Democrats in the crowded 42nd race

Richard May

Hello Democrats. I'm Richard May, Democratic Party nominee for State Rep position 1.

Democratic precinct officers nominated me with 68% because I am a hard working activist with the strongest campaign from day 1, and I actually embrace our platform and values. I am endorsed by county councilman Ken Mann, and I campaign like he did. I have talked to almost 4000 voters throughout the county and have raised almost $20,000. Bellingham Herald calls my campaign a Formula 1 race car. I am a party officer and 2 time national DNC delegate. I chaired the winning Whatcom Library levy, and I campaigned for Kerry, Cantwell, Gregoire, and all over WA and 4 states for Obama (Google "Obama Iowa victory" to see me on CNN behind Barack).

The 42nd district is 60% non-Democrat, but I'm a county business owner with crossover respect from folks who vote differently than we do. I have a business partnership with a childhood friend who is a total Tea-protest Republican, but even he agrees with me to condemn the bank bailouts and Bush's deficit blank checks to Haliburton. I painstakingly convinced him and other non-Dems to support the library levy, Ken Mann, and Dan McShane. Win some, Lose some.

I am the only candidate for this seat supporting the whole platform and both initiatives that Whatcom Democrats unanimously endorsed last meeting, only candidate supporting the growth management act that we fought for in last summer's county council election. I've been endorsed by environmental and labor groups, the Lummi tribe, and electeds all over the county. I have a record of action and results for working families, resource protection, and social justice. If the state income tax passes, I will still want to lower and cap our state's regressive sales tax that hurts working families most.

Al Jensen

My name is Al Jensen, and I’m running as your next State Representative of the 42nd District, Whatcom County. I’ve lived and worked in Whatcom county since 1946 and am proud to have served our community for over 33 years as a Bellingham Police Officer and Detective. I know the importance of providing quality jobs and opportunities for individuals to achieve gainful employment and raise a family. As a proud father and grandfather, I know the importance of providing proper funding for education. Funding for our K-12 and higher education is among my top priorities.

Our current economic situation has placed a great strain on our budgets. In order to provide the level of funding necessary to ensure safe streets and quality education, I am advocating progressive reform of our tax system. As your representative, I’d fight to do away with the regressive tax system currently in place. My goal is to  help every family provide a better home environment and increase the quality of life by easing the strain of our regressive tax system.

I want you to know that as your representative, I’m not simply going to tout the party line. I am elected by the community, and that’s who I’ll speak for down in Olympia. If a decision needs to be made affecting Whatcom County, I want you to know that regardless of partisan divides, I’m going to choose what’s right for the 42nd District.

If we don’t see eye to eye on an issue, I want us walk away with an understanding of where we stand and why. I’m not going to make promises I can’t keep, and I’m not going to spout rhetoric simply because that’s what you want to hear. Your endorsement will be an endorsement for honesty and integrity.

Thank You, Al Jensen