Reps Paul and Smith agree to disagree

People living in the 10th State Senate District are fortunate to have two kind, considerate representatives who are working hard to advance the district’s interests through their strong working relationship. In Skagit County, people are fortunate to have a strong League of Women Voters chapter that organized a forum Aug 12, bringing Reps. Dave Paul (D, Oak Harbor) and Norma Smith (R, Clinton) to face 75 people in the Skagit PUD meeting room in Mount Vernon. Everyone participating proved Americans can get along while discussing politics.

Summing up the 2019 legislative session, Paul said, “We did very well for the 10th District,” citing funding for transportation, mental health treatment and vocational education, all areas that he and Smith voted alike.

“We are focusing on what we can do together for the benefit of the district,” Smith agreed. “That’s where you start, where there’s a kernel of common ground.

Realizing they could be on the same page, Smith explained her approach: “We have to treat people with respect and kindness.”

They showed that they had a congenial working relationship through the 90 minute program. They repeatedly championed respect, listening and a search for agreement, that elusive “common ground.”

Their 2019 legislative voting records actually show few votes in common. Additional bills they voted together on include opioid treatment, limiting tobacco sales, background checks on pistol sales and tightening sexual assault protection orders.

There was no doubt to their common commitment to their legislative district, each taking the lead based on committee assignments. Smith is the ranking minority member of the House Capital Budget Committee. Paul is on the House Transportation Committee, which also shapes a state budget.

Smith’s advice to constituents, when communicating, is to focus on issues that link to committees they are on, where they have a better chance to shape legislation.

Smith was more direct in responding to an audience question regarding the State suing the U.S. Navy over the Growler expansion at the Whidbey Island base, saying “I put out a statement” to the media critical of Attorney General Bob Ferguson. Paul was more circumspect, emphasizing common ground saying “many things said on both sides are not accurate,” without being specific but inferring extremism on both sides.

After answering questions relating to constituent interactions, League of Women Voters forum coordinator Wende Sanderson had the last word: “Get to what’s really important, which is the humanity. See the relationship you have for good.”

The 10th district is one of only three of the 49 senate districts with split party representation.