State senate candidates answer questions on priorities, qualifications ahead of general election

The Northern Light asked the candidates running for the 42nd Legislative District Senate seat about their top priorities, if elected, and why they believe they are the best candidate for north Whatcom County residents. The candidates provided written responses to the questions.

Sharon Shewmake

What are your top three priorities for Blaine, Birch Bay, Custer and Point Roberts if elected? How will you work to ensure those priorities are met?

I enjoy spending time in northwest Whatcom County, making sure you are heard and have what you need from Olympia. Regional priorities are housing affordability, lowering taxes on working people, jobs, lowering the price of healthcare, safe neighborhoods, keeping schools and childcare open, protecting a woman’s right to choose, and better policy to help reduce the risk of flooding and improve recovery.

We have more work to do on the intersection at Bell Road and you need fewer potholes on Bruce Road in Custer. I want to make sure we build the Birch Bay library. Blaine and Point Roberts have been devastated by border closures. Many of the issues were federal or Canadian policies, but I’m committed to keep working with border communities to build a more resilient economy and support small business recovery.

What makes you the best candidate for the position?

I’m the only economist in the legislature, and I deliver for Whatcom County with help for local jobs and with funding for schools, mental health and homeless facilities, roads, trails and bridges.

I pass bills and secure funding for local projects because I’m honest and I work well with others. The Salish Current fact checked a debate with my opponent and found only one of his answers to be “true.” Every single answer I said was true. That’s why I’m endorsed by nurses, teachers, firefighters, prosecutor Eric Richey, teamsters, social workers, environmental groups, Tribes, affordable housing advocates, children’s groups, machinists, electricians, ironworkers, grocery workers, democracy watchdogs, Pro-choice Washington and so many more.

What else do you want people to know about your campaign?

It’s been an honor to serve you and I’m proud to run a grassroots, people-powered campaign. For more information please email me sharon@sharon4whatcom.com or go to www.sharon4whatcom.com. Democracy works when your leaders hear from you, and I want you to be part of the conversation.

Simon Sefzik

What are your top three priorities for Blaine, Birch Bay, Custer and Point Roberts if elected? How will you work to ensure those priorities are met?

Nearly every day, I hear from Whatcom County residents struggling to get by. Whether it’s the high cost of housing, childcare, gas or groceries – taxes and costs seem to continue to rise, imposing a particular burden on working families and senior citizens on fixed incomes. As your state senator, I’ve been focused on returning affordability, restoring public safety, and bringing your tax dollars back to Whatcom County to improve our infrastructure. I will continue to advocate for decreased taxes and common-sense regulations, especially for our small businesses, who have been particularly impacted from the pandemic and border closures.

What makes you the best candidate for the position?

I’m the best person to represent Whatcom County in the state senate because I’m trusted by the people that you trust. As the only candidate endorsed by sheriff Bill Elfo and law enforcement organizations, I’ll continue to advocate for public safety. I’ve been endorsed by trusted affordable housing groups and business organizations. I’m the most experienced candidate to represent you in the Senate because I’ve already done it. Check my record and you’ll see: I’ve been advocating for you.

What else do you want people to know about your campaign?

I see Whatcom County not as a conglomeration of red and blue precincts, but as one community. We are neighbors first. I sincerely believe that all of us have more in common than what divides us. I want to continue to serve you in the state Senate because I dream of raising a family in a state where I can afford to buy a home, where my children get a world-class education, and where we recreate with peace of mind.

After speaking with thousands of my constituents, I know that many of you dream of the same. I’m running because I feel like I have no other choice – our challenges are monumental and we need to send an advocate to Olympia.