We continue with our summaries of candidates who appear on the Aug. 17 primary election ballot, with details collected from  the Snohomish County voters pamphlet, which is here. This report focuses on State Legislative District 21, Senator.

David Preston

(Prefers Republican Party)
Elected Experience:
None

Other Professional Experience:

Small business owner for over 25 years. President of Insurance Resource Group in Edmonds, a firm specializing in Consumer Directed Health Plans. Past President of the NW Washington Association of Health Underwrites. Former Board Member of the Washington Association of Health Underwriters.

Education:
Graduate of Edmonds High School. Attended Shoreline Community College before earning a degree in business at the University of Washington.

Community Service:
Member of the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce and the Emergency Services Coordinating Agency. Youth baseball coach in the Pacific Little League

Statement:
We can make positive change now and put Washington on a better path. I’m ready to represent you in Olympia by asking the tough questions and working on real long term solutions.

State government is badly in need of reform. Legislators have ignored the need to restructure state government so it is affordable now and into the future. After facing deficits the last two sessions and raising our taxes over $800 million this year, legislators will face a staggering $3 billion deficit in 2011. The problem is obvious: government spent too much of our money. I will work to balance the budget while cutting taxes and restore fiscal common sense in Olympia.

Reforming state government won’t be easy. Facing such a large deficit, the reality is that some state government programs will need to be reduced. My priorities will be, cutting taxes, creating private sector jobs and improving the output of our schools. It is vital to identify and cut the waste in Olympia so we can make our government run more efficiently.

We can’t tax our way out of a recession and we can’t wish our problems away. With your help we will put more Washingtonians back to work.

Glen Sayes

(Prefers Republican Party)

Elected Experience:
I have never held an elected office – other than Senior Class President. I believe this gives me an advantage over long-time, career politicians.

Other Professional Experience:
21 years in the Computer Industry; owned and managed a Systems Integration and Software Development Company; 9 years owner of Lumina Digital Studios.

Education:
LeTourneau College – Chemisty Major; Moody Bible College – Bible / Theology Major; University of Illinois – Business and Photography Majors.

Community Service:
Advisory Board for Everett and Mukilteo SD; Mentor approximately 12 High School Senior Projects per year; Photographer for Your Place After School; Church Group Leader.

Statement:
As the owner of a small business, Lumina Digital Studios, I know that when income goes down, expenses must also go DOWN or you go bankrupt.  When our legislature voted this year to over-ride the Peoples Initiative (requiring 2/3 majority vote to raise taxes) I was furious and dedicated myself to change that behavior and the incumbents who voted for it.I believe in smaller government, reduced taxes; both of which will encourage business growth and more jobs.  I believe in individual freedom and the responsibility that comes with that freedom.I believe that education is the primary job of the state government; an education system that is judged on results not on the amount of money spent!  Washington currently spends the largest percent of its budget on education, but our results are embarrassing.  Our graduation rate is number Six in the nation – number six from the bottom! I have been married to my wife, Helen, for 37 years.  We have raised our three (now adult) children here in Mukilteo.   We are active members of Northshore Christian Church.  I am a member of the Communications Advisory Boards for both the Mukilteo and Everett School Districts.

For more information:
425-239-3671