I recommend Katrina Asay to represent the 30th District (position 2) in the state Legislature. As mayor of Milton the past seven years, she was able to shore up a deficit left to her by her predecessor. Asay also has 20 years of private sector experience as a licensed Realtor and income tax preparer for small businesses and families. These governing and business credentials will serve her well in Olympia as she looks for ways to deal with the state budget crisis left to us by the majority Democrats. She understands that we don’t need to hurt Washington’s businesses by taxing them unfairly, and making our employers less competitive than our out of state competitors.

Asay’s business acumen will be an asset when the Legislature will be required to prioritize spending without raising taxes. She will bring a fiscally sound approach to the budget process, as evidenced by the fact that she streamlined Milton’s government, made it more efficient, and avoided raising taxes on its citizens. Her private sector business experience will be beneficial as she considers legislation to help revive the residential and commercial real estate industries.

In contrast, Asay’s opponent (Carol Gregory) has admitted she has very limited private business experience. In fact, most of her experience comes from being a government employee. Gregory has never had to evaluate the impact of any legislation, and this is not the time for on the job training. Gregory fails to understand the necessity for state government to create an environment that is less burdensome and regulatory on businesses to foster economic growth. However, Asay’s time spent in private business and as mayor suggests that she understands what is needed to help businesses grow and add jobs to the economy.

In conclusion, Asay seems to be an excellent listener and considers different points of view; she would bring a more balanced approach to legislating from her time in the private sector as well as her time as mayor of Milton, and on the city council. Gregory would consider the same failed policies that all economic problems can be solved by government alone. So on Nov. 2, please vote for Katrina Asay for state representative position number 2. She is the most qualified candidate in this race to represent us all.

Daniel Miller, Federal Way