The Seattle Times editorial board recommends: Tana Senn for Legislative District 41, Position 1

State Rep. Tana Senn has continued to dedicate her legislative career to advocating for children and families in Washington. That commitment and success has earned another term representing the 41st district, which includes Mercer Island, south Bellevue, Newcastle and Sammamish.      

As chair of the Human Services, Youth & Early Learning Committee, Senn passed a bill to give foster youth, previously barred from developmental disability benefits, access to them. The Mercer Island Democrat also shepherded legislation establishing a transition plan for school districts toward greener bus fleets. And, as a proponent for common sense gun safety measures, she sponsored a successful bill requiring law enforcement to destroy guns obtained in buyback programs, as well as granting the Washington State Patrol authority to destroy guns used in crimes.

Senn told the editorial board she will continue to focus making child care and behavioral health more affordable in Washington. She’s serving as co-chair on a state committee drafting a five-year strategic plan to increase access to behavioral health services in Washington.

Republican and fellow Mercer islander Emily Tadlock, who is challenging Senn, has legitimate concerns about the need for a viable “counterbalance” against Democratic rule in Olympia. But Senn’s leadership and experience are needed qualities in Olympia.

The editorial board was disappointed that Senn chose to invoke the novel legal doctrine of legislative privilege to shield some records from the public. She says she doesn’t intend to use it further, but she weakens her position on transparency that her constituents have come to expect from her.

Still, Senn has been a legislative champion for families since her appointment to the 41^st Legislative District, Position 1, by the Metropolitan King County Council in 2013. Voters should return her to the state House of Representatives for another term.