3rd District candidates Q&A
The candidates for 3rd Legislative District were asked five questions and allowed up to 50 words for each response. Their answers appear in the same order as the candidates will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot.
What is your top priority and the main reason why you are running for office?
Ormsby: It’s to build equitable and sustainable budgets. I am seeking another term to build on our region’s previous successes and to work to improve our quality of life. As a Spokane native, I believe I understand the challenges and aspirations of our community and how to best advocate for them.
Delaney: I’m running for office to bring the budget under control and provide tax cuts for the people, and ease regulations on businesses so that they may be able to hire more people. I would also like to protect the rights of gun owners to own their own guns.
Gun control is a hot discussion topic across the nation. Where do you stand on the two gun initiatives that are on the ballot this fall?
Ormsby: Firearm laws need to protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens as well as protect the public from criminals, abusers and the dangerously mentally ill. I support expanding background checks for firearms transactions to the same level as are required for federally licensed dealers.
Delaney: I definitely don’t support Initiative 594 and have a hard time with Initiative 591 as it gives more control to the federal government. Background checks really do no good except to strengthen the black market. If a criminal wants a gun he or she gets it from the black market.
The North Spokane Corridor has been making its way through Spokane. Would you support a gas tax to help pay for the completion of this project and other infrastructure repairs?
Ormsby: I’m a strong proponent of a fuel-tax based transportation revenue package that would include building the North Spokane Corridor to I-90 and other regional road and bridge improvements. The comprehensive transportation package should include adequate transit, bicycle and pedestrian improvements and support for the operation and maintenance of local roads.
Delaney: The north-south freeway needs to be completed. I don’t support a gas tax because even if it’s dedicated to the north-south freeway, politicians will spend it in other places and on other projects. Easing regulations and EPA restrictions would significantly help speed up and lower the cost on the project.
The McCleary ruling calls for legislators to increase spending on basic education by 2018. Specifically how would you suggest legislators find money to do so?
Ormsby: The Supreme Court is requiring the Legislature to fund basic education to the level the Legislature defined. A cuts-only approach would decimate services our constituents have come to rely upon. Additional revenue will be required to meet the state’s paramount duty while still meeting our obligations for programs and services.
Delaney: I would look at how many of the school administrator jobs overlap and can be condensed into a single job. There are also other ideas like saving $1.5 million by privatizing the state’s motor pool that could be spent on schools. I do not support tax increases.
The legalization of marijuana is bringing in new state revenue. How should that be spent?
Ormsby: The initiative that created the retail marijuana marketplace dictates allocations for the money. Most will go to low-income health care, youth drug prevention and marijuana public health education. The remaining 40 percent will go to the general fund where it should be prioritized for education as well as public safety.
Delaney: I would like to see it used to help fund drug and alcohol treatment programs and other programs to help people with their addictions.