LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Barbara Bailey will spend wisely

To the editor:

I believe that as we get closer to Election Day, we should focus on qualifications.

Instead of personalities, let’s look at each of the candidates’ records.

Instead of partisan politics, let’s concentrate on what Washington, and we its citizens need from our government.

I am writing this letter on behalf of my candidate for state representative, Barbara Bailey.

I will start by saying that regardless of my political affiliation, I would vote for her because of her professional and personal integrity, voting record and sense of responsibility to her constituents.

Allow me to briefly elaborate. I have met Barbara, spent time with her, attended forums, asked key questions and listened carefully to her responses. I also checked her position on legislation as described by her against her voting record and find that she is the real deal. You can check for yourself by visiting www.1.leg.wa.gov/house/bailey.

I agree with Barbara when she says we don’t have a tax problem, we have a spending problem.

As we enter into an economic slowdown, it is inevitable that tax revenues which fuel government will stall and eventually reduce. As a result of this, it is more imperative than ever that our legislators spend wisely.

Often, legislation is passed and there is no funding for it. So, it is never implemented. Often, the public is unaware of this. Barbara Bailey stands firm in her unwillingness to behave in this irresponsible manner with our tax dollars.

As a resident of Whidbey Island, I believe that our ferries have to be a top priority. Barbara is committed to being a part of legislation that will relieve congestion by increasing capacity.

Healthcare is complicated. A common misconception is that Barbara does not make healthcare for children a priority because she voted against recent legislation that offers coverage to Washington’s children.

Not exactly. Barbara voted against the legislation because it went too far in solving the problem and would have been unaffordable if implemented.

Key in the legislation was language that set the income level too high at 300 percent of the federal poverty level. That equates for example, to $65,000 a year for a family of four.

That family would qualify for no- or low-cost health insurance for their children and pay virtually no premium. This would increase enrollment in the plan and increased cost would be funded through a significant increase in taxes because the money is not currently available. This is, in my opinion, a good example of an unfunded mandate.

In closing, I ask again that we all take a closer look at all of the candidates’ qualifications, records and integrity and choose wisely. I have and will be casting my vote for Barbara Bailey.

It is unfortunate that a tone has been set by some fervent Democrats who consistently engage in character assassination and attack the Republican candidates’ integrity to make their point. It would be great if we could tone down the vitriol as we get closer to the election and focus more on the attributes of the candidates we support instead.

Debbie Cunningham

Greenbank