State Senator, District 30

The state budget crisis has taken center stage in the 2010 elections, and all incumbents are on the hot seat.

However, State Sen. Tracey Eide’s name is attached to successful projects that benefit the region and state. Those efforts include securing more than $100 million in funding for the Triangle project, which will reduce traffic congestion and increase safety at the I-5/SR-18/SR-161 interchange. Eide sponsored legislation that restricted driving while texting and talking on a cell phone — all aimed at reducing the number of cell phone related accidents. Eide also fueled a bill that reduced voter approval to a simple majority requirement for school levies. Eide faces Republican Tony Moore, who is president of the Federal Way School Board as well as owner of a small business. While a very capable candidate and eloquent speaker, Moore has not presented a compelling enough reason to replace the Democratic majority floor leader Eide.

Eide’s status in the Senate benefits District 30 and Federal Way, regardless of the anti-incumbent and anti-government sentiment swirling in the air. She has earned the right to another term. The Mirror recommends re-electing Tracey Eide.

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State representative, position 1

In the race for District 30 state representative position 1, The Mirror recommends electing Katrina Asay.

Asay has logged seven years of budget experience as a strong mayor of Milton, which included tough calls on cutting employees to keep the city financially afloat. Asay, a Republican, and her opponent, Democrat Carol Gregory, both support education funding reform. As far as education, Gregory is the stronger candidate, armed with three decades of experience in the field. Gregory would be more effective in this category. Asay is capable of conquering the education learning curve. With the state’s economy in distress, the moderate Asay gets the nod. District 30 residents and businesses will benefit from Asay’s experience in making critical financial decisions that directly impact the public she serves.

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State representative, position 2

For District 30 state representative position 2, The Mirror recommends re-electing Mark Miloscia. The biggest contrast between Miloscia, a socially conservative Democrat, and his challenger, Republican Shawn Sullivan, is leadership experience in the public arena. Specifically, Miloscia has it, and will be the more effective legislator. Miloscia’s record includes legislation intended to reduce homelessness as well as championing for government efficiency and accountability. Sullivan is likable, sincere and principled in his views on government and business. This political newcomer should apply his efforts toward more public accomplishments.

Regardless of how much praise or scorn Miloscia deserves as an incumbent, he presents a more pragmatic understanding of how government works — or more aptly, how it doesn’t work.