Issues – Derek Stanford
We have made progress in increasing funding for our public schools, but the work is not done. All over the state, schools are relying on portable classrooms, and the crowding is getting worse; we need capital investments to give kids space to learn. We need to expand early learning and make sure high school students have options for running start and skill centers. I’ve worked to keep our commitment to our public schools by supporting local control of our schools, reducing our reliance on standardized testing, and increasing funding to recruit and retain high-quality teachers. I am excited to stay on the front lines supporting excellent public schools.
Fighting For Our Share Of Transportation Dollars
Being stuck in traffic is bad for our wallets, bad for the environment, and bad for our economy. Our region has not seen the investments in transportation needed to keep up with population growth over the past few decades; we need to catch up and plan for future growth. The most pressing steps are addressing the huge bottleneck at the 405/522 interchange, finishing work to expand 522 and Highway 9, and ramping up transit service in Bothell, Kirkland, and Mountlake Terrace. Our park-and-ride lots are at capacity and need expansion. I believe the key is to have options – making bus service and bike access more available and more functional will help alleviate pressure on roads, and fixing key bottlenecks will keep cars moving too. We have more work to do in the next legislative session to increase investments and I will be there fighting for our district.
As a champion for the Public Works Trust Fund and a former member of the Community Economic Revitalization Board, I have worked to help communities all over our state build their top priority economic development projects. I fought to strengthen our Buy Washington laws to make sure local companies get the first crack at state and local contracts so our hard-earned dollars create jobs here, not overseas.
We know that guns in the wrong hands are the source of tremendous tragedy, and there are common-sense steps we can take to prevent thousands of gun violence incidents each year. This is not just about mass shootings – it is also about addressing preventable accidents and suicides. Responsible gun owners store firearms safely and don’t give children unsupervised access; we need a safe storage law. We also need to treat people in crisis seriously; for example, gun purchases should be restricted for people who are involuntarily committed for mental health treatment.
Protecting Our Clean Air and Water
Thriving communities need clean air and clean water, and outdoor recreation is part of the Northwest culture. As we manage growth, we need to preserve access to natural open spaces and recreational areas, such as through the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program. We must also work to undo the damage of the past, including fixing thousands of culverts on public land which are blocking salmon habitat all over our state. I will continue working to keep Washington State one of the most beautiful places to live in the world.