Ruth Kagi, incumbent, Democrat

Background: Worked with the Office of Children’s Affairs in Snohomish County and United Way on child care policy and public policy consulting. Also managed employment and training programs at the US Department of Labor. Holds a B.A. from the University of Washington and an MPA from Syracuse University.

Q: If elected, what is your top priority?
My top priority in the coming session is to fully fund education, from early learning through K-12, and to protect the safety net for our most vulnerable families.

Q: What motivated you to run for this position? What do you want to see change?
I came to the legislature to address many of the problems I saw in programs serving children, including foster care, child care, services for developmentally disabled children and services for homeless youth. As Chair of the Early Learning and Human Services Committee, I have been able to propose and pass many policies that have improved the quality of services and the outcomes for children, but much remains to be done. I want to see much more priority given to preventing harm to children rather than trying to remedy the damage done by abuse, neglect and failure to effectively intervene when problems first appear.

Q: Why do you think you are the best candidate for this position?
Serving in the legislature over many years has provided a wealth of knowledge about programs and policies that are effective, and those that aren’t, and how to move legislation through the legislature. I have a clear understanding of the complexity of our school funding challenges, and of possible solutions. Finally, I have built strong relationships with legislators on both sides of the aisle in both the House and the Senate and am committed to working with them to reach a compromise that will fully fund our public schools.

Q: How can people contact you if they want more information?
I can be contacted at Ruth.kagi@leg.wa.gov, or my personal email at kagi@seanet.com.

David D. Schirle, DPM, challenger, Republican

Background:
Married for 35 years with four children. A local doctor for 17 years mostly serving the elderly and the poor. A retired Army Major with 35 years of service, the last nine years working in places like Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan. A life dedicated to serving God and others. Philosophically grounded in individual liberty, rule of law, limited government, and reason over emotion. An unwavering belief is this unique experiment in freedom.

Q: If elected, what is your top priority?
Less laws, less regulations, and less money. Sounds simple and maybe even unrealistic. We need government sure. But we all I believe know that government has grown unnecessarily large. Control has transferred from the local community to the state and from the state to the federal. We really do not need to be told how to live our lives. The government does not do things better. So I will not go to introduced new “laws” and more regulations. Instead I will go and try hard to reduce both laws and regulations.

Q: What motivated you to run for this position? What do you want to see change?
We have lost our trust in the government and those who run it and serve in elected position. Partly because we the people, normal people who work hard every day did not get involved. Frustrated that as hard as we try, the politician represents themselves and not us. We the people live our lives without the lies and the deceit. We believe in telling the truth, working hard, and being good people. What I want to see change is the “how” we do things.

Q: Why do you think you are the best candidate for this position?
Well I have spent a life or service to the community as a doctor, as a soldier, a Boy Scout leader and a father.

Q: How can people contact you if they want more information?
Website: dschirle32.org (to donate)
Cell: 206-658-5572

Alex Hart (Libertarian) and Wesley Irwin (Democrat) did not respond to our request for information. You can learn more about them in the online voter’s pamphlet here. The top two vote getters will advance to the November general election, regardless of party.