— by Margie Doyle —
Challenger Marc Henneman from Camano Island and Incumbent Rick Larsen debate at the League of Women Voters Election Forum
The League of Women Voters (LWV) of the San Juans began a marathon week of voter forums at Shaw Island on Monday night. Federal, state and local candidates for government office were in attendance. League President Clare Kelm and LWV SJs Board members Steve Bowman and Eric Vittinghoff organized the event with Bowman moderating and Vittinghoff acting as timekeeper.
The evening began with the candidates for U.S. Representative for District 2: Rick Larsen, incumbent and Marc Henneman, opponent.
Larsen spoke of his ethic of public service in electoral politics, stemming from his childhood amongst a big family in Arlington. “I’d like to continue the work I’m doing,” creating jobs, addressing housing affordability and “the scourge of opiods;” and addressing climate change locally and nationally, Larsen said.
Marc Hennemann said that although he was a newcomer to electoral office, he has experience as a veteran, a retired air force officer, with degrees in political science from George Washington University, and a Masters degree in Public Administration for the University of Oklahoma. He taught social studies, U.S. and world history, government and economics in public school. The child of immigrants, he said his issues are veterans affairs, and trade in the district “from apples to airplanes.”
Growler aircraft impacts
Henneman spoke of a balance between property owners and defense, and added “I don’t think it’s the place of civilians, including myself, to dictate to the Navy how to do their training.”
Larsen thanked Councilman Jamie Stephens for arranging for Larsen to hear from representatives on Lopez Island about the problems. .While he is not supportive of moving Growlers from NAS Whidbey Island, Larsen did speak to efforts to alleviate the impact:
1) Publishing the alternative field schedule on Whidbey Island published in local media;
2) Pushing for “Magic Carpet,” technological improvements that will lessen the training flights needed to enable pilots to land safely, to be deployed in 2019;
3) Efforts to quiet the engines.
Affordable Housing Assistance
Larsen spoke of rural housing funding availability where loans to purchase homes can be offered at a discounted interest rate; and of the “self-help housing ownership program” (SHOP) through which the federal government provides $15,000, per home to help purchase equity in a home, “along with sweat equity.”
Henneman spoke of the need for available land and of programs similar to veterans’ programs, in which potential homeowners who meet certain criteria could put zero down in purchasing homes.
National Monument Status and what it means for San Juan County
Larsen said that there are about 1,000 acres in the county designated as National Monument land. “That means it won’t be developed for commercial uses.” Furthermore, a community –based management committee is in charge of establishing a management plan for those 1,000 acres. “Most important, this was a locally driven, county resident driven effort, and the management plan itself will be developed and driven by local people.”
Henneman said that consideration needs to be given to taking land out of usage such as developing housing. “The overall effect in the entire area has to be considered.”
Citizens United ruling
Larsen said his opposition to the Supreme Court decision called “Citizens United” is shown in his co-sponsorship of House Resolution 22 to overturn the decision and in his support of state initiative 735, urging the federal government to limit constitutional rights to people, not corporations.
Henneman said, “Citizens United, to a certain extent, leveled the playing field.” He explained that political contributions from unions, which he said usually went to democrats, was allowed; and then listed contributions that Larsen had taken from unions and political action committees (PACs).
Later, Larsen replied that funds “solicited, reported and spent from PACs is legal in the U.S.”
Henneman denied implying or saying that Larsen raised or spent illegal money. “I am saying directly that …[Larsen] accepts corporate money from PACs.”
To which Larsen replied that it is against the law for corporations to give to PACs and charged, “You don’t understand what the law is on campaign finance so I wouldn’t want to put in your hands the ability to change finance laws.”
Should the $15 minimum wage be federally mandated?
Henneman said the result of $15/hr wages in Sea-Tac (Washington state) resulted in fewer workers making more money, and fringe benefits being cut back. “Some employers can’t afford it.”
Larsen maintained that Seattle has the highest rate of small business growth of anywhere in the country, “despite fact that it is moving toward $15/hr.” Larsen further said that it is important to have a consistent minimum wage in the country, and that he is in support of $15 minimum wage.
Should social security for those with disabilities and fixed incomes be addressed along with the minimum wage?
Larsen said that “Scrapping the cap on social security is the way to shore up the long term solvency of it, and to address retirees.” Regarding disabilities, Larsen emphasized the need to reach out “to people in our communities to make sure they can participate as freely as those without disabilities.”
Henneman said that, as a retiree, he knows what it is like to live on a fixed income, and further that he deals with New York state “bureaucracy” in dealing with a family member’s “rather severe physical disabilities and mental disabilities as well.”
“I’d also be in favor of scrapping the cap and means testing for social security. There’s no reason someone like Donald Rrump should collect social security. I know from experience what it’s like to only have a certain amount of money per month.”
Fossil fuel transport through Salish Sea and San Juans and the challenge of ensuring clean waters and environment
Larsen said it was unrealistic to “ask you all to stop driving or taking the ferry or using fossil fuel, but to increase the safety of transportation through the San Juans is an important question.”
He mentioned three efforts to address that question:
1) directly asking Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau “what they can do to ensure the safety of transportation of fossil fuels;”
2) standardizing international maritime association rules;
3) making more investments in clean energy and wean ourselves off ffuels
Henneman asserted “Fossil fuels are pretty much here to stay. It’s difficult to replace them with technologies we have today.” He agreed that we “have to be careful how we transport crude oil through entire area, and coordinate with the Canadians.”
Washington State Senator for the 40th Legislative District
State Senator Kevin Ranker was in Washington D.C. A statement from him was read by Lynn Bayrich
His opponent Daniel Miller was given five minutes to make his presentation to the group for election to State Legislative District 40.
Miller said he was concerned about health care, taxes, nursing shortage, medical malpractice issues, (particularly at Everett Hospital), water rights, property right,s rivers and estuary protection, farmers getting enough water for their crops.
Further he said he was concerned about working for a good economy (“If Boeing leaves and goes to China or North Carolina”). Miller said “I know protection of the environment is important, but I would love to talk to you.”
Lynn Bayrich read a statement prepared by incumbent State Senator Kevin Ranker, saying that he is honored to serve as state senator. His statement identified critical local issues, including expanded ferry funding, investment in schools, lower college tuition, funding critical repairs of infrastructure
and funding children’s basic education.
Ranker said he was proud of his role “in crafting a spending plan that reflects our values and sets a course for long term stability.” He vowed to fight efforts to defund environmental cleanup; and to be a leading voice for women’s rights, equal pay and reproductive health parity.”
Ranker asked that the public contact him at info@kevinranker.com with any questions or concerns.
The League of Women Voters of the San Juans will conduct voter forums on Orcas Island on Tuesday, Oct. 4, on Lopez Island on Wednesday, Oct. 5 and on San Juan Island on Thursday, Oct. 6.
