Washington’s 18th Legislative District brings Clark County two newcomers to the open race. The stark contrast between John Ley and John Zingale offer 18th District voters very different options. Despite Mr. Ley’s unresolved candidate residency complaint, Mr. Zingale’s progressive policy position is troubling. For this reason, the CT Publishing Editorial Board endorses John Ley.
We will start by addressing public safety.
A key issue for Mr. Zingale is school shootings and safety. On the issue of public safety, Mr. Zingale advocates for “deploying more social workers and counselors” and to “be a partner on sensible gun safety measures.” However, if elected, Mr. Zingale would add to a Democrat majority that twice passed legislation in the House to lessen penalties for gun, gang and drug crimes committed near schools and bus stops. Although we believe social workers and counselors are important, Mr. Zingale’s plan does not address the current crime crisis we face or solutions to protect our children.
Mr. Ley advocates a more well-rounded public safety plan that starts with more law enforcement officers on the streets and additional funding to place a law enforcement resource officer in schools. Furthermore, Mr. Ley’s plan addresses a judicial system that needs stricter penalties for dangerous criminals, plus rehabilitative and treatment options. It is for those reasons that Mr. Ley’s solutions will better protect our communities and students.
On the issue of the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project, Mr. Ley has been steadfast in his opposition of excessive light rail on the bridge, as well as demanding greater transparency. The Legislature recently addressed the tolling issue with the Clark County delegation split along party lines, House Republicans opposing tolling and House Democrats supporting tolling. This massive and expensive project is extremely important to our state’s economic health and essential to the countless working families on both sides of the river.
Mr. Zingale has been clear he supports tolling and supports large investments in the multi-modal portions of the project. Not that those issues are not important, but we believe Mr. Ley will be the much-needed watchdog and communicator that Clark County needs.
On the issue of tax increases and school bonds: Mr. Zingale supports a constitutional amendment to lower the vote requirement to raise taxes through bonds. According to his website, Mr. Zingale prefers a simple majority to pass local bonds. This would mean, a majority of 50.1% of a community could bind the rest of the community with a 30-year bond. It is for these reasons, the Washington Constitution requires 60%. To achieve Mr. Zingale’s goal would take many years.
We agree with Mr. Ley’s position that the state should make school construction a priority rather than disproportionately push the funding on local communities and households that can’t absorb tax increases. This quicker solution would hold the state’s feet to the fire and close the education funding gap between property rich and property poor districts. The education gap between the rich and the poor continues to grow under the current Democrat majority in Olympia, and Mr. Zingale’s position would just add to that disparity in quality of education.
These two candidates differ on virtually every issue. Both Mr. Ley and Mr. Zingale are qualified to hold the office. Voting for Mr. Zingale and his progressive positions will give our state more of the same that has led us to high crime, lack of housing and failing schools. Voting for Mr. Ley will help hold the current Democrat majority in check and accountable. For that, we recommend John Ley for state representative in the 18th Legislative District.
