Spokesman-Review: Parker for House
Our View: Republican Displays Skill, Energy to Represent 6th
August 1, 2008
Until two years ago, no legislative district in Washington had a longer run of Republican dominance than the 6th, which hadn’t elected a Democrat to the House or Senate since 1938. Sen. Chris Marr and Rep. Don Barlow pierced the partisan barrier in 2006.
Now Barlow is trying to convince voters in the 6th District – a sweeping crescent with country clubs at both ends – that they made the right decision. He’s facing two strong and well-financed Republican challengers who are more focused on each other than on him.
Incumbent Barlow is the only one with a legislative record. And it’s modest.
With help from Democratic caucus leaders, who would love to prolong their 6th District hold, Barlow claimed some victories. His bill to extend a state subsidy of prescription costs for low-income senior citizens was the first bill out of the Legislature in 2007. Among other successes, he sponsored and passed legislation to tighten the licensing requirements for registered counselors, an overdue step.
The latter bill, probably Barlow’s most notable accomplishment, wasn’t his own idea, though. It was handed to him by a committee chairperson. Despite the fact that Barlow, a former Spokane school board member, is a mental health counselor, he said he wasn’t aware of the licensing deficiency in a related field before he was in the Legislature.
Predictably, Barlow joined other Spokane-area lawmakers lending support to local causes. We would expect any of the community’s representatives to do the same. But this year, after voting for a bill that threatened to stall a phosphate-control measure wanted on behalf of Spokane River quality, Barlow couldn’t explain why other than to say, “I probably didn’t have all the facts.”
While neither of the Republicans running against Barlow – Kevin Parker and Mel Lindauer – has a personal legislative record, both appear more likely to bring their own ideas to Olympia and to stay on top of issues important to their constituents. A fourth name on the Aug. 19 primary ballot, Marcos James Ruiz Jr., is running as an independent and claims scant political experience. In the absence of capable opposition, those concerns could be overcome, but the rest of the field in this contest is too strong.
One of the most conspicuous disputes between Parker and Lindauer is whether a candidate should hold off on politics for several years while building a business, as Lindauer has, or roll up his sleeves and plunge in, as Parker has. If one has the skill, the interest and the energy, why wait?
Lindauer, a doctor of optometry, owns three eye-care centers. He is an Eastern Washington native who moved to Spokane 15 years ago. Parker, a Whitworth University graduate, owns a coffee chain here. Both have real estate interests. Parker returned to the area 2 1/2 years ago and quickly positioned himself for a political run.
Both Republican candidates are eager to keep a lid on taxes and encourage economic development. Despite his shorter residency in the community, Parker has more political experience and a broader record of civic involvement here than Lindauer. He is a former intern to U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith, an Oregon Republican whose independent streak, if it rubbed off on Parker, would be helpful to a Republican trying to be effective in a Democrat-controlled Legislature.
It is also noteworthy that among the individuals and organizations who pay attention to Spokane politics, Parker has attracted a credible array of support from reputable political figures, business and civic leaders and community organizations.
Parker has promising potential to serve Spokane and the 6th District with energy and insight.
Editorial
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/tools/story_pf.asp?ID=255040
Serben: Parker Has Skills for Success
Parker Has Skills For Success
August 1, 2008
As the state looks at a $2.7 billion deficit in the next biennium, sound business sense is needed in Olympia. Kevin Parker has shown his ability to manage and grow a small business in a state with one of the highest failure rates for startups. He is the type of leader that Spokane is crying out for.
Kevin has immersed himself in the community and become a valuable asset. In this time of partisan bickering and name-calling he has taken the high road in his campaign. His energy and devotion to his family and community is second to none. His ideas are fresh and realistic and he will not be a rubber stamp for the current majority. As a former member, I know what it takes to be successful in the Legislature; that is why I am endorsing Kevin Parker for the 6th District. I encourage you to do the same.
John W. Serben
Former 6th District State Representative
