The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce has released its endorsements for candidates on the ballot for the Nov. 8 general election.
Members of the chamber board and Government Affairs Committee interviewed each candidate on a non-partisan basis. Candidates were rated: not endorsed, endorsed, qualified endorsed or highly qualified endorsed. The committee’s decisions were based on the candidates’ responses to the questions asked during the pre-interview questionnaire and the live interview around business concerns, challenges and issues.
Forum set for Oct. 18
The chamber hosts a candidates forum on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at Emerald Downs, 2300 Ron Crockett Drive, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The forum is an opportunity for each candidate to make a statement and meet with business professionals and voters. Each candidate is encouraged to set up a table to interact with the attendees. They may reserve a spot at auburnareawa.org.
Results
Candidates are listed in no particular order.
“The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce endorses Dave Reichert for U.S. Representative District 8 as a highly qualified candidate. Dave understands the challenges that businesses face and continues to work toward a business-friendly Washington. One of his biggest concerns is to ensure people can afford to take care of their families now and in the future. He supports education that will lead to the development of our future workforce.
“The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce endorses Steve McLaughlin as a highly qualified candidate for Commissioner of Public Lands. Steve’s plan will preserve and protect our natural assets while simultaneously creating livable wage jobs for the foreseeable future.”
“The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce endorses Doug Basler for U.S. Congress District 9 as a highly qualified candidate. Doug is responsive, innovative and dedicated to serve Washington’s people. His focus is on zero based budgets, workforce development and safety and security.”
“The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce endorses Mark Miloscia as a highly qualified candidate for State Auditor. Mark is driven to create further transparency in government finances. He has the experience that is required for this position to run his department efficiently and effectively.”
“The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce endorses Erin Jones for Superintendent of Public Instruction as a highly qualified candidate. Erin is a passionate educator and a visionary for the future of Washington’s education system focusing on common skills and achievements for the success of our youth.”
“The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce endorses Linda Kochmar as a highly qualified candidate for the 30th Legislative District. Linda brings the knowledge and experience needed to continue development in the South Sound region. She has been proactive in ensuring that her district is well represented and our concerns are heard and addressed. She is pro-business and has continued to vote for reduced regulations affecting business here in the region and statewide.”
“The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce endorses Barry Knowles as a qualified candidate for the 47th Legislative District. Barry is focused on transportation needs and workforce development.”
“The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce endorses Michael Waite as a highly qualified candidate for State Treasurer. Michael brings the experience and skills needed to oversee the state’s financial affairs. Michael will drive Washington forward by creating further checks and balances and requiring accountability from departments in spending and cut costs where needed to strengthen the Washington State economy.”
“The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce endorses Chris Reykdal as a qualified candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction. Chris is dedicated to creating incentives for educators to retain quality teaching staff here in Washington. Implementing education programs that are more inclusionary of parents, students and staff for better development of students’ skills and assisting with long term plans for our youth career paths.”
“The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce endorses Mark Hargrove as a qualified candidate for the 47th Legislative District. Mark is focused on family, education and driving the economy here in Washington.”
“The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce endorses Tony Ventrella as a highly qualified candidate for U.S. Representative District 8. Tony runs a Grass Roots campaign and has the interests of the people of Washington in his best interest. He is working toward a better Washington by creating jobs and addressing the needs of his constituents.”
“The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce endorses Brooke Valentine for the 47th Legislative District. Brooke is an advocate for schools and public-private partnerships.”
“The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce endorses Pat McCarthy for State Auditor as a highly qualified candidate. Pat takes a team approach in leadership and garners input from stakeholders. She is dedicated to financial oversight of our State budget.”
“The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce endorses Pat Sullivan as a highly qualified candidate for the 47th Legislative District. Pat brings the experience and knowledge about the South Puget Sound needed to propel us forward. He has been instrumental in lobbying for businesses, transportation, quality of life and economic development to improve our lives here in Washington.”
“The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce endorses John Frostad as a qualified candidate for the 31st Legislative District. John is a proponent for business and is a strong advocate for less regulation on business thereby creating more jobs, start-ups and business relocation.”
“The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce endorses Bill Bryant for Governor as a highly qualified candidate. Bill will fight for business by reducing regulations, looking at ways to decrease the existing tax burdens to make Washington more business friendly. He is motivated to fix education funding for the success of our youth and the future working force of Washington.”
“The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce endorses Phil Fortunato for the 31st Legislative District. Phil takes a partnering approach to government and business. He is also very passionate about our environment and future.”
“The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce endorses Teri Hickel as a qualified candidate for 30th Legislative District. Teri is an advocate for reduced regulations on business and continuing to strengthen the economy here in the South Puget Sound to create jobs and decrease unemployment.”
“The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce endorses Marty McClendon as a qualified candidate for Lt. Governor. Marty’s approach to the position is to create a business friendly environment to encourage commerce and build the State economy; creating more government accountability and reducing waste. Marty believes in transparency to the citizens of Washington through all channels of government.”
“The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce endorses Drew Stokesbary as a highly qualified candidate for the 31st Legislative District. Drew understands the needs of the business community. He is dedicated to ensuring fair educator compensation and a balance in the education system. Balancing budgets to promote growth for the entire State is also a priority. He stays engaged in the needs for roads and transportation for the region. He is a proactive incumbent.”
“The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce endorses Mike Pellicciotti as a qualified candidate for the 30th Legislative District. Workforce development is a top priority for Mike in creating trade and internships in manufacturing and industrial jobs. Mike is dedicated to long term planning for So. King County.”
“The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce endorses Kim Wyman as a highly qualified candidate for Secretary of State. She is proactive in listening to her constituents, pro-business and has continued to improve processes for business and non-profits. She takes a creative and innovative approach to the position and continues to bring awareness to the voting processes to increase voter turnout.”
Chose not to participate
Patty Murray, U.S. Senator (D)
Adam Smith, Congressional District No. 9 (D)
Jay Inslee, Governor (D)
Cyrus Habib, Lt. Governor (D)
Tina Podlodowski, Secretary of State (D)
Duane Davidson, State Treasurer
Bob Ferguson, Attorney General
Joshua Trumbull, Attorney General
Hillary Franz, Commissioner of Public Lands
Kristine Reeves, District 30 Representative (D)
Lane Walthers, District 31 Representative (I)
