The Mirror is providing an opportunity for District 30 State Senate candidates to speak to readers in their own words by answering questions related to Federal Way voters.

Candidates Tracey Eide and Tony Moore answer the following question: Name at least one issue or problem specific to District 30, and explain how you will fix the problem in Olympia.

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Tony Moore

Properly funding education for our kids will be at the top of my agenda. Over the last eight years, the state’s obligation to our children has dropped from 75 percent to 66 percent. This amounts to millions in lost educational opportunities and is negatively affecting our children’s future. It must stop! I will work to reverse this trend because I believe education is a modern day civil right owed to all children. I am running for the State Senate to restore that right, in full measure, to each child.

Fast facts: Moore, a Republican, currently serves as president of the Federal Way School Board.

Website: www.electtonymoore.com

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Tracey Eide

The current economic recession began in December 2007. It is global in scope and has impacted every state in our country. South King County and Federal Way have been affected with job losses, mortgage foreclosures and business failures.

People need jobs! I am working on local efforts every day to create jobs, get people back to work and improve our local economy. The new I-5SR 18SR 16 Triangle is a $112.5 million transportation project to improve safety and reduce congestion. I worked hard to secure $100 million for our project and then ensured that money wasn’t siphoned off to a Seattle mega-project or I-405.

The Triangle project is creating construction jobs right now. Almost 6,000 new jobs will be created as a result of increased access to local businesses.

Business incubators are an important tool for economic development and job creation. I’m proud to have worked with the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce and obtain $125,000 to help launch the South Sound Regional Business Incubator. This incubator has an outstanding staff and will create local jobs by encouraging the creation and expansion of local small businesses.

The health care field currently employs 17 percent of Federal Way’s workforce. To expand and enhance this industry, the City of Federal Way, Washington state and private companies have partnered on a new medical device incubator. I secured $100,000 for this incubator, which is creating new local businesses and growing jobs in our community.

I will continue using my proven leadership and business experience to help our people and businesses get back on track to achieve the American Dream.

Fast facts: Eide, a Democrat, is the Majority Floor Leader of the State Senate now serving in her third term.

Website: www.re-elect-eide.com