We can hardly do better than the six candidates who came forward to run for office here in the 41st District. We have individuals with backgrounds in medicine, law, software, real estate and business. We need to thank those who came forward to run for office. Such an endeavor is no mean feat. In order for democracy to work, someone must step forward and invest hundreds of hours of their own time and their families to find money, study the issues and meet the public day and night. The candidates for office in the 41st District are smart and accomplished. For the most part, they know the issues and the tough decisions ahead. The task that awaits is no less than determining the direction of our state in supporting our schools and universities, providing medical care and housing to those who need it, and keep our economy going by making huge investments in infrastructure to help keep and create jobs. The challenge is how to remake our state government to reflect the new realities of our fundamentally changed economy.
Our selection of candidates not only includes an analysis of the views of each on the critical issues at hand, but the depth of knowledge of the intricacies of the present political and social climate of our state. But just as important is their approach to solving problems and experience working with others. A good clue is what roles they have served within the communities where they live. Such activities give us a glimpse as to their character and how successful they might be at representing us. Governing requires listening and compromise and a good dose of humility — as those who lead must sometimes set aside their own beliefs to move forward for the common good. Those who have been active in their community, involved in the work to sustain and encourage youth, champion those in need or work within local government seem more suited to take us forward.
With that in mind, the newspaper’s choice for the state Senate seat is Steve Litzow. This was the most difficult decision of the three. Litzow, who has been put through his paces as a City Councilman and has been involved in the community here and on the Eastside, has more grassroots governing experience. While Sen. Gordon, a lawyer, is studied and articulate, we believe Litzow has the edge in dealing with local issues.
For State Representative Pos. 1, we urge voters to reelect Rep. Marcie Maxwell, long active in the Renton community and the Eastside, who in just two years in Olympia has brought education funding issues to the fore and has demonstrated her ability to bring fellow lawmakers together. Her opponent, Peter Dunbar, is a smart, generous man and gifted physician with leadership experience in his profession and extensive knowledge of the health care system. We want him to continue his pursuit of elected office.
Rep. Judy Clibborn, our wise and talented three-term representative and Legislative leader, is an Islander who has a vast amount of experience and expertise navigating both local and state government. She is the choice for Pos. 2.
