When the U.S. Constitution was drafted, Ben Franklin was asked what kind of government it was. He said, “A republic … if you can keep it.” That’s still an issue; can we keep the republic working for us?
Last time I wrote, in early September, it stirred up my Democrat friends, because I endorsed three men of the opposing party for Congress and Senate. Friends, chill; the qualifications of those three (Messrs. Baumgartner, Young, Koster) were cited, not their party. But now we must choose who represents us in the state House and Senate.
This should be easier: they are all local candidates, in the 23rd and 26th districts. In fact, it is more important to get this right: the laws made in Olympia affect us directly, daily. Taxes, schools, licenses, fees, state parks, and many other things are decided there.
My north star in such choices is the quality of the candidates. Having considered them, below is the result of that process, which should mollify you lifelong Democrats:
For state House, District 23, position 1, I recommend voting for the incumbent Sherry Appleton, who has done a workmanlike job of representing us. She’s learned on the job, been somewhat independent of party, and earned the district’s affection.
For District 23, position 2, however, I am voting for a veteran who has shown constant concern for our community, Capt. James Olsen. It’s time for a fresh perspective in Olympia, a one-party-rule town for the last 28 years.
If I lived in District 26, I would vote to return Jan Angel, another excellent Republican who, by the way, got 58 percent of all votes in the primary.
What about the state Senate? I hoped for a real contest in the 23rd, a debate on past policies. But the incumbent Christine Rolfes has an ineffective opponent; we have little choice but to return her for more OJT. I have seen her concern about our economy and schools when she visits Poulsbo, and she will have to work under a new governor.
Did you know that more than 60 percent of your school district’s budget comes from the state? Make your own choices; voting is the sober obligation of every good citizen.
Dr. Fred Springsteel
Poulsbo
