WASHINGTON’S PRIMARY ELECTION BALLOTS will start arriving in mailboxes this weekend. One important race for residents in the 45th Legislative District, which includes most of Kirkland and parts of Redmond, Sammamish and Woodinville, is the House Representative Position No. 1, currently held by democrat Roger Goodman.
For the many people who have met and worked with Roger Goodman, you get the feeling that Roger actually cares about the people he represents. He is connected to the middle class and understands the challenges most normal people in our community face.
Roger’s positive attitude toward improving the lives of his constituents is made clear by the fact that during his first three terms in the Legislature, Roger has passed landmark bills that not only improve public safety by tightening drunk driving laws, but also expand early childhood education.
The non-partisan and citizen comprised Municipal League of King County likely recognized these qualities when it gave Roger an “OUTSTANDING” rating, which is the highest rating given by the Municipal League and which is issued only when a candidate is deemed exemplary on four criteria: Involvement, Effectiveness, Character and Knowledge.
Roger’s Republican challenger Joel Hussey, by contrast, lacks these and other essential qualities to be an effective State Representative. Hussey is an elite and disconnected private jet dealer without any real or meaningful vision for the 45th Legislative District. He simply makes the generic claim that he is “running because Olympia is broken.” Hussey’s lack of insight, clarity and experience likely came through to the Municipal League, which rated Hussey lower than Roger.
Notably, what little momentum there is in Hussey’s campaign is not likely because of anything exciting about Hussey personally, but rather is due to the fact that Kirby Wilbur, Washington’s Republican Party Chairman, has targeted the House Position No. 1 election as part of his “12 in ‘12” campaign. That campaign is Wilbur’s attempt win eight State Representative seats, three State Senator seats and the gubernatorial race this year in order to claim a Republican majority in Olympia.
What is disturbing about this “12 in ‘12” campaign, and Hussey’s role in it, is that it shows the Republican Party is more concerned with regaining seats in Olympia to advance a boilerplate conservative agenda instead of actually electing qualified candidates who will effectively represent the unique interests of Washington’s citizens.
Finally, Hussey’s claim that he will do better in Olympia as a political “outsider” than a seasoned legislator such as Roger is bogus. Here is one way of considering this claim: would you pass over a qualified pilot and instead choose a truck driver with no piloting experience to fly the Boeing 747 in which you are a passenger? I hope not.
In reality, those who lack legislative experience such as Hussey are ineffective when compared to their experienced opponents because they do not understand the political process necessary to create and implement effective legislation.
In the end, the choice is clear: Roger Goodman is the best person who will effectively and meaningfully advocate sound policies and legislation on behalf of the residents of the 45th Legislative District. I hope you agree and I hope you will give Roger Goodman your vote during this important primary election.
Trent Latta is an attorney and Kirkland resident. He may be reached at TrentLatta@gmail.com.
