Dave Paul for Democratic return

It didn’t take Dave Paul long to make his mark in La Conner once he arrived in Olympia at 2019’s legislative session as a new state lawmaker.

Within weeks, Paul, an Oak Harbor Democrat, teamed with Rep. Debra Lekanoff (D-Bow) to sponsor the Capital Budget Request that led to an allocation of $720,000 for the long-sought La Conner-Swinomish Regional Library.

Paul, whose career path led him to higher education, proved a quick study when it came time to help the La Conner area write a key chapter in its quest to build a modern regional library facility here.

He would like to do more problem-solving in the state capital going forward.

Paul is seeking re-election to his District 10 House seat. He upset Republican incumbent Dave Hayes two years ago.

“The biggest issue facing our district,” Paul told the Weekly News, “is combating COVID-19 and addressing the pandemic’s impact on families and the economy. I will continue to work with health officials, community leaders and local elected officials to implement common sense public health measures that help keep our families, school, and communities safe.”

Paul stressed that efforts to rebuild an economy ravaged by the virus crisis must focus on “our Main Streets and not Wall Street.”

“Finally,” he added, “we need to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our community are protected from draconian budget cuts.”

He has supported several local projects in his first term.

“After learning from the Skagit County Sheriff and Skagit County Commissioners about the need to upgrade 911 emergency radios and equipment,” said Paul, “I sponsored the capital budget request that resulted in $1 million in funding for these important investments in public safety.”

That’s not all, he insisted.

“After listening to doctors and nursing home experts,” Paul said, “I fought to increase Medicaid rates to help rural healthcare providers and nursing homes in our district. I worked across the aisle to help lower the cost of prescription drugs for our seniors and families, reduce the cost of insulin, fund our state’s COVID-19 response and prioritize critical mental health and substance recovery services across our region.”

It is District 10 residents who most often have his ear.

“Most of the legislation that I’ve sponsored,” he said, “has been based on ideas from constituents, and I’ve sponsored a number of bills that help support veterans, active-duty service members and their families.

“I’m especially proud,” said Paul, “of HB (House Bill) 2543, which grants veterans and their children in-state tuition as they transition from military service to civilian life.

Paul said he eschews the partisan approach that now defines much of American politics.

“This is a moderate district,” Paul said, “that expects its leaders to work across party lines. Voters can trust that I listen to all constituents and work hard to find bipartisan solutions whenever possible.”

That outlook has led Paul to sponsor legislation aimed at reducing costs of the Running Start and college in high school programs for families in need and improved training for teacher aides.

If re-elected, Paul said he will zero in on three key priorities: strengthening the healthcare system, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and rebuilding the economy.

“I think my previous experience as Vice President for Student Services helps me be a better legislator,” said Paul. “That job included financial aid, advising, veterans education benefits, and a host of other support services that have provided me insight into how to strengthen our public schools, community colleges, apprenticeship programs, and colleges and universities.”

Paul is Skagit Valley College’s representative on the Economic Development Council for Island County and working with K-12 teachers and administrators and support programs like Leadership Whidbey.

“My work at SVC helps with serving on the College and Workforce Development and Education committees,” he said. “It even helps with the Transportation Committee, as our ferry system and other transportation agencies have needs to improve their workforce training efforts.”