Springer highlights experience
October 7, 2008
By J.B. Wogan
Democrat seeks another term in 45th District
Education reform is still the No. 1 issue in Larry Springer’s re-election campaign, but stabilizing the economy is now a close second.
“People are very concerned about their jobs in the economy and taxes,” Springer, 61 of Kirkland, said. “We need to do something more than we already have to relieve property tax pressure that people are feeling.”
Larry Springer (right) chat with Sammamish voter as he knocked on doors in the city. Photo by J.B. Wogan.
Since 2004, Springer (D-45), has filled one of two positions for the state House of Representatives for the 45th district, which encompasses the northern end of Sammamish, as well as parts of nine other Eastside cities and unincorporated King County. He is also the Majority Floor Leader.
Springer’s credentials include 11 years on the Kirkland City Council, with four of those years as mayor. He also spent five years as an elementary school teacher in the Auburn School District.
In the Aug. 19 primary, Springer finished ahead of his challenger, Republican Kevin Haistings by a 56-42 margin.
Springer listed shrinking class sizes, increasing spending per student and improving teacher pay as his top three education priorities.
“If it doesn’t address those three concerns, it’s on the chopping block, as far as I’m concerned,” he said.
Springer said his education priorities could adjust slightly after a December report from the Basic Education Finance Joint Task Force, a study group appointed by the state legislature to redefine basic education and its funding needs.
Springer said his subcommittee, the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, looks for ways to curb spending in their portion of the budget.
While the task force may find that education needs more funding in general, there could be ways to make smart cuts in that area, Springer said. In particular, he would examine administrative staffing levels at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
He also suggested looking at the state Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development, an organization in charge of land-use issues. He said he thought the department entered into too many costly consultant contracts.
His other idea for shaving spending would be to look at sentencing guidelines for the Department of Corrections. He said he was concerned that some people were serving inappropriately long sentences.
Springer said the other major budget topic for legislators is transportation. He pointed to a total revamp of the state ferry system, already underway, as a method for cutting costs. Both bloated staffing levels and inefficient use of fuel were leading to added costs that Springer said could be excised.
As for possible repairs to the 520-bridge, a source of controversy in this year’s gubernatorial race, Springer was a player in the state’s current plan and said he supports it. That plan involves having four general-purpose lanes and two carpool lanes on the bridge. The bridge would also have wide touchdowns on either end to accommodate added capacity in the future. He said he considered the plan the best possible at the present time.
“For 10 or 11 years, we’ve been working on an agreement,” Springer said. “From my point of view, we’ve settled on that. The question is: How are you going to pay for it?”
Springer believes a tolling plan will be essential for financing renovations to the 520 bridge.
“It will be tolled,” Springer said. “That may not be politically palatable to people.”
Springer said he was still undecided on how much the tolls should be, when they should start, and whether they should also exist on Interstate 90.
“There’s arguments on both sides of issue. I need to see what the revenue numbers are before I pick a side there,” he said.
In looking ahead at the daunting task of addressing the state’s projected deficit, Springer said he feels confident that his previous experience as an elected official in Kirkland and Olympia would help balance the budget in January.
As Kirkland’s mayor, he faced a budget deficit by instituting a hiring freeze and cutting back on city services. Similar tactics might be needed to tackle the state’s impending financial woes.
“These are tough times. They’re complicated, and I’ve been through it before,” he said.
Reporter J.B. Wogan can be reached at 392-6434, ext. 247, or jbwogan@isspress.com.
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