Smith on Politics: Introductory Statements from 46th Legislative District Candidates

Six candidates are seeking the position that retiring State Rep. Phyllis Guiterrez-Kenney now holds in the district that now includes Lake Forest Park.

The six are Democrat Shelly Crocker, Jessyn Farrell, Dusty Hoerler and Sarajane Siegfriedt, Republican Scott Hodges, and “Democratic-Republican” Stan Lippmann. The top two vote getters in the Aug. 7 primary advance to the Nov. 6 general election, regardless of party.

Meanwhile, appointed 46th District State Rep. Gerry Pollet faces a challenge from fellow Democrat Sylvester Cann and 46th District State Sen. David Frockt is unopposed for the last two years of the four-year term that he holds by appointment. With no Republican or independent candidates for either position, all three are certain to advance to the general election.

Here are statements from the candidates except for Republican Hodges who has yet to respond:

State Representative, Legislative Dist. 46 - Position 2

Shelly Crocker:

“As a successful small business owner, attorney, and mother, I believe we can do better when it comes to fixing our failed financial system and unfair tax structure.  In my work as an insolvency and bankruptcy attorney, along with my continuing work in my community, I work hard every day to make sure people get a second chance.  I’m not afraid to stand up against big banks and mortgage companies, and I’ve been taking on those fights in the courts, one family at a time.

“As a volunteer, I have also worked hard to end homelessness, traveling to Olympia as a citizen advocate to speak with legislators about preserving our social safety net. It won’t be easy, but I've faced up to some of life’s toughest challenges and come through stronger, and I'm ready to take on the challenges of representing our District in Olympia.”

Jessyn Farrell: Jessyn grew up in the 46th and attended Lake Forest Park and Shoreline public schools, followed by the University of Washington and Boston College Law School. As former Executive Director of Transportation Choices Coalition, Jessyn led the advocacy, messaging and coalition-building strategy to break through the gridlocked “roads vs. transit” debate, unleashing over $25 billion in public transit investments in Washington State. She played a key role in developing community consensus for the I-90 light rail extension, the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement, Sound Transit's successful 2008 ballot package, and the 2005 Transportation Partnership Package. Jessyn has also worked for Pierce Transit, Washington Public Interest Research Group, Americorps, and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague, Netherlands. Jessyn currently lives in Laurelhurst with her husband and two young children. As a legislator, she plans to promote safe and healthy communities through funding for education and social services.

Dusty Hoerler:

“It's time we bring some kitchen-table common sense to Olympia and get focused on things that matter to working families today. I believe it's time we heard the words ‘Made in America’ again. We can have a strong economy and clean air and clean water – my own background proves it can be done.

“I’m not the sort of person who normally runs for office. I’m not a lawyer or lobbyist' I’m a union plumber. In 2007, I helped found SustainableWorks, a nonprofit that helps homeowners and businesses retrofit their buildings for energy efficiency. Last year, I organized a group of homeowners to testify in favor foreclosure mediation legislation, because no one should be able to take away your home without proving that they’re operating in good faith.

“I’m running to put jobs and education at the forefront of the Olympia agenda. Together, we can put Washington back to work.”

Stan Lippmann:

Professional Experience: General Atomics, La Jolla, CA. National Center for Atomic Studies, Aix-en-Provence, France. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Lippmann Law Offices, Pioneer Square. Silq Networks. Executive Business Center, University District. Molecular Epidemiology Inc., Lake Forest Park.

Statement: I was inspired as a young man by the gas lines in 1973 to solve the energy crisis, and so I became a boundary plasma physicist. Now, after four decades of all of our hard work, the World looks much brighter. We are on the verge of energy revolution. Free energy may be just around the corner. Even solar panels on your roof make sense. So what does Government do? Impose a tariff. “There is a Destiny which has the control of our actions, not to be resisted by the strongest efforts of Human Nature.” George Washington 12/9/1758

Sarajane Siegfriedt:

Sarajane Siegfriedt left a career with Boeing and dedicated herself to serving the community. Whether it was organizing Habitat for Humanity builds, fighting poverty or advocating for people with disabilities, Sarajane’s commitment is unparalleled. Sarajane brings progressive values to Olympia: reforming our state’s broken tax system to ensure wealthy people and corporations pay their fair share, funding education and helping every family to have necessities.

Sarajane’s depth of Olympia experience and community service are unmatched.  She will work to amply fund K-12 education and has a plan to do so. She knows that early childhood education is the best investment we can make.

Because of her knowledge of Olympia issues, Sarajane is the sole endorsed candidate of the 46th District and King County Democrats. She’s also been endorsed by former King County Executive Ron Sims, former Sen. Ken Jacobsen, Rep. Phyllis Kenney, Sen. Maralyn Chase, and Rep. Ruth Kagi.

State Representative Legislative Dist. 46 - Position 1

Sylvester Cann:

“I have endless optimism for the future of Washington State. We are home to some of America’s most prominent industries, an incomparable natural beauty and the spirit of equality.

“Reaching this potential requires electing effective leaders who bring a new vision to our State’s challenges. My former boss, the late Senator Scott White, was respected as a true problem solver; I will bring those same qualities to the State House.

“As the first in my family to graduate from college earning an engineering degree from UW, I understand the transformative effect that a strong education system can have. That’s why I want to work to strengthen our public education system and invest in higher education.

“Endorsed by Congressman Adam Smith, Executive Dow Constantine, Senator Ed Murray, Representative Reuven Carlyle, business, labor, education and environmental groups; I’m ready to address issues with a new energy and a commitment to coming together.”

Gerry Pollet:

“I ask to continue serving as your State Representative to make our tax system more fair, champion schools, and protect our environment and consumers.

“I have been active in the Lake Forest Park and Kenmore communities for many years, and amstrongly endorsed by your 32nd District legislators: Ruth Kagi, Cindy Ryu and Maralyn Chase; Mayors Mary Jane Goss and David Baker; and, County Council Member Bob Ferguson. Your neighborhood representatives chose me as the Democratic nominee by a 10:1 margin.

“It’s important to have a Representative active in our public schools. I teach at the UW School of Public Health, and I’m one of 2 legislators from Seattle and North Shore with children in our public schools!

“This Legislative Session, I led to: eliminate tax loopholes; end predatory towing; and, preserve college work study and Need Grants. Endorsed: Labor Council, NARAL, our teachers, Sierra Club, Firefighters, local business leaders.”

State Senator, Legislative Dist No. 46, David Frockt:

“It was an honor to serve our community in Olympia these last two years.

“One of the critical tasks we face is to improve our education funding at all levels. In particular, I believe a high quality and more affordable higher education system for middle class families can lay the foundation for the jobs of tomorrow in our core industries as well as drive economic growth based on new ideas and innovation.

"While we must strive for the most efficient and responsive state government possible, our public policy must also reflect our shared values of protecting the most vulnerable among us.

"Finally, I will work to insure that the new parts of our district, Kenmore and Lake Forest Park, have an Olympia advocate on local transportation, water quality and environmental issues as well as for St. Edwards State Park. I look forward to hearing from you and working “

About this column: Journalist and Shoreline resident Evan Smith has covered local issues for nearly two decades. His politics column appears on Patch every other week.