Skip Priest vs. Carol Gregory

Skip Priest has earned another chance to serve in Olympia.

Carol Gregory, the Democratic challenger and former teacher, delivers an earnest message about improving education in Washington state. While no candidate carries a magic wand, Gregory presents a contagious passion for education, health care and living wages.

However, Priest’s well-rounded roots in local public service give this moderate Republican incumbent more depth. During his three-term stint in the state House, Priest has taken on several leadership roles. He participates on the Basic Education Finance Task Force, which recently presented a proposal to meet the state’s constitutional mandate for equitable school funding. Another role includes the Life Sciences Discovery Fund, which invests in programs to lower health care costs. Priest has advocated for tougher laws against sex offenders and was honored by Washington Conservation Voters as an “environmental champion.”

The King County Municipal League also gave Priest an “outstanding” rating in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008. The nonprofit and nonpartisan league gave Gregory a “very good” rating for this election.

In addition, now is the time for the state’s lawmakers to show fiscal restraint. Priest falls more in line with that thinking.

Gregory would make a fine state representative with her educational background and accompanying focus on social services. Voters should understand that Gregory is a noble candidate — but Priest brings more to the table.

The Mirror recommends re-electing Skip Priest for District 30 state representative position 2.

Mark Miloscia vs. Michael Thompson

Democratic incumbent Mark Miloscia is the stronger candidate for state representative.

Miloscia is serving his fifth term in the Legislature. Although more socially conservative, Miloscia typically votes with his party on most issues. As a teacher in local schools, Miloscia is closer to the pulse of educational needs. He also falls in line with the Democratic party in regards to organized labor and fiscal attitudes. Miloscia also presents a better understanding of a lawmaker’s role and the challenges faced in Olympia.

In his first attempt at public office, Republican challenger Michael Thompson promises to advocate for lower taxes. Thompson refers to his experience as an inventor and small business owner as assets for the job. Thompson would also bring a more markedly conservative vote to the state House if elected.

However, Thompson has failed to adequately demonstrate why he deserves to replace Miloscia.

In addition, the nonpartisan King County Municipal League gave Miloscia a “very good” rating, but rated Thompson “adequate.”

The Mirror recommends re-electing Mark Miloscia for District 30 state representative position 1.