(EDITOR’S NOTE: In an effort to educate the public before the Nov. 4 election, The Mirror is giving candidates an opportunity to answer six questions regarding important issues facing Federal Way and Washington state. Each of the candidates for District 30 state representative — Skip Priest, Carol Gregory, Michael Thompson and Mark Miloscia — have received this questionnaire.)

Michael Thompson

1. What are your qualifications for the state representative position?

I was born and raised in the Federal Way area. I graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and I have watched the area grow from a small housing community to a growing city. I have held jobs in truck driving, computer technology, Internet technology, broadcasting, diving and auto racing. I have owned and grown businesses in the area and talked with many people in our community. I am an inventor and take pride in finding solutions that enhance the big picture and make it better.

Bringing all of my life experiences together, and drawing from that knowledge, allows me to see solutions to problems that will not only fix the problem, but also make the overall situation better.

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2. What measures should be implemented to lower the cost of doing business in Federal Way?

I will work toward lowering all taxes. Getting rid of the business and occupation (B&O) tax and bringing back the free marketplace is a top priority in fixing our economy. The reduction in taxes and offering the ability for anyone to open a business, free of government controls, will create jobs and improve our economy. This reduced tax and regulation burden will allow business owners to grow their businesses and the market will determine the level of success of each individual business.

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3. Should the state play a role in improving financial management skills in Washington’s citizens?

A quality education is essential to the growth and stability of our state. Financial management skills should be taught in our schools as part of the standard curriculum. In that regard, I believe the state has a responsibility. To assure a quality education, of high standard, will better equip our youth for life and college.

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4. What are some reasonable solutions to improving the quality of education in Federal Way and Washington state?

Limited space only allows for a general overview of a comprehensive plan. The first two steps in this plan are: 1) Get rid of the WASL and tell the federal government to get out of our schools; 2) Open up a voucher system and create competition in our education system. The complete plan accomplishes several things. Parents need to be more involved in their child’s education and will be in a position to apply to and enroll their child in the school of their choice. Teachers will be able to teach creatively at a much higher level. All while we move toward a 100 percent graduation rate, with a 0 percent dropout rate and graduate our youth with an International Baccalaureate.

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5. What are your thoughts on Washington state’s Working Family Tax Exemption, which involves tax rebates for eligible families?

While it appears to be well intended, the fact remains that it excludes an entire group that would benefit more. That group is those that fall below the poverty level and do not file a federal tax return. For this reason, most people on a fixed income and those trying to provide for a family on low-paying jobs do not receive benefit. The exemption should be thrown out. The entire tax system in this state needs to be reworked to better provide for the people and the government — which is a fancy way of saying lower taxes.

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6. How closely do you match up with your political party’s established positions and values?

I believe the “oath of office” takes precedence over any party position. Whenever and wherever these are in conflict, the oath of office takes the lead. As a representative of the people, my first duty is to the people as afforded by the Constitutions (U.S. and Washington state).

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To learn more about Michael Thompson, who is running as a Republican for District 30 state representative, visit www.electmichaelthompson.com.