2014 Candidates' Questionnaire Answers

Cascade publishes the questionnaire answers from all candidates who submit applications, so the fact a candidate’s questionnaire answers are provided does not mean that Cascade has endorsed the candidate. 

Endorsements are based on five factors, including: positions as provided in the questionnaire, public record (primarily based on our past legislative scorecards), approachability, viability to get elected, and experience. In addition, in 2014 Cascade chose to endorse only candidates running in legislative districts in King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish Counties.

Endorsed?	District	Position	Candidate	Video	List the specific bicycle infrastructure projects you would like to see built in your legislative district.	Without increasing the existing transportation revenues or changing the transportation revenue mechanisms, what percentage do you support for bicycle and pedestrian projects within the next state transportation budget?	What percentage do you support for bicycle and pedestrian projects within the next state transportation funding package?	To increase funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects, where should the funding come from?	Do you support increasing funding for the Safe Routes to School program?	By how much?	Do you support increasing funding for the Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety program?	By how much?	Do you support increasing funding for the Complete Streets program?	By how much?	If you would increase funding for these programs, where would the money come from?	Do you support granting Sound Transit with the authority to take an ST3 ballot measure to voters?	Would you support legislation that specifically grants Sound Transit the authority to use ST3 funds to build pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure to improve access to transit stations?	Do you support strengthening the GMA’s transportation planning requirements and enforceability?	How would you strengthen the GMA’s transportation planning requirements and enforceability?
	2	House, Pos. 1	Greg Hartman	#	Expanding opportunities for bicyclists means transportation and recreation for a growing population of bicycle owners in the 2nd LD. We can help by clearly defining bike lanes in our community, providing bike parking and looking for areas to expand or develop new bike paths. One way to alleviate traffic along the I-5 is reduce the number of cars moving through the city. The most effective way to reduce traffic is to support alternate forms of transportation like bicycling, not by widening roads which is expensive and ineffective at times.	5%	5%	A lot of money is being invested in city road projects but not enough is being spent on bicycling and walking which are much more effective ways of alleviating traffic. For perspective, a study in 2012 of personal trip lengths found that 41 percent of personal trips were only 0-3 miles in length. We should look at the amount of money we’re spending on widening roads and invest some of it in long-term solutions that take cars off the road. This is especially true in densely populated areas like Seattle where a large number of people already look to commute in alternative ways. Also, raising the gas tax is now being talked about at the State and Federal levels. We will be able to fund these projects if we have a multi-billion dollar transportation package from either government.	Y	$20m	Y	$20m	Y	NA	The Safe Routes to School Program should be funded by the increased transportation funding that will be allocated in response to the McCleary decision. Additional funding for the Bicycle and Pedestrian and Complete Streets Programs should come from the transportation budget. To make room in the budget for these projects we should look to invest more in these programs and less in frivolously widening roads.	Y	Y	Y	Long term growth management is all about getting cars off roads by promoting and supporting alternative forms of transportation. This is increasingly important with our current climate crisis. We should prioritize solutions that promote reducing the percentage of people who travel using an automobile and increasing the use of environmentally friendly modes of transportation like bicycling, large capacity vehicle and walking. We can prioritize plans that follow these ideals and link dollars to good ideas.
	5	House, Pos. 2	Chad Magendanz	#	Paving remainder of East Lake Sammamish Trail, Issaquah to High Point Trail and Cedar River Trail through Maple Valley.	1%	2%	Sales tax on bicycles	N	$0	N	$0	Y	$10m	Gax tax	N	N	N	The GMA needs major reform before I would strengthen any requirements
	8	House, Pos. 2	Larry Haler	N	We currently have a very extensive bike lane system and trail system in my Legislative District. As a City Council member and Mayor of the City of Richland we built and began the walking/biking trail along the Columbia River that connects Richland, Kennewick and Pasco.	10%	10%	Funding for all transportation projects must come from existing revenues through reforms within the Department of Transportation. Through these needed reforms we can fund transportation projects.	Y	5%	Y	3%	N	0	Transportation reforms will fund current projects. The need to raise revenues cannot be accomplished unless we have systemic reform of the WDOT.	Y	Y	N	GMA has structure problems for Eastern Washington and has inhibited our side of the State to develop and grow new Industries and increase our employment base. Knowing this I cannot support strengthening GMA.
	18	House, Pos. 2	Liz Pike	#	The City of Camas, where I served on the council has one of the 18th Legislative District's best bike, running and walking trail systems. I support greenways, bike paths and protected bike lanes are a top priority of mine.	3%	3%	Existing transportation revenue streams.	Y	NA	Y	NA	Y	NA	Existing transportation revenues	Y	Y	N	I'm not a strong supporter of GMA. One size does not fit all. Each community should have the flexibility to plan for their growth that meets with the needs of residents and their desires.
	21	Senate	Marko Liias	#	In the southern part of my district, the cities of Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood are currently working to secure funding for bikes that will run all the way to the Edmonds waterfront and create both north-south and east-west corridors. The proposal would add 5.7 miles of bike land, almost doubling the existing bike network in the area. This project will go a long way in helping people to both protect the environment as well as enable them to live healthier lifestyles.	2%	10%	I support using gas tax revenues for bike and pedestrian projects.	Y	$10m	Y	$10m	Y	$10m	The gas tax as well as other fees.	Y	Y	Y	I support giving the Department of Commerce review and authority for all comprehensive plans. Additionally, I support mandatory VMT reduction goals as part of regional planning.
	21	House, Pos. 1	Strom Peterson	#	I would like to expand the complete streets ordinance we passed in Edmonds throughout the district. Any road or transportation project must take into account cyclists and pedestrians. We are currently working on connectivity issues with the cities of Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood and I would like to see that work continue throughout the district. With two ferries, the Sounder, and future light rail, it is imperative that we plan now in order to best incorporate these ideas in the future.	5%	5%	I support an increase in the gas tax as well as a carbon tax, and believe portions of each could be used to increase funding for these types of projects.	Y	$30m	Y	$70m	Y	$60m	Reallocating funds set aside for more "traditional" transportation projects so they include complete streets concepts in the early stages. This strategy has helped Edmonds include many bicycle and pedestrian elements in projects that might have otherwise ignored them. This creates great cost savings. We must also continue lobbying our federal delegation to increase funds available.	Y	Y	Y	We need to create a much more holistic approach to transportation that includes looking at bicycle, pedestrian, and transit opportunities in all of our transportation projects. Creating a complete streets style check list for transportation projects will force planners to take a second look at options they may have otherwise ignored. Having this check list is also the best way to ensure enforceability as it would be a very open and public process.
	21	House, Pos. 2	Lillian Ortiz-Self	#	As a School Counselor who believes in a holistic approach for children and families I would like to see safe bike pathways for our families. This is good for their health, mental health, bonding, and to meet their transportation needs. Their are many areas in Edmonds and Mukilteo where there are no bike paths, or where it's choppy at best my neighborhood in Mukilteo for one. But I think I would have to say that I want to see safe bike paths built along communities that are within walking distance to schools. Many of our children want to bike to school but lack a safe pathway to do so.	2%	3%	I am willing to explore a variety of options including transportation revenues and taxes to closing tax loopholes and incentives.	Y	$5m	Y	$3m	Y	$3m	The above numbers are guesses on my part I do not have the transportation budget figures in front of me or the numbers indicating cost projections. So I am giving it my best guess without being unrealistic. Of course I would love to fully fund all of these projects but given our current funding issues I tried to give my best guess of a realistic figure without having those numbers in front of me. The answer to raising the money stands the same - exploring transportation taxes and revenues, project taxes, DOL taxes, vehicle registration etc, capital budget funds, federal dollars, and closing tax loop holes and incentives that are no longer needed.	Y	Y	Y	By ensuring it's existence and protecting its enforceability.
	22	House, Pos. 1	Chris Reykdal	#	I would like to see the completion of the Chehalis Western Trail segments. We have a critical overpass for the trail being built. I would also like to see a much stronger bike designation in the core of Lacey. South Puget Sound Community College will be making a substantial investment in the area. The college along with the City of Lacey, Intercity Transit, and Saint Martins University will create a VERY walkable/bicycle friendly core that is long overdue.	15%	20%	In an ideal world, we would smash the 18th Amendment and allow gas tax to be used for ANY congestion relief, including bike and ped projects. But in the real world, I support higher license tab fees, weight-mile taxes, and any other flexible revenue sources.	Y	$500m	Y	$400m	Y	$600m	Gas tax, weight fees, license tab fees, weight-mile fees, and ultimately carbon taxing.	Y	Y	Y	Local plans are reviewed by several state agencies. We have gutted the budgets of those agencies. It would be appropriate to have a substantial regulatory arm of ecology, WSDOT, and other state agencies so that they could put regulatory holds on local GM plans to ensure that cities and counties follow the strictest intent of the law.
	Step number one is making sure that bicycle infrastructure is safe for all ages. We need protected bike lanes and paths so that everyone can feel safe while riding. Parents should not have to worry when they let their children ride to school, or to the corner store. I got involved with Mercer Island politics when I was uncomfortable walking or biking with my kids to school. As a Councilmember, I have been a consistent advocate for Safe Routes to School and additional bike and pedestrian paths. With voters approving an extension on light link rail to connect the cities of Bellevue, Mercer Island, Redmond and Seattle, we are presented with a great opportunity to integrate safe bicycle and pedestrian facilities into the new stations. This would make the stations more accessible and allow commuters more options when taking light rail. I'm also focused on completing the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trail between Factoria Boulevard and 150th Ave. Our natural amenities make this region a spectacular place to live. They are part of the fabric of our community, and people should have access to them.	1%	1%	The larger, cross-community projects along our highways should be paid for by the state transportation budget. For more local projects, funds can come from local government and potentially the Capital Budget.	Y	-	Y	-	Y	-	I am happy to see an increase in revenue for important infrastructure projects, which are an investment in our communities, economy and state. Funding through the gas tax and vehicle miles traveled is the approach I’d like to see. I will look to the Cascade Bicycle Club for a recommendation on how much additional money is needed.	Y	Y	Y	I agree with the PSRC Vision 2040 statement that "Level-of- Service standards should focus on the movement of people and goods, not just the movement of vehicles". With more residents living in urban settings and driving less, establishing LOS standards for alternative modes of travel is just smart policy. This would facilitate development in our urban areas by updating outdated regulations. I am open to incorporating sufficient bicycle and pedestrian standards and would appreciate Cascade Bicycle Club's input on this issue.
​	I want to continue to add bike lanes to the roads in Snohomish County. I want to improve the accessibility of the Intraurban bike trail for riders to Seattle. I want to increase the safe accessibility of the Centennial trail for trips north from Everett, and I support lengthening the Burke-Gillman trail. I would love to work on connecting the routes together and supporting the access of bikes via bus routes with bike racks on all buses and light rail that is being developed.	10%	10%	Being new, I am unsure about this. I called several state officials and got no definitive answer. I plan to serve on the Transportation Committee in Olympia, I will be a voice that will demand increased funding. Unfortunately I am unable to identify where the money will come from.	Y	$55m	Y	$9m	Y	$100m	I am aware that there were requests for over $600 million last year for several programs, including the ones listed above. I do not know how much each of the programs ultimately received. We use tax dollars to fund our transportation projects. Remember that I am in favor of each the above projects and want to serve on the Transportation committee.	Y	Y	Y	I would vote favorably favor legislation that strengthens the ability for the GMA to provide more pedestrian and bicycle friendly options to the development of our cities. I believe it is a necessary element to our urban lifestyles.
	The top priority for businesses, the environmental community and many Eastside families is improving our regional transportation system. It is unacceptable that our current State Senator and his Tea Party allies have failed to act on this issue that is so important to our global competitiveness. Any transportation package we pass must have balance. It must invest in roads and our aging infrastructure to help increase capacity and reduce gridlock. It must also look toward the future and find ways to improve mass transit, so we aren’t looking to make additional investments a short time down the road. Finally, it must make real investments in pedestrian and bike options, to allow for safe alternatives to driving or public transportation, but also provide recreational opportunities for Washingtonians. In my district, we are fortunate to have protected bike lanes, paths, and trails; however, we can do better. If elected, I will make finishing the Cross-Kirkland Corridor a priority, and would support investing in the Burke-Gilman Trail to make it even safer at road crossings and at night.	5%	10%	We should use the gas tax to raise funds for road construction and bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure. Ultimately, we need to reform our transportation funding and find funding sources that would be dedicated to non-motorized and transit-related investments.	Y	$5m	Y	$5m	Y	$5m	I am reluctant to commit to an actual dollar figure without having a full understanding of the budget and the projects but I am committed to all three of these programs. They protect our environment, better our health and are financially smart investments. I am committed to increasing funding for all three of these programs. Our state will have to find new sources of revenue. Because of this very serious challenge, we are going to have to make compromises where the legislature cannot find adequate funding to grow important public projects such as these. I am committed to ensuring that all those in the 45th, no matter how they choose to commute or spend their recreational time, should be able to safely do so. That is why I support these important safety programs, and will work across the aisle and with members of my caucus to protect funding and find new funding sources where possible.	Y	Y	Y	I would be open to strengthening this requirement. It makes fiscal sense for tax payers and anytime we can encourage cooperation between communities to better plan regional needs it is a plus. I would look to Cascade Bicycle and other environmental groups for guidance on policy proposals that might make sense.
	I would like to see provisions made to keep bicyclists safe in the 48th District. Designated bicycle lanes help me to remain aware that I am sharing the road with people who are out riding their bicycles. Adequate bike parking is necessary, not only for protection of the property of cyclists, yet also for the safety of pedestrians. Neighborhood greenways, with paths for both cyclists and people who are walking are great for helping us all to stay healthy and in better shape.	5%	5%	First off, I would make sure WA has applied for all National Highway System funds available from the Federal-aid Highway Program. There are provisions for Federal dollars to construct bicycle transportation facilities and pedestrian walkways on land adjacent to any highway in the National Highway System, including Interstate Highways. I would also look into our state’s use of Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds to make sure we have utilized every available dollar for Transportation Enhancement Activities and Hazard Elimination Programs. There are other Federal programs, including Federal/State matching funds programs, where money is set aside for bicycle and pedestrian projects. I would want to make sure we have picked up every bit of funding for which we are eligible. Once I am sure all of these resources have been exhausted, then I would include bicycle and pedestrian projects in a prioritized budget plan for the state. I believe our leaders in Olympia must establish priorities and fund these first before any other projects are awarded taxpayer dollars.	Y	TBD	Y	TBD	Y	TBD	This issue illustrates one of the problems I would want to address when I am elected. Is it disingenuous to adopt a bill in the legislature, create a “feel good” grant program and then neglect to allocate funding for the program? As I stated earlier, I would include bicycle and pedestrian projects in a prioritized budget plan for the state. I believe our leaders in Olympia must establish priorities and fund these first before any other projects are awarded taxpayer dollars.	Y	Y	N	Same story, different verse as with ST3. Planning and the authority to implement ideas around growth management must take into account all of the impacts on taxpayers in the state. One person’s view of growth management can be another citizen’s private property rights encroachment. I have faith in the voters of WA state make sound decisions when they are given all of the facts and data. The GMA boards must hold hearings at times when all impacted citizens have the ability to attend and state their case. I believe in these types of negotiations, we must work to achieve win-win for all involved parties. This is where my years of experience in mediation would prove to be useful.
[[{"fid":"5376","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":""},"type":"media","attributes":{"height":45,"width":50,"style":"-webkit-transition: 0.2s linear; transition: 0.2s linear; line-height: 17.6000003814697px; text-align: -webkit-center;","class":"media-element file-default"}}]]	48	Senate	Cyrus Habib	#	I am eager to see bicycle infrastructure, most importantly that which allows safe commuting for bicyclists like bike lanes and paths, increased in my district. Young professionals commuting in the 48th have made clear their need for a district which is walkable and bicycle friendly, and laying the foundations to meet this goal should begin with safe lanes for daily bicycle commuters.	3%	5%	We need to redirect our focus from funding projects that favor and encourage single-occupancy vehicle commuting towards more sustainable commuter options.	Y	$50m	Y	$50m	Y	$45m	Where funding can be allocated from depends greatly on the budget year to year, however some funding from tolling and other transportation fees can be used.	Y	Y	Y	I am a huge supporter of building density and developing more efficient public transit options. Planning our city infrastructure moving forward with the goal of increasing walkability and non-car commuting is a tangible step towards encouraging a decreasing reliance on single-occupancy vehicles. I am committed to working toward sustainable transit options for the Eastside and I will rely on the expertise of groups like Cascade for input on how bicycling infrastructure can contribute to our goal of more sustainable commuting habits.
[[{"fid":"5376","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":""},"type":"media","attributes":{"height":45,"width":50,"style":"-webkit-transition: 0.2s linear; transition: 0.2s linear; line-height: 17.6000003814697px; text-align: -webkit-center;","class":"media-element file-default"}}]]	48	House, Pos. 1	Ross Hunter	#	We need to finish the 520 path in a way that works for commuters. I expect it to be a major throughway for Microsoft and other Eastside tech workers to get home to Seattle, and for Eastsiders to get to work in Seattle. I remain concerned about the stretch between Bellevue Way and the existing 520 trail going east. I'd like to see a connection between Woodinville and Redmond that didn't involve the Sammamish River Trail. It's dangerous to ride fast with all the kids and swaying rollerbladers. Willows has a hill problem north of 124th. The Soos Creek trail needs to be continued to get closer to the central Puget Sound. It's a cool trail and nice to ride on, but too short. The East Lake Sammamish trail needs paving in the middle section, but the city of Sammamish has been pretty reluctant. I heard a rumor it would be finished this summer, which would make that lake circuit much nicer.	5%	10%	Gas tax to raise funds for road construction, including some bike/ped stuff. Tolling in the entire Puget Sound "box" around Lake Washington including I-90, I-5, and 405. Failing this we are hard put to finish projects in Puget Sound. This money should be controlled by the region.	Y	$50m	Y	$50m	Y	$50m	I have no idea how big these should be - it depends on the size of the overall package. Some can come from gas tax, some from tolling, some from car tabs or other fees.	Y	Y	Y	This is not my area of expertise. I'm open to hearing suggestions from Cascade, Transportation Choices and other groups with appropriate expertise. We clearly need to require cities to require more density around incredibly expensive rail stations, despite the pushback they get from neighborhood groups.
[[{"fid":"5376","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":""},"type":"media","attributes":{"height":45,"width":50,"style":"-webkit-transition: 0.2s linear; transition: 0.2s linear; line-height: 17.6000003814697px; text-align: -webkit-center;","class":"media-element file-default"}}]]	48	House, Pos. 2	Joan McBride	#	There are two important projects that I am eager to see through to fruition. The first is the completion of the 520 bike path portion along Northup Way. There is a small portion where the bike path will have to be co-located with road traffic. The second is the planning and implementation of the Eastside Rail Corridor with designated bike and pedestrian pathways. The huge demand for bike commuting means we must have a designated pathway. I would like to help our cities on the Eastside to embrace the notion of ‘complete streets’. While the Eastside cities are committed to complete streets, it is more of a first-generation approach to complete streets, allowing for all modes instead of welcoming them. I would love to see that change. I want to see safe, wide designated bike lanes that recognize biking as not just a viable form of transportation but as a commended mode. I would also like to see the Bike Shares Program come to the Eastside as soon as possible. It will be interesting to see how the program does in Seattle. I was a huge proponent of the three foot passing rule and would like to see that as a foundational piece for other bike safety legislation.	5	7	One option we can consider is a local transportation benefit district (TBD). I expect next year’s transportation bill will include a $40 local option – it could or should include the ability to use a portion of the TBD for bike and pedestrian projects. Any transportation ballot measures must include robust funding for bike/ped projects. These are popular projects with the citizenry and I believe would help the measure to pass. Another option is to make sure that transit operations and projects include bike and ped. Funding for bike and ped projects needs to be, at the very least, restored to pre-recession levels. We must also find a way to provide funding for ‘complete streets’ programs across the state.	Y	NA	Y	NA	Y	NA	I don’t have an answer for how much to increase the budget for Safe Routes to Schools, Bike/Ped Safety, and Complete Streets. However, Safe Routes and Bike/Ped Safety – programs that existed before the recession—must be brought back to pre-recession funding as soon as possible. I believe the Complete Streets legislation happened just after the start of the recession so there is not a base line for funding. All three of these programs should be seen as integral to a state transportation package and be allocated funds. These are not nice-to-have programs—they are critical to our public welfare and safety. They protect our neighborhoods and businesses, specifically protect the vulnerable, and acknowledge that all modes are necessary for a vibrant and safe urban setting.	Y	Y	Y	The transportation sections of comprehensive plans should have mandatory sections regarding mode shifts and how those goals will be reached. Transit oriented development should be mandated within a quarter- to a half-mile of transit centers and we should make a new commitment to send resources to our urban designated centers that are willing to embrace truly transit oriented development. Also, we should incorporate the vision from PSRC’s Growing Transit Communities into comprehensive plans in our most urban areas. Enforceability could come in several forms. For example, it could be through legislation that gives the Growth Management Hearings Board more guidance or it could be in legislation that mandates more robust targets for comprehensive plans.
	49	House, Pos. 1	Sharon Wylie	#	1. More dedicated lanes on commuter routes within city. 2. Safer bike lanes on interstate bridge. 3. More secure bike parking.	2%	3%	1. Review and reduction of older projects not started that are based on outdated car data assumptions 2. Federal Dollars 3. Community matches 4. Research potential of a % from all projects, much like the % for the arts of past years.	Y	NA	Y	NA	Y	NA	I would absolutely look for additional funding but will not commit to a number until I see what the total budget and big picture of needs. For instance, bridge safety might require a larger investment in a given year.	Y	Y	Y	Through tying state funds to a balanced plan that includes bikes and transit components.
	49	House, Pos. 2	Carolyn Crain	#	I am currently not looking at new infrastructure for biking.	1%	1%	If an increase in funding for any new infrastructure is available, which would be nice, I think it should be paid for by the riders through a licensing fee for all bicycles used on the roads. This would create a special fund for special bike lanes and paths to be built and therefore increase safety for the riders and the vehicle drivers.	Y	$0.25m	Y	$0.25m	Y	$0.5m	From bicycle license fees. These amounts could increase depending on compliance.	N	N	N	I do not support the GMA at all.