: It was my amendment to the Interior Appropriations bill that has maintained a federal moratorium on oil and gas drilling off the Washington and Oregon coasts for the past 25 years, and particularly in light of the Gulf of Mexico spill, I see no reason at this time to change that policy. Young: Yes. This is a national

security issue as much as an environmental one. If we stop drilling, other nations will set up drilling rigs just outside of our territorial waters and engage in unregulated drilling. Other nations are continuing to grow their drilling and production capacities while we are diminishing our own. We should open up all avenues of drilling so that we, as a nation, can move away from foreign dependency as quickly as possible. Why should voters choose you over your opponents? Cloud: I have represented citizens of this district all my adult life. I understand what the word representation means. I know the people of this district well. I have consistently taken positions on the issues before Congress which support a smaller government, constitutional economic solutions and more openness and honestly in government. My background in economics and law enables me to analyze the issues and support the policies that most benefit our district and our country. Dicks: I have a proven record of results representing the people of this area in Congress. As a strong advocate for working families, I’ve fought to spur job growth and protect our local economy. I have fought to improve national parks, including Olympic, as well as to protect Puget Sound and our salmon runs. Knowing the values important to people here on the Peninsula, I’ll continue to fight hard in Congress for their interests. Young: Not only do I absolutely love and care about this district, I possess a unique blend of business experience desperately needed in Congress today. If you believe that we have too many lobbyists, lawyers and career politicians in Congress today, then you’ll probably agree with me that we need to elect someone from the real world who has had to face real budgets with real deadlines and still achieve real and effective results.

Primary Election Guide

A public service of the Peninsula Daily News

July-August 2010

U. S. C O N G R E S S

U.S. senator By Curt Woodward The Associated Press

OLYMPIA — Delivering dollars for Washington state is a point of pride for Democratic Sen. Patty Murray, whose efforts have helped her comfortably win re-election twice. Republicans insist that this November, it will be her downfall. The GOP is looking to tap into voter angst over the $13 trillion national debt. Tea partiers and fiscal conservatives have pushed to oust lawmakers they say contribute to rampant federal spending that will bankrupt future generations. Murray, once labeled the “Queen of Pork” by the watchdog group Taxpayers for Common Sense, is high on their list. “The idea of dragging home pork is an old-school measurement of a senator,” said Republican Dino Rossi, one of Murray’s rivals and the most likely to emerge from the state’s unusual top two primary system Aug. 17. “And right now, with Republicans and Democrats alike doing that, it’s bankrupting America. There’s nothing in the Constitution that says the job of a senator

Clint Didier

Patty Murray

is bringing home pork.” As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and chairwoman of its transportation subcommittee, Murray has steered millions of dollars to Washington state for military projects, roads, veterans facilities and other projects. She is unapologetic about her work as she travels across the state highlighting federal projects she’s directed home in a time of a stubborn economic downturn and a state unemployment rate of 8.9

percent, below the national average. “You can opt out of that, but that means every community in our state is going to be left behind,” said Murray, 59, who is fourth in the Democratic leadership. “That money is still going to be allocated in the budget, but it’s just going to go to California or New York.” This fierce election-year debate over federal spending is playing out in scores of congressional and

About the job U.S. senator for Washington state Partisan or nonpartisan: Partisan Primary election boundaries: Washington state Voters: 3,535,879 (as of March 31) Term: Six years Compensation: $174,000 yearly salary, with annual cost-of-living increases. Senate members receive health and retirement benefits under the same plans available to other federal employees. Members can participate in the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees’ Retirement System.

Duties: The 100 members of the Senate draft bills and vote to enact federal laws. The Senate has several exclusive powers not granted to the House of Representatives, including consenting to treaties as a precondition to their ratification and consenting or confirmation of appointments of Cabinet secretaries, federal judges, other federal executive officials, military officers and other federal uniformed officers, as well as trying federal officials impeached by the House. The Senate is a more deliberative body than the House of Representatives because the Senate is smaller and its members serve longer terms, allowing for a more collegial and less partisan atmosphere that is more insulated from public opinion than the House. The Senate is considered a more prestigious body than the House of Representatives because of its longer terms, smaller membership and larger constituencies.

farmer, high school coach and former NFL tight end who has the backing of tea party activists and 2008 vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Didier, who played eight seasons with the Washington Redskins and the Green Bay Packers in the 1980s, has railed against Rossi as the GOP establishment’s hand-picked choice. He drew sustained cheers at the state party convention in June and easily beat Rossi in a straw poll of conservatives. Dino Rossi “Is Patty Murray really that much worse than Dino Rossi in my book? I don’t know. At this point, today, I’d say no,” said Ted Piccolo of Electric City, a conservative gubernatorial races throughout Republican and local precinct comthe country, from Kansas to Flormitteeman. ida. Other Republicans are miffed It’s certain to be a factor in the by the Didier candidacy, saying high-stakes outcome that will Rossi’s poll numbers and statewide decide control of Congress and the identity make him the only GOP future of President Barack candidate with a real shot at Obama’s agenda. unseating Murray. Republicans need a gain of 10 “I’m not going to sit on the sideseats to capture the Senate major- lines and let liberals control our ity, a possibility if they can win state and our national government seats in Democratic-leaning states while I sit in my armchair being like Washington and California. ideologically pure,” said Russell Mike Duffy, a retired school Johnson of Everett. principal and education consulThe challenge from the right tant, considers himself fairly conhas forced Rossi to shift. servative on money matters, but He has signed on to the tea he still sees a role for government party-inspired “Contract From spending during the long economic America,” which includes pledges downturn. to enact a flat income tax rate, “As a business owner, as somerepeal the new health care law body that’s done pretty well, I ben- and reject a cap-and-trade system efited from the Bush tax cuts,” said for carbon dioxide emissions. Polls have shown Murray and Duffy, of Olympia. “On the other hand, with where Rossi with commanding leads over the rest of the primary field and we are now and with jobs going overseas, I think we have to invest essentially tied in a head-to-head match-up. a little more.” Murray has about $6.8 million As for having a long-serving in campaign cash as of June 30 senator, Duffy said, “That’s a spewhile Rossi banked about $1.3 milcial treasure.” lion in his first blitz of fundraising The quirky primary system after entering the race in late May. puts all candidates on the same ballot regardless of party affiliation, sending the two highest votegetters to the general election. All primary After two unsuccessful bids for governor in the past 10 years, candidates for U.S. Rossi, 50, is one of the state’s bestSenate are listed on known Republicans. the next page. Complicating Rossi’s path a bit is GOP hopeful Clint Didier, a

July-August 2010

Primary Election Guide

A public service of the Peninsula Daily News

U.S. Senate candidates for the 2010 primary election A total of 15 primary candidates are on the statewide primary ballot for U.S. Senate. Although incumbent Sen. Patty Murray and challengers Dino Rossi and Chuck Didier are considered the frontrunners in the top two primary, here is a list of all the candidates, including phone numbers and e-mail addresses where available, from which voters can get more information: ■ Norma D. Gruber, Republican, 509-525-1434, scottgruber@charter.net

■ Mohammad H. Said, Centrist, 509■ James “Skip” Mercer, no party 754-4689, drsaidusa@yahoo.com preference, 425-516-9600, committee@ mercerforsenate.com ■ Goodspaceguy, Democrat, 206-601 8172, goodspaceguy@yahoo.com ■ Clint Didier, Republican, 509-736 6080, clint@clintdidier.org ■ Mike The Mover, Democrat, 206546-9545, Mike_the_mover@comcast.net ■ Schalk Leonard, no party, 360930-0739, schalk4senate@gmail.com ■ Paul Akers, Republican, 360-961 4551, mail@akersforussenate.com ■ Patty Murray, Democrat, 206-2869199, Patty@pattymurray.com ■ Mike Latimer, Republican, 206293-2178, Mike@Mike4senate.net ■ Bob Burr, Democrat, 360-671-7813,

bobburr@comcast.net ■ William Edward Chovil, Republican, 253-229-0556, no e-mail address ■ Dino Rossi, Republican, 425-4512010, info@dinorossi.com ■ Charles Allen, Democrat, 206-2913576, charles@charlesallen2010.com ■ Will Baker, Reform, 253-627-1317, willpower76@hotmail.com