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| The 40th Legistlative District not only represents diversity in enviroments, but also divesity in the issues that guide and challenge these areas. Mouse over various titles, cities and regions to learn about Paul's stance on taking care of your community. |
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Education
I will be a strong supporter of education. I have seven teachers in my immediate family including my wife Lynda Gonzales who is a first grade teacher at WestView Elementary school in Burlington. I believe it is essential to invest in top quality teachers and funding for our schools, supporting early childhood education and Higher education. Education is a top priority in my platform.
I will support Initiative 728, which Passed overwhelmingly by voters in November 2000 to:
• Reduce class size
• Extend learning opportunities
• Provide professional training for educators
• Offer early assistance for Pre-K students
• Improve or add to school facilities that are related to class size
"It is the paramount duty of the state to make ample provisions for the education of all children." The Washington State Constitution - 1889
I believe in full funding for public schools that bring together people of diverse experience, ability and background for the purpose of learning. I will not waver in supporting education.
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Environment
I have been a Mount Vernon Planning Commissioner with a background in land use and the need to be familiar with the GMA, (growth management act).
My
goal is to create a sustainable society in which future generations are assured of abundant renewable energy, pure water, clean air and fertile soil to meet the needs of a strong economy. I will support the Climate Action & Green Jobs bill that was signed into law By Governor Chris Gregoire. I will work to tackle many of the issues that effect our environment, be it fending off global warming and greenhouse gases to the destruction of wild salmon runs.
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Public Safety
I'm a Washington State Trooper with over 22 years of experience. I have received various service commendations, including an International Award from AAMVA for work in public safety. I'm a strong supporter of the Fire Fighters and the Police Officers of the State of Washington. I believe in investing and retaining the high quality of the men and women that work in public safety and support funding that makes them the best in the nation. I will make it very clear that I support keeping the citizens of Washington State safe, while working on issues of Homeland Security, Drugs, Gangs, and Identity Theft.
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Health Care
I believe that health care is a basic right for every Washingtonian. We must assure accessible, affordable health care for all. More and more Washington families have been pushed into the ranks of the uninsured or underinsured. The crisis of uncompensated care is costing the state and the purchasers of health insurance in the form of increased premiums and co-pays. Our employer-based health insurance system is broken and the problem has reached a crisis stage. Jobs that used to provide affordable coverage are being replaced by jobs that either pay no benefits or shift a growing amount of the cost to workers. I will work hard to support accessible, affordable health care.
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Jobs
I will work hard to help retain the jobs in the 40 LD and to help bring new jobs to the ever growing population of this district. I will do this with the environment in mind and support green jobs.
Historically, manufacturing jobs have been the backbone of our state's economy and has helped create and sustain our middle class. In the late 1980s and most of the 1990s, our state economy began to diversify. We became leaders in information technology, research and development, and high-tech jobs. With this boom in high-skilled high-wage white- collar jobs, we saw a shift in our dependence on manufacturing for our state’s economic vitality. I will support the restrictions of off-shoring & outsourcing state jobs overseas. A strong economy is based upon jobs that provide safe working conditions, a fair living wage, along with good health and retirement benefits. Economic justice is further advanced by an education system that values and provides advanced skill training and apprenticeships. I'm Pro labor and will support the workers rights to organize unions and collective bargaining.
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Waterfront Development
The Port of Bellingham and city of Bellingham have joined forces to redevelop 137 waterfront acres that the port acquired from Georgia- Pacific West Inc. in 2005 as well as an additional 83 acres of waterfront property. [READ MORE]
Education
Bellingham residents believe and support local education and hold education as a top priority for their children. [READ MORE]
Whatcom County Jail
The news is still mostly bad. The jail remains very overcrowded, with three people in rooms built for one and as many as eight people living in rooms that were supposed to be shower rooms. There are about 270 people currently housed in the jail downtown, a facility built for less than half that number. [READ MORE]
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