Election 2014: Candidate Q&A – State Rep. District 1, Pos. 2

Editor’s note: This is an installment in a series of questions and answers with candidates who appear on the Aug. 5 primary election ballot.

Edward Barton

Edward J. Barton

206-550‐6442
admin@bartonforwa.com

Prefers: Republican Party

Background:
First and foremost, I am the father of two wonderful daughters – ages 10 and 6.  It is my concern and desire to see them have a great future here in Washington that I decided to work to serve you in Olympia.

I am co-owner of Glass Doctor, a locally founded glass shop that’s been serving the Seattle area for over 50 years.

I put myself through college on an ROTC scholarship, serving as an Engineer Officer and spending time in such interesting locales as Honduras and Guatemala, while assisting our communities as a member of the National Guard duing multiple states of emergency.

I have 20 years of financial services and executive management experience that I would bring to the Legislature, including a proven ability to work with diverse and global stakeholders from many backgrounds, and team members at all levels of experience, to come to pragmatic and cost effective solutions to real world problems.

Before moving to Seattle in 2000, I held a number of legal and consulting roles and spent several years as a company commander and platoon leader in the National Guard, which drives a passion for operational efficiency, transparency and leadership.  I also served on the City of Mill Creek Planning Commission from 2001-2006.

I earned a JD from Northwestern California University, an MBA from Syracuse University Martin Whitman School of Management, a BBA in Finance & Accounting from the University of Notre Dame, and a Master Certificate in Six Sigma from Villanova University.  Going way back, I was an Eagle Scout and a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow.

Q: If elected, what is your top priority?
To bring transparency, fiscal accountability and focus to our State government by focusing on doing four key missions with excellence:

I believe common sense government starts with understanding the role that your state government should play in our lives:

  • Your government should provide for the education of our youth in a way that embraces their diversity of needs, cultures and families.
  • Your government should provide for the protection of your person and property through effective public safety programs and education, as well as protecting your constitutional rights.
  • Your government should provide for common infrastructure, such as roads and effective public services.
  • Your government should provide an effective and compassionate safety net for the neediest in our community, bridging them to becoming self-sufficient through education, skills training, or emergency medical care.

Any effort spent by your government on excessive regulation, special interests, reporting, adding requirements or taxes to businesses or consumers, or passing and enforcing laws that limit your rights to live your life as you desire, without harming others or the environment by necessity takes time, money and effort away from the four things your government should do.

Q: What motivated you to run for this position? What do you want to see change?
The decision to run against Representative Moscoso was driven by a couple of factors:

First, I believe we need to hear the voice of the typical small business person – manager, employee or owner, in Olympia.  Over my 20 years, I’ve held jobs at all levels, collected unemployment, and can relate to the majority of the constituents in the district who either own a small business or work for a private enterprise.

Second, I have two young daughters, as noted, ages 10 and 6.  I think the perspective I bring as a member of a two income family with real and present concerns around education, crime and looking forward as a steward for my young children in areas like economic growth, environmental protection and equal rights and opportunity for these two young women and their generation.

What the State needs now are representatives that recognize the challenges of balancing budgets, limited resources and fiscal responsibility.  Representatives that are independent and rigorous in their thought process, and are willing to be pragmatic and practical to solve problems.  We need Common Sense Leadership in Olympia.

Q: Why do you think you are the best candidate for this position?
My 20 years in business as a CPA as well as public service as a military officer have instilled a discipline for execution, making difficult decisions, stewardship of other people’s money and accountability for performance. The greatest challenges our State faces this election are ones that revolve around a multi-billion dollar shortfall in budget revenues, challenges in fully funding education in the face of a State Supreme Court mandate to increase State level support to local districts, and working through many difficult choices between taxing our citizens and spending on various discretionary programs or cutting discretionary spending and understanding that spending cuts also come with a human cost. I am the only candidate with a proven track record and extensive experience in analyzing and making those types of difficult decisions.

How can people contact you if they want more information?
ed@bartonforwa.com
www.bartonforwa.com
https://www.facebook.com/edbartonforwa

Rep. Luis Moscoso, 2014

Luis Moscoso
206-200‐8663
lucho4@comcast.net

Prefers: Democratic Party

The candidate did not respond to the questionnaire; all information is taken from the Snohomish County Local Voters’ Pamphlet.

Elected Experience: Elected in 2010, Luis has served as Vice Chair of the House Transportation Committee, securing funding for many projects including the Bothell Crossroads Project. He also serves on the Government Accountability and Oversight Committee and Public Safety Committee, leading efforts to protect communities by reducing crime and gang violence.

Other Professional Experience: Organizational Improvement Specialist, Community Transit; Government Relations Director, Washington State Public Employees Association.

Education: Archaeology, University of Iowa (’76), B.A., University of Iowa (’74)

Community Service: Mountlake Terrace Community Policing Advisory Board; Transportation Policy Board, Puget Sound Regional Council; Community Leadership Team, United Way of Snohomish County; Board Director, Neutral Zone

Statement:
As State Representative, I have worked hard to grow jobs and help local communities thrive. I also worked to make much needed Transportation improvements in our district and across the state.

I fought for increased transparency, accountability and reforms in state government. I worked to expand higher education funding, specifically for UW Bothell, and I’ll continue to fight to fully fund K-12 education. I’m proud to have led the Legislature’s effort to reduce gang violence. We have more work ahead and that is why I am running for another term. I would be honored to earn your vote.

 

Dave Griffin
PO Box 2480
Woodinville, WA  98072
(206) 859‐7692
griffinforwashingtonstate@gmail.com

Prefers: Democratic Party

The candidate did not respond to the questionnaire; all information is taken from the Snohomish County Local Voters’ Pamphlet.

Other Professional Experience: Manager Eco Foam Recyclers, Operation Manger Pacific Bin Corp., Manger QFC, Cook McCorry’s, Janitor Eastside Building Maintenance.

Education: Bothell High School, Everett Community Collage, Bellevue Collage

Community Service: Community Recycling Educating, President Redmond Youth Soccer Association, Six years Recreational Girls Soccer Coach

Statement:
Time for change. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and work for you the voters. Let’s get the job done on time and under budget. We need to focus on our children seniors and transportation. Our children deserve a quality funded education. Seniors need to be heard and valued. Infrastructure and transportation is the life blood of this community. We all need to work together to accomplish what you the people of Washington value most.

I want to represent the people of this great State of Washington, so I am asking for your vote.

— Compiled by Caitlin Plummer

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