The Federal Way Mirror’s editorial board endorses the following District 30 Legislature candidates for the Aug. 7 primary election. The top two finishers in each position will move onto the general election in November.
District 30 state rep., position 1
Of the five candidates running for this position, The Mirror recommends Roger Flygare and Tony Moore. Flygare and Moore would be the more effective legislators. Small businesses are the backbone of the state’s economy and job market. Flygare and Moore own small businesses, and they understand the trials and tribulations that come with the territory.
Flygare, a Democrat, knows his way around the political arena and government entities, thanks to a decades-long court reporting career that included lobbying for legislation. Flygare is politically moderate, but willing to take a stand on issues, all with a straightforward approach. These traits will hold up well in representing the district’s best interests.
Moore, a Republican, is the best-equipped candidate to advocate for education issues at the state level. As president of the Federal Way School Board, he joined the school district’s education funding fight and backed new academic policiesfor improving achievement. Moore, who owns a wholesale tire business, is a fiscal conservative who believes profitable businesses lead to more jobs. Moore wants to focus on cutting spending and waste — a necessity in these economic times.
Linda Kochmar, a Republican, brims with integrity and has a heart for public service. Her tendency to avoid controversial stances, as demonstrated in some of her answers at the recent debate, is a red flag when it comes to choosing a candidate to fight on the district’s behalf.
Thom Macfarlane, a Democrat, is a well-spoken political newcomer with good ideas. More visible accomplishments and public service would have made the editorial board more comfortable with this untested candidate. With that in mind, he could be a viable option in future elections.
Jerry Galland, a Republican, has sincere goals to represent the district. He is an effective and entertaining speaker. However, the other candidates present a stronger track record for public service at the state level. Galland is knowledgable of local policies and would be more effective at this level.
District 30 state rep., position 2
For this position, The Mirror recommends Katrina Asay and Roger Freeman.
Asay, a Republican, was first elected to the position in 2010. She rolled up her sleeves and jumped right in. Key accomplishments include collaboration on a solution to the light rail fiasco, and sponsoring a bill that led to tougher restrictions at cash-for-gold businesses. Asay has demonstrated an effort to improve quality of life in the Federal Way area. She was the only District 30 candidate in 2012 to receive an “Outstanding” rating from the Municipal League of King County.
Freeman, a Democrat, gets the edge over fellow Democratic challenger Rick Hoffman because of his local political experience. Freeman serves on the Federal Way City Council, and his work as a public defender makes him familiar with social issues that plague children and families. Hoffman is backed by labor unions and is more of a solid Democrat than Freeman, whose faith influences some more socially conservative positions. The charismatic Freeman would be a better salesman for the 30th District’s interests in Olympia.
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Contact: editorialboard@federalwaymirror.com
