auburn pta voters guide '08 (31st & 47th)

8/14/2019 Auburn PTA Voters Guide '08 (31st & 47th).

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Auburn PTA

Voters Guide '08This Voters Guide provides Candidate perspectiveson WSPTA's top Legislative Priorities. It shares Candidateviews on our Priorities with both PTA members and the general public.

WSPTA's top Priorities for the 2009 Legislative Session, as passed by our LegislativeAssembly are:

BasicEducation Funding

Strengthening Math and Science Curriculum and Education

Washington State Assessment System Improvements

The State Board of Education's Core 24 Framework

Rational Approaches to Teacher Compensation

Find more about WSPTA's perspective on these Issues at our 2008 Issues Guide,

www.wastatepta.org/leg/Issue_Guide_08.pdf(pages 5, 8, 14, 12, and 10).

We asked Candidates to share their views on our top Priorities and on K-12 education in general.

Candidates who didn't submit their statement after three requests are represented by a "no statementsubmitted"in the Voters Guide. We invited Candidates in the 30th, 31st, and 47th districts to submitstatements on Oct 12th with an Oct 16th deadline.

Candidates statements for Auburn Legislative Districts follow.

Clickhere to find your District

47th District (Kent, North Auburn) mapRepresentatives:

Position 1: Geoff Simpson Mark HargrovePosition 2: Pat Sullivan Timothy Miller

31st District (South Auburn, Enumclaw, North Pierce) map

Representatives:Position 1: Ron Weigelt Dan RoachPosition 2: Christopher Hurst Sharon Hanek

Candidates' Invitations

The above candidates are presented in the order in which they appear in the Secretary of State'selections webpage. Party preferences are intentionally omitted.
http://www.wastatepta.org/leg/Issue_Guide_08.pdfhttp://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspxhttp://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=47http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://www.wastatepta.org/leg/Issue_Guide_08.pdfhttp://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspxhttp://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=47http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31


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47th District for Representative Position 1: Mark Hargrove

Basic Education Funding

Although we currently spend $11,500 per student per year, at Auburn High School thisyear, because a few math books needed to be replaced, the department could not affordenough calculators for their classrooms. I fully support efforts to get more of that money tothe school districts and schools themselves where they can best decide how it is spent. Iexpect that additional funding will be possible by acting on audits of our needlesslybureaucratic education system which will yield similar savings to those already found inother areas of our government.


I have an engineering degree from the Air Force Academy and taught high school level math at the AirForce Academy Prep School. My wife and daughter both teach high school math at Auburn HighSchool. I fully appreciate the importance of math and science education. But, when seven states wereoffered millions of dollars for improving advanced math and science education, our state was the onlyone to decline the offer because of the monetary rewards for additional work or excellence. Ourpriorities are way out of whack.


Teachers, parents and students have all expressed their frustrations to me that weeks of the school yearare spent teaching how to pass the WASL. And once the test is taken and graded, how do we know ifour students are getting the best results possible, if we have no other results from other states withwhich to compare? I am open to discussing alternatives, but it may be that we need to switch to aproven, standardized test.


The pain of repeating a class may be far better than going to the next course without understanding theprevious one. The same concept is true of high school graduation. I am convinced that in the long run,students and our country will be better off if we insist on high standards for graduation. Collegesshould once again be able to trust that a student who has a high school diploma really is ready forcollege.

Rational Approaches to Teacher CompensationWhile a certain amount of a teachers motivation comes from his desire to teach, simple supply anddemand economics requires that our teacher pay structure have the flexibility to attract, motivate andretain the variety of teachers needed in our schools.

www.hargroveforhouse.com
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=47http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=47http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=47http://www.hargroveforhouse.com/http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=47http://www.hargroveforhouse.com/


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3 1st District for Representative Position 1: Ron Weigelt

Education is our paramount responsibility and we must fund itadequately. In a tight budget year we need to look at new ways ofdoing that. To meet the state constitutional requirement for education

funding we need to keep the funding we have and free up additionalmoney for education. The fact is that exacerbating the problem in thepast decade were an anti-tax initiative movement (passage of I-695 in1999 drained $1.2 billion out of the general fund per biennium) and aLegislature that has put 535 tax breaks on the books (more than 170 new tax breaks since 1993.All together, the states existing 535 tax breaks represent 130% of our biennial budget. That isclose to $30 billion in tax expenditures. These tax breaks are (technically called taxexpenditures), represent taxes not collected (foregone revenue). We need an aggressive reviewof tax breaks so that we can equally share the tax burden and stop giving some large companiesa free ride, what they dont pay, we do. We can use that money to help fund education.

Stable and adequate funding for public education is essential to the continued success ofschools and students in the global economy. Education spending has not kept up with inflationor the needs of students, yet public schools are the states paramount duty under theconstitution. According to the Washington Institute for Public Policy our state ranks 45th in thenation on total per pupil expenditures. We need to create a system that does not rely on the ebband flow of real estate values. I am very concerned that as the aging baby boomer populationbegins to retire they will see there incomes reduced and will be less and less willing to payincreases in property taxes. This could have a devastating impact on schools, since a largeportion of their funding comes from this source.

Research shows that smaller class sizes improve student learning. Small class sizes alloweducators to provide the individualized attention students deserve. Recent class-size reductionefforts have helped, yet Washington's class sizes remain 46th in the U.S. We need to alsowork on this as a high priority.

Our children are our future. We must treat their education as our highest priority.

www.weigelt4rep.org
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://www.weigelt4rep.org/http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://www.weigelt4rep.org/


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3 1st District for Representative Position 1:Dan Roach

Dan Roach (Republican)Biographical Information:Current Occupation: State Rep. 31st district. Owner, Roach

Gymnastics Inc.Education: BA Political Science Brigham Young UniversityElected Experience: State Representative 8 yearsFamily: Married to Melanie Roach. Three childrenSignificant career experience: Small business owner 9 years. State Representative 8

years.

Candidate Statement:

Representative Dan Roach is a lifelong resident of the 31st district. Owner of Roach

Gymnastics, Dan takes pride in providing jobs and serving his community.Representative Roach has young children attending public schools and serves on theeducation committee in Olympia. He is concerned about our education system and isworking to make it even better.

Dan is committed to directing our tax dollars to our classrooms, local transportation needs,and truly vulnerable population.

Dans voting record shows his commitment to accountability in State government andlower taxes. Tough on crime, Dan is leading the fight against identity theft. He is alsoleading in financial literacy education, veterans issues and autism.

For more information contact Dan at www.dan-roach.com.

Committee information:Friends of Dan Roach20825 SR 410 E. PMB #365Bonney Lake, WA 98391Phone: (253) 826-6704Email: [email protected]
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://www.dan-roach.com/http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://www.dan-roach.com/


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31st District for Representative Position 2: Christopher Hurst

As a member of the House of Representatives, I sponsored and voted for theconstitutional amendment that repealed the super majority vote requirementfor school levies, which was always one of my top priorities. Actions

speak louder than words. When the time came, I voted yes! Education hasalways been one of my top priorities and I have the record in Olympia toprove it, over and over again. Our investment in public schools is aninvestment in the future of everyone.

Unlike my opponent who sent her kids to private religious schools, Iproudly sent my kids to public schools. I also understand the principle of the separation ofchurch and state when it comes to education. My opponent, although she joined several PTAs,is actually listed as a Point Person for the radical extremist organization called the PositiveChristian Agenda. Their leader ran the Ashcroft for President Campaign here some years agoand was state director of Social Conservatives for Bush-Cheney. This group's agenda has

nothing to do with supporting public education in any shape or form. When talking to educationpeople or ordinary folks, my opponent always lists her affiliations to public school organizationslike the PTA. But when giving a speech to the Gig Harbor Republican Womens Club onAugust 18, 2004, she said, We need to break the complacency and trust in public education.She also described public school books and classes as dangerous.

I dont think public education is dangerous. That is the biggest difference in this race betweenmy opponent and me.

I fully support the PTAs position paper on the definition of Basic Education Funding believe thatwe need a separate education budget with a dedicated funding source, so there is no confusion

with the operating budget. That is how we get the public at large to support proper funding forbasic education. I voted to strengthen math and science curriculum in this last session.We will continue to refine this process when the legislature meets in January and I agree that thismatter is urgent. I fully support properly evaluating a teachers skill and experience and payingthem accordingly. Finally, I support the CORE 24 framework concept and believe that one sizedoes not fit all.

See more of my positions or background atwww.christopherhurst.org.
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://www.christopherhurst.org/http://www.christopherhurst.org/http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://www.christopherhurst.org/


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31st District for Representative Position 2: Sharon Hanek

I commend the Washington State PTA for being at the forefront ofstrengthening Math and Science when they co-sponsored the mathsymposium at the University of Washington in April 2006. This was the

beginning of improving math in our State. The PTAs commitment hasbeen instrumental in moving toward positive solutions. I have spentmuch time in Olympia over the past five years testifying and workingwith various legislators on education issues. Auburn has not felt thepressures that some other districts have because Auburn has made betterchoices in their textbooks and methods of teaching.

Over the past years of watching legislation in Olympia I observed a trend of increasing one-size-fits-all controls over local school districts along with unfunded mandates. I want to preserve theability of local schools to make decisions that best fit their students. Two recent bills that werepassed could result in having every school in the state choose one of three state recommended

books each for math and health. There is concern that these choices will not align with the goalsof Auburn School District and may limit the financial ability of the district to provide alternativeopportunities.

Expanding basic education funding and graduation requirements to be 24 core classes arepositive concepts but both could also result in less moneys being directed to educating childrenin basic reading, writing, math and science content skills. Some schools are concerned thatmandating the teaching of non-academic classes may have the unintended consequence ofdecreasing money for academic classes and decreasing the time available for students to expandtheir horizons on electives. Decisions should be carefully made.

I also have numerous concerns over the current Washington Assessment of Student Learning.The Thomas B. Fordham Foundation study has rated Washington State standards with an F inMath and English. (pg 115 State of the State Standards www.edexcellence.net/doc/State of State Standards2006FINAL.pdf)

I was one of two parents who testified to try to save the norm-referenced ITBS and will continueto strive towards a better system of assessments. Each test has a different purpose and the schooldistricts should have adequate funding to purchase the best fit for their students, teachers, andparents.

I look forward to working with the Auburn PTA and local families to bring forth a high qualityeducation system that fits both our students and the community.

Sharon HanekCandidate for House of Representatives Distr. 31 Pos. 2PO Box 8055; Bonney Lake, WA [email protected]
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://www.edexcellence.net/doc/State%20of%20State%20Standards2006FINAL.pdfhttp://www.sharonhanek.com/mailto:[email protected]://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://www.edexcellence.net/doc/State%20of%20State%20Standards2006FINAL.pdfhttp://www.sharonhanek.com/mailto:[email protected]


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Auburn PTA Voters Guide '08 - Candidates' Invitation_

We asked Legislative Candidates to share their perspectives on PTA's top five priorities,with the following email. We followed up with a confirming phone call and emailsinsuring that they received their invitation to participate:

Dear {Legislative Candidate},

On October third, 240 delegates from around the state chose five top priorities for PTA member actionaround the '09 Legislative session.

Many of Auburn PTA Council's 1,200 members will likely vote in the upcoming election. Many arequite concerned with education issues. With 14,500 students in the Auburn School District alone,there is good reason for them to be concerned.

With five days remaining before ballots are mailed, we would like to share your perspectives oneducation with your Auburn and Pierce County PTA constituents. Between now and Monday the 20th,we will assemble a 'Voters Guide', with you and your opponent's views on the following '09 WSPTA

Priority Issues:

Basic Education Funding




Rational Approaches to Teacher Compensation

You can find more of WSPTA's views on these five Issues at our2008 Issue Guide,www.wastatepta.org/leg/Issue_Guide_08.pdf(pages 5, 8, 14, 12, and 10).

These are our perspectives, butwe're more interested in your views on these issues. We very muchhope that you will address these topics directly in our 25 th District Voters Guide.

Our timeline:

Wednesday (Oct 15th): Email Candidate Questionnaires

Thursday: Phone candidates' campaign offices, confirming delivery, and asking them to participatein the Voters Guide

Sunday midnight: Deadline for candidate responses

Monday (17th): Assemble responses into your 25th District Auburn PTA Voters Guides.

Tuesday and following: Distribute Voters Guides as broadly as possible to Auburn and PierceCounty PTA members, local media, and members of the general public.

We've only room for one page of response each, about 400 words. We'll format it to fit, but many more wordsthan 400 will require printing it in a smaller font. Please feel free to include links to your website.

We very much look forward to you and your campaign's participation in our 2008 Auburn PTA Voters Guide.Best of luck in the election, and the 2009 Legislative Session.

Auburn Council of PTAs is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization
http://bs1/F/PTA%20Voters%20Guide%20'08%20-%20Candidates'%20Invitation..htmhttp://bs1/F/PTA%20Voters%20Guide%20'08%20-%20Candidates'%20Invitation..htmhttp://www.wastatepta.org/leg/Issue_Guide_08.pdfhttp://bs1/F/PTA%20Voters%20Guide%20'08%20-%20Candidates'%20Invitation..htmhttp://www.wastatepta.org/leg/Issue_Guide_08.pdf

auburn pta voters guide '08 (31st & 47th)

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