Elected Experience: State Senator(2011-present); State Representative (1993-2010); Senate Vice-President Pro Tem; Senate Ways & Means Committee; Select Committee on Pension Policy; Select Committee on Veterans & Military Affairs

Other Professional Experience: Retired Labor Relations Specialist, UFCW 81(1889-2010); Labor Relations Instructor, Bates Vocational College (1985-1988); Visiting Professor, Pacific Lutheran University (1980-1982)

Education:  BA(History), University of Portland (1966); Ph.D.(History), University of Oregon (1979); Fulbright Fellow, London School of Economics (1973-1975)

Community Service:  Pierce County Aging & Disability Board; Visiting Committee Harry Bridges Center, University of Washington; Pierce County Community Services Labor Agency; Asian Pacific Cultural Center   

Statement: I have proudly served you as Senator and Representative since 1993 and I've always worked to put you, my constituents, first.  I am a recognized leader in the Legislature for my work on workforce development and training, retirement and pension issues, and 'fair share' corrections legislation.  I secured state funding for many projects in our district including Pierce County Skills Center, Star Center, Wapato Lake Restoration, Cross Park, and more. 

I have always stood with law enforcement and firefighters on public safety issues.  I also have supported our military, national guard, and honored veterans, sponsoring legislation to help our veterans transition to employment.  I believe strongly in the need to fully fund our schools and colleges.  I currently coordinate a bi-partisan Pierce County delegation to work on county issues, i.e., transportation, education funding, reducing car tabs.

 I am honored to have been recognized as Outstanding Legislator by the Department of Veteran Affairs, Legislator of the Year by the State Labor Council, Legislator of the Year by WACOPS, the McNaughton Leadership Award from the Independent Colleges of Washington.

I have been endorsed by the Washington State Labor Council, Washington Federation of State Employees, Washington State Nurses, Sheriff Paul Pastor and more.