Differences

Take a look at this video and see the differences between Ahern and Driscoll on police ombudsman, global warming and abortion.  I know it is from August but I doubt either has changed their view since then.  Yes, I heard about the Rotary debate between Marr and Baumgartner but did not see it.  I'm hoping one of the candidates posts it.  There will be another debate on Wednesday, Oct 13 at Ferris High Schoool. 

Here is another video concerning the North Spokane Freeway.  These men have very different ideas.  Personally, I like Marr's statement, "In my view, you never say no to a deal till you know what it is."

And one more video about what specifically should be cut to balance the budget.  Is someone hedging the question?

I have an interview with Chris Marr on Friday.  Please keep the questions coming!

Deceptive

I received a 2 page mailer today from some organization called "People for Jobs" claiming to be located in Issaquah, Washington. (Why are they concerned with Spokane?) Titled "Taxes are spinning out-of-control in the State Legislature", it claims that Chris Marr is part of the problem.  I can't find any information on this organization but it listed as a contributor, Enterprise Washington.  If you want to join that org. you must be a company with employees or you can join an offshoot - Team Washington - for $15,000 annually.  What does that tell you about who is behind this advertisement?  The mailer is very professional but the picture of Chris Marr is blurred.  Will it never end?  What can we do?  It doesn't matter if you are for or against Chris Marr, it's time we stood for openness and integrity!

Candidates

Yes, to answer your question,  I am planning on interviewing the candidates. It is up to them to respond.   Driscoll's campaign contacted me and I will be meeting with him on Monday.  I am hoping to hear from the other men soon.  (Yes, for those who read WildnJoyful, they are all men but remember Washington has a female governor, senators and Spokane mayor).  If you have any questions that you would like to ask one of these candidates,  let me know and I will make sure to ask.  Preferably it should be something you have not seen addressed yet.  Check back often for updates.  The ballots are arriving in about two weeks!

Campaigning

I realize that many people vote based on campaign signs and mailers.  I don't like either method.  I prefer to find out what each candidate is, has or potentially plans to accomplish.  Voting because someone professes to belong to a certain party will only keep us in this get-nothing-accomplished mess we are in.  Look at each individual candidate.  I know it isn't easy finding information that is not slanted.  That is what I am attempting to accomplish here.  I will try to present factual info before offering my opinion about the candidate I feel is best qualified to represent me.

Today I received a mailer from Chris Marr's campaign, comparing the candidates.  I will fact check the info but I did not appreciate the picture that was chosen of Michael Baumgartner: sunglasses, facial hair, and t-shirt flashing a peace sign while Chris Marr was pictured in a suit and tie.  Of course, the earlier mailers from Baumgartner's side with what looked like blood splatters on Chris Marr's record wasn't very appealing either.  You would think we could get past this type of juvenile campaigning but until we speak out things will remain the same.

Voting Info

The deadline for online and mail voter registration is October 4. Washington State does not ask for party affiliation when registering to vote.

 Ballots for the November 2, 2010 election will be mailed on Oct. 15th.  All of Spokane County votes by mail.  The ballot can be mailed back through the US Post Office (you will need to put postage on it) or can be put in any drop box many of which are located outside of the libraries.  If you put it in the drop box, no postage is needed.

Mail ballots must be post-marked on or before November 2. If the Auditor’s Office receives a ballot after Election Day that was not post-marked on or before Election Day, the votes on the ballot will not be counted.  Be aware that mail is not picked up after 5:00 pm from most mail boxes around the county including those at Post Offices. Check the schedule on the mail box if you are depositing your ballot after 5:00 pm Election Day.

Register!

I think that if you do not vote you should not complain.  This is our chance to make a statement.  If you do not like any of the candidates then send your ballot in unmarked or put "none of the above" on the blank line for a write in candidate or write someone in.  Just vote.  You can even register online.  This is one way each of us can make a difference.  Remember in the last election John Driscoll won with 35,107 votes while John Ahern trailed with 35,033.  Never think that your vote doesn't matter.

Job Descriptions

Here are the job descriptions for state senator and state representative taken from the government web page for Spokane County:

State Senator
The State Constitution prescribes that a Senator must be a citizen of the United States and a qualified voter in the legislative district from which he or she was chosen. A Senator's term of office is four years; the Senate is made up of 49 members, one from each legislative district in the state. One-half of the membership of the Senate is elected at the General Election held in November of each even-numbered year.

During legislative sessions, the Legislature is called upon to: enact or reject legislation affecting public policy in the state; provide for the levy and collection of taxes and other revenue to support state government and assist local government; and appropriate funds for these purposes. The Senate also has the exclusive power to confirm certain gubernatorial appointments. Although laws are enacted only when the Legislature is convened in formal session, policy issues and the general operation of state and local government are under continuous review by legislators serving on permanent and interim study committees.

State Representative
The State Constitution prescribes that a Representative must be a citizen of the United States and a qualified voter in the legislative district from which he or she was chosen. A Representative's term of office is two years; the House is made up of 98 members, two from each legislative district in the state. The total membership of the House is elected at the General Election held in November of each even-numbered year.
During legislative sessions, the Legislature is called upon to: enact or reject legislation affecting public policy in the state; provide for the levy and collection of taxes and other revenue to support state government and assist local government; and appropriate funds for these purposes. The House also has the exclusive power to bring impeachment proceedings. Although laws are enacted only when the Legislature is convened in formal session, policy issues and the general operation of state and local government are under continuous review by legislators serving on permanent and interim study committees.

Democrats

Unlike the Republicans of Spokane County, the Democrats don't make their candidates sign pledges to uphold their platform in order to gain their endorsement.  Please read the Spokane County Democrats Party Platform. The difference in the two party platforms is huge.  If you want to make an intelligent decision when you vote read both platforms carefully. 

Republicans

The Republican Party of Spokane County has asked that Republican candidates sign their 2010 Party Platform.  According to the Spokesman Review, Baumgartner and Ahern have both signed and pledged to support this platform.  Please take time to read this document so you can see where they stand.  When candidates request official party endorsements, they are asked to sign a pledge where they promise to support the Spokane County Republician Party Platform.  Some Washington Republicans have decided not to sign but since both Ahern and Bauggartner did, they have their party's endorsements.

6th district

Here is a map of Spokane's 6th District.  This will be my primary focus in attempting to be informed for the November election.  I think it is important to get as much information about a candidate as possible before voting.  It's not easy, most of what passes as news these days is merely opinion.  You can start with this info about Ahern and Driscoll (O'Quinn is out of the race).  They do have very different ideas.  Other than their web sites, it isn't easy to find out exactly what they think on different issues.  I am hoping for debates.

Spokane

I live in Spokane, Washington on the South Hill in the 6th Legislative District.  Currently, Democrat Chris Marr is state senator of this area and Democrat John Driscoll is the Representative.  Elections are this November for both of these politicians.  I will be blogging on any information that becomes available about them and their opponents Michael Baumgartner and John Ahern.  I am neither a Democrat nor a Republican and I will be blogging about their views on various issues.  I hope to enlighten many of you on what these politicians are doing, promising to do and have done.  Come back soon.