Effective legislators can consistently garner support for proposals as well as author bills that help their constituents. Of the five candidates seeking the open District 30 state House seat, Katrina Asay and Carol Gregory demonstrate the strongest potential for effective leadership.

Asay, one of four Republicans in the race, has seven years of experience as Milton’s elected mayor. She is a mild-mannered communicator who would take a practical approach to the job. She has firsthand experience making budget cuts in Milton, which is also a priority in Olympia.

Gregory, a Democrat, would be a fighter in Olympia. She has potential to strengthen the fight for education funding. She is director and co-founder of Burst for Prosperity, an organization that aims to reduce poverty while helping low-income families in Washington state. This experience adds depth to her understanding of what working families need.

The other candidates in the race would still make fine public servants. Jerry Galland is an unincorporated King County resident who has fought annexation efforts, and is heading up a campaign against South King Fire and Rescue’s Proposition 1. Anthony Kalchik is a local real estate agent, business owner and Slavic community leader. Ed Barney is a current member of the Federal Way School Board.

In terms of leadership and influence in Olympia, Asay and Gregory show the strongest potential, earning The Mirror’s endorsement for the primary election.