LD 10 candidates in Aug. 6 primary

YVONNE GALLARDO

Why are you seeking office?

I am a woman of action with a track record of doing what I preach since 1999. My passion for service has led me to be involved with many organizations that work to support public safety and child welfare, economic development and veterans, like myself and my husband. I believe I am the best candidate for state representative based on my active, extensive and diverse background in public service, notably as a city councilmember, chamber director and dedicated volunteer. I will put my nine years of Navy discipline, 19 years of experience living, playing, volunteering and working in our district to challenge the current broken and dysfunctional culture of our state government.

Where will significant funding for building "missing middle" housing come from?

As a former planning commissioner and current city councilmember looking for creative ways to help find funding and help developers create a strong housing market in our area has been and continues to be a balancing act between state regulations and city and county policies. Over the last few years, legislators have thrown billions into housing and homeless programs but as we all can see, it isn't enough. Fixing this mess will take individuals that can work on both sides of the aisle and that are not afraid to implement policies that address the root causes of homelessness and affordable housing. We should also be looking at ways to stronger support business growth and our workforce education to give residents an opportunity to afford homes in their communities.

What's your position on I-2109? It would repeal the tax imposed on individual long-term capital gains over $250,000.

I am for I-2109 because I don't want an income tax and there have been proposals to reduce the minimum threshold from $250,000 to $15,000. This tax isn't just going to affect the rich but a majority of residents in our state will soon see this affect them too. We need to protect our personal income and repeal this controversial tax.

What's your position on I-2117? It would prohibit carbon tax credit trading and repeal the Washington Climate Commitment Act to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 95% by 2050.

I am for I-2117 and want to stop the unfair tax on fuel not just to the daily commuters of our state but especially to our agricultural industry.

What's your position on I-2124? It would allow workers to opt out of WA Cares, the state's long-term care program.

I am in support of I-2124. It is a fix to a terrible policy that only added another financial burden on residents and will not provide the adequate funding needed for future long-term care. It provides a false sense of security and uncertainty to our residents.

Who won the 2020 presidential election?

As a woman that proudly defended our country in the Navy, and who vowed to uphold the U.S. Constitution and state constitution when I got elected to city council, I trust and feel that the election process was upheld legally. The results may not have been what I wanted or hoped for but nevertheless, I will show respect to the person named and sworn in as our president and any other position by the vote of the people.

CARRIE KENNEDY

Why are you seeking office?

Bringing honesty and truth back into politics is what I've strived to accomplish running for public service, office. I am an average American citizen, always putting American values and traditions supporting/defending our Constitution first. I've led an honorable life, worked hard and when dealing with adversity work to accomplish positive and honest results, being the best American and person I can be. I am not a politician, do not know all this position will entail, but like all jobs I've worked at, I will give it my all, devoted and will always do the best to my ability, always learning, researching and securing positive results and/or changes using common-sense and listening to the citizens of LD-10, WA state and America. I am one of you; a Navy wife and daughter, mother, worker. I will be honest and will fulfill this LD-10 position 100% of the term.

Where will significant funding for building "missing middle" housing come from?

I've not reviewed nor seen all the available funding so unable to give a definitive answer. I do believe a complete thorough timely audit of all funding needs to be reviewed and if necessary, funds re-distributed to where it is needed. Where the "funds" come from for housing should be looked at on a broad level; why is housing so expensive, allowing foreign entities to buy up American, WA land/ properties, our WA tax structure, permitting processes, material costs. We must review and then honestly fund what is required to help citizens.

What's your position on I-2109? It would repeal the tax imposed on individual long-term capital gains over $250,000.

I am for any initiative which citizens feel is an over-reach, interference or issue concerning their rights, freedoms and liberties. I-2109 FOR repealing a 7% capital gains excise tax, a type of state income tax which imposes on persons making over $250K.

What's your position on I-2117? It would prohibit carbon tax credit trading and repeal the Washington Climate Commitment Act to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 95% by 2050.

I-2117 FOR prohibiting any state agencies from implementing cap & trade, cap & tax programs and repealing CCA to reduce GHG emissions overseen by WA Dept of Ecology. This hurts businesses and hardworking citizens by imposing additional taxes; fuels, utility costs, groceries, cost of goods via transportation costs. Voters rejected I-1631 in 2018 and I-732 in 2016.

What's your position on I-2124? It would allow workers to opt out of WA Cares, the state's long-term care program.

FOR allowing individuals to opt out and make their own health care choices. It isn't fair to be forced to pay into a program, leave the work force and when returning after a time, lose what was originally put in.

Who won the 2020 presidential election?

Donald J. Trump was sustainably ahead the evening of Nov. 3, 2020. What really happened, the honest truth of that election is still not known but it was not an honest election, in my opinion!

CLYDE SHAVERS

Why are you seeking office?

For two years as your state representative, I worked as hard as possible each and every day to fight for you.

In a time of political hostility and divisiveness, I've tried my absolute hardest to move forward with kindness and caring. And after reflecting on our combined stories and struggles, I'm hopeful about our future. Our country is great because of you – your resilience to endure and grow together, your compassion towards helping people whom you may never meet, and your unwavering belief in our democracy.

My goal has been and will always be simple – to give my absolute everything to public service. Serving in the Legislature has been one of the most challenging endeavors, but also one of the most meaningful – and I'm honored to have gone on this adventure with you.

Together, we accomplished so much – but there's more work to be done for all of us. I hope to continue my life-long dedication to public service – to serve you.

Where will significant funding for building "missing middle" housing come from?

Significant funding must come from a combination of innovative public and private sector solutions. This means leveraging public funds through state and local government budgets. We must also incentivize private developers to build "missing middle" housing through tax credits, grants and streamlined permitting processes. Harnessing federal funds and grants is also crucial. Finally, engaging with non-profit organizations / community land trusts and providing them with the support and funding they need can ensure long-term affordability and community-driven development.

What's your position on I-2109? It would repeal the tax imposed on individual long-term capital gains over $250,000.

I am against I-2109. I advocate for tax policies that support and uplift our low- and middle-income families. Repealing this initiative would overwhelmingly benefit the ultra-wealthy while doing nothing for our struggling families. The revenue from the capital gains tax can fund vital public services and programs that directly benefit these families, such as affordable housing initiatives, health-care subsidies and educational grants.

What's your position on I-2117? It would prohibit carbon tax credit trading and repeal the Washington Climate Commitment Act to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 95% by 2050.

I am against I-2117. Repealing this act would be a devastating setback for our state's climate goals and public health. The funds generated from CCA are vital for supporting and expanding our public infrastructure, including our ferry system. By investing in a cleaner, more efficient ferry system, we can reduce emissions, improve service reliability, and ensure that our ferries continue to be a sustainable mode of transportation for years to come.

What's your position on I-2124? It would allow workers to opt out of WA Cares, the state's long-term care program.

I am against I-2124. WA Cares is a critical program designed to provide long-term care and support to our most vulnerable citizens, including the elderly and disabled. It is a lifeline for struggling families who are already facing immense financial and emotional burdens. WA Cares helps ensure families do not have to deplete their savings to care for their loved ones.

Who won the 2020 election?

The 2020 election was won by Joe Biden.