State Rep. Vandana Slatter, D- Bellevue, should be elected to continue to represent the 48th Legislative District.
VANDANA Slatter has already proven herself a capable representative for the 48th Legislative District, since being appointed to the state House earlier this year. She should be elected in November.
The Democrat from Bellevue, who represents parts of Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland and other cities along the Lake Washington shore, already has successfully sponsored two bills. One measure enlarges the osteopathic medicine board, and the other improves data collection on teacher education programs.
The Times recommends:
Vandana Slatter
48th District House seat
Strengths: Brings much needed expertise in health care and biotechnology to Olympia. During her first session, she has already been effective at getting two bills passed by the Legislature.
Slatter has a long and varied civic resume. She brought a fresh perspective to the Bellevue City Council, where she got involved in international trade, resource management, transportation and youth, before moving on to the state Legislature."
Slatter, a health-care and biotech professional, is employing her expertise by serving on health and technology and education committees. In time, she should grow a stronger voice in Olympia, even though she says she prefers to be more of a workhorse than a show horse.
Slatter has a long and varied civic resume. She brought a fresh perspective to the Bellevue City Council, where she got involved in international trade, resource management, transportation and youth, before moving on to the state Legislature.
Slatter was appointed to serve after Patty Kuderer was appointed to the state Senate to replace Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib. The Seattle Times editorial board also recommends the capable Kuderer to retain her job in the Senate.
The Republican Party did not nominate a candidate to oppose either Slatter or Kuderer, in what used to be considered a swing district.
The Libertarian candidate facing Slatter, Ciaran Dougherty, attracted more than 22 percent of the vote in the primary but does not warrant a second look. Despite his enthusiasm for serving his community, he lacks civic experience and has a thin understanding of the issues facing Washington state.
Voters should choose Slatter and send her back to Olympia.