Incumbent Democratic 21st Legislative District State Sen. Marko Liias and Republican challenger Dan Mathews will meet in the November election.
The 21st District includes most of Edmonds, unincorporated areas north of Edmonds and Lynnwood, all of Mukilteo and part of south Everett.
Both candidates recently sent statements on the issues that they think are most important in the election. Here are their statements:
Marko Liias (Prefers Democratic Party)
When you look at the other Washington it seems like our government is broken. Too often gridlock and partisanship carry the day while the American people get short changed.
But I have learned that it doesn’t have to be that way. Over the last six years I have been a thoughtful and independent voice for middle-class families like the one I grew up in. Our state government does work when we elect leaders who are committed to taking a principled and pragmatic approach to the challenges we face.
I have built bipartisan coalitions on many issues over the last six years. From tackling school bullying to promoting research and development, I’ve brought Republicans and Democrats together to solve problems.
In my first session in the Senate, I was proud to stand with colleagues from both parties to pass a Dream Act that gives immigrant kids a shot at a college education. We also broke through a partisan standoff and extended important funding to help the homeless.
When we send the right people there, Olympia can work and we can find solutions that help improve our communities.
Dan Matthews (Prefers G.O.P. Party)
We are a State and District with much to be proud of. I believe in people – as the answer to many of our challenges – rather than more government. I want to empower people and seek to limit government’s growth, spending and reach.
Many things have prepared me for continued service and contributing to our great community, but it is values, character and integrity that matter the most. We must put people first – never personal gain or politics!
I base my candidacy for the State Senate on Serving and Representing our District honorably; dedicating myself to Integrity and Cooperation – Always! – And to these Commitments:
- Fully Funding Education
- Pursuing Fiscal Responsibility
- Advocating Environmental Stewardship
- Opposing a State Income Tax
- Pursuing increased Science, Technology, Engineering, Math education and innovation
- Extending the school day and school year (180 to 200 days), to better prepare youth for their future
- Supporting small business owners / entrepreneurs – improving our communities with good jobs
- Bringing diverse communities together
- Protecting the most vulnerable – no one ever “falling through the cracks”
- Opening our schools after hours as community centers for tutoring / other services
I humbly ask for your vote.
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