Political party: Republican

Birth date: Oct. 25, 1944 (age: 71)

Length of time living in Federal Way: Since 1972

Profession, or profession before state lawmaker: Federal Way City Councilwoman, Risk Manager.

If elected, which committees would you like to work on? I serve on the House Capital Budget, Transportation and Business and Financial Services committees, and I have enjoyed advocating for my constituents on these committees. The decisions made in the Capital Budget and Transportation committees, in particular, have resulted in critical investments being made in our community and region.

I have always been interested in the House Early Learning and Human Services Committee, as I am passionate about helping children and the elderly. I am currently part of a work group looking at ways to end elder abuse.

Are there areas of the budget that should see cuts? There are always ways for state government to find inefficiencies, eliminate waste and save tax dollars. This should be a primary responsibility of the governor and others chosen to lead state agencies. Identifying waste, fraud and abuse is also an important role of our state auditor, who is responsible for conducting audits and identifying areas where state agencies can improve. This is a critical office that holds state government accountable and informs the policy and budget decisions of state lawmakers.

There are other creative ways for the Legislature to make state government more efficient and maximize tax dollars, which is what the budget-development process is all about. However, I do not enter the 2017 legislative session with major cuts to the budget in mind.

Are there areas of the budget that should see increased funding? Yes. First and foremost, K-12 education should – and will – see increased state funding next year. We know school districts are relying too heavily on local levies to pay for the state’s program of basic education. A study being conducted, with results expected soon, will let us know more about this fiscal responsibility. This issue must be addressed in a comprehensive way in the 2017 legislative session, and I am committed to finding a solution.

Our state also needs to continue to increase funding for mental health programs and services. The system is broken, and our state is in the process of fixing it. These fixes require reforms and funding. I would also like to see additional funding for our most vulnerable populations, including our developmentally disabled community. Helping those most in need is a passion of mine and always will be.

For what types of issues, programs, departments, or budget items do you support increased taxation? Asking more from hard-working taxpayers should always be the last resort for the Legislature. Unfortunately, this option seems to be the first choice for some state lawmakers whose ultimate goal appears to be a state income tax. We have seen bills introduced to do this, and a state income tax is part of these state lawmakers’ party platform. I will never support a state income tax. However, I am open to common-sense changes to our tax code, including ending tax preferences (also called tax loopholes) when they are not serving their intended purpose.

This question deserves some context. First, our state’s tax collections are naturally growing at a stable and healthy rate. The Legislature is expected to have $2.8 billion more in revenue for the 2017-19 budget compared to the current two-year budget cycle. Secondly, the most responsible way to budget is to set priorities. This is what many families have to do each year. I have always believed our state’s budget priorities are education, public safety and helping the most vulnerable.

When it comes to easing local and statewide traffic burdens, what types of solutions would you support? The types of solutions I support are the bipartisan bills I voted for in 2015, including the Connecting Washington funding package (Senate Bills 5987-5989) and several transportation-related reforms (including Senate Bills 5992-5997) centered around ensuring accountability at the Washington State Department of Transportation, maximizing gas-tax dollars and easing traffic congestion. It is now up to WSDOT to follow through on these promises.

Despite all of the transportation solutions enacted last year, there is more work to be done. We have challenges with our transportation system, including our tolling system, which is causing problems for commuters and employers. The uncertainty with the over-budget, behind-schedule Seattle Tunnel Project is also of concern. We need to ensure the right decisions are made moving forward and that there is accountability.

Generally speaking, would you rather see traffic issues dealt with via mass transit or via more (or expanded) freeways? I believe both are important. We have people in our community who rely on public transportation every day. These options need to be affordable, reliable and expanded when the demand calls for it. We also have people who prefer to travel in their personal vehicles, no matter what the public transportation options happen to be. These people, who pay a gas tax, deserve roadways that are safe and not congested. Our economy also relies on these roadways. It is important we maintain the infrastructure we have and expand roadways where it makes the most sense. This is why I voted for the Connecting Washington funding package and transportation reforms in 2015.

What role would you like to see the state play in combating homelessness? I am on a legislative committee that deals with teen homelessness. There are ways for our state to address the problem of homelessness, beginning with providing people who are struggling with sustainable economic opportunities. This starts with the state properly funding a world-class public education system. It also includes expanding training opportunities, including programs in our community and technical colleges. Our state also needs to provide support to groups that are committed to working with those who are homeless and looking for help.

Our state must also continue to reform its mental health system. When someone suffering from mental illness does not get the treatment they need, they can end up on our streets. This is not good for the individual or a community. Our state needs to continue to invest in the infrastructure, programs and services to meet the needs of those with mental illness and help ensure they have a safe place to live.

What role would you like to see the state play in reducing community violence? There are several things our state can do to reduce community violence. First, our state needs to properly fund and maintain a world-class public education system that prepares students for the economy that awaits them. Many people who turn to crime lack economic opportunity. Our public schools, the number one priority of our state, create the foundation for a strong economy. Secondly, we need to ensure our law enforcement entities have the resources and training necessary to understand and respond to the needs of our communities. These men and women put their lives on the line every day to protect us and are confronted with violent situations. I am so appreciative of their sacrifices and dedication to our safety. Finally, our state must continue to invest in and reform its mental health system. When those suffering from mental illness do not get the help they need, they can become a risk to themselves and others. We cannot allow this to happen. Our state needs a system in place to meet the needs of those battling mental illness.

What role would you like to see the state play in attracting quality jobs to District 30? The role I would like to see our state play in attracting quality jobs in the 30th District is to be mindful of the existing burdens facing employers and not add to them. I see employers, who pay taxes to our state, as customers of state agencies. However, they are not always treated as such. I understand some regulations are needed to ensure compliance and protect our environment, but small businesses are getting buried in bureaucracy. This costs time and money.

I would also like to see the Legislature provide certainty to employers. When entrepreneurs and small business owners see proposals from some state lawmakers for an increase in the business and occupation (B&O) tax, a capital gains tax and a state income tax, it causes uncertainty. This discourages employers who are worried about what is coming at them next. The state also needs to follow through on the infrastructure improvements the Legislature set in motion in 2015. These investments will enhance our transportation system and help our local employers.

What should the statewide minimum wage be? The statewide minimum wage will be what the voters tell us it should be. Our current system was established by a voter initiative in 1998, which allows the statewide minimum wage to increase over time based on a formula. I respect the will of the voters and the system they put in place for our state.

I have concerns with the minimum wage initiative on the ballot in November based on constituent feedback. I fear raising the minimum wage by the amount proposed would result in higher unemployment and fewer hours worked for many people – especially our young workers seeking entry-level jobs. I also worry about the impact it would have on small employers who operate on thin profit margins. Like the initiative that passed in 1998, I will respect the will of the voters this November.