Incumbents for Kirkland-area legislative seats generally did better than their opponents in recent ratings by the Municipal League.
The League reviews candidates for office throughout King County and candidates for some state positions. The ratings are available online at www.munileague.org.
Legislative District 45
For Pos. 1, State Rep. Roger Goodman received a “very good” rating, while his opponent Kevin Haistings was rated “good.”
For Pos. 2, Rep. Larry Springer received an “outstanding”; opponent Mark Isaacs was “not qualified.”
State Senator Eric Oemig of the 45th District was ranked as “very good,” while opponent Andy Hill was “good.”
District 48
Both State Rep. Ross Hunter, Pos. 1, and his opponent Diane Tebelius were ranked “very good.”
State Rep. Deb Eddy, Pos. 2, received a “very good,” while the League deemed her opponent Philip L. Wilson “not qualified.”
State Senator Rodney Tom was the only other Kirkland-area legislative candidate to be ranked as “outstanding” along with Springer. Candidates who have made numerous outstanding contributions requiriing skills related to the office and who are respected leaders, achieve “outstanding” status.
Tom’s opponent, Gregg Bennett, was ranked as “good.”
To determine candidate ratings, volunteers throughout King County have joined the Municipal League’s Candidate Evaluation Committees to study the public record, review candidate questionnaires, speak with references, and conduct interviews with candidates. Committee members then rate each candidate on four criteria: Involvement, Character, Effectiveness and Knowledge. The possible ratings are: Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Adequate, Not Qualified and Insufficient Information to Rate.
The non-partisan ratings process is similar to a job interview and investigates each candidate’s potential to be effective in the office he or she seeks and to beneficially serve the community. Political affiliations or stances on particular issues are not considered during the League rating process. The Municipal League attempted to contact every candidate in a contested race. Candidates were rated even if they declined to participate.
“Our people and process are what make these ratings such important tools for voters,” said Matthew Stubbs, the Muni League’s Candidate Evaluation Committee chair. “Committee volunteers commit to a nonpartisan assessment process that has been developed and refined by the League for the past 100 years. We use that same process with each candidate we evaluate to make sure League ratings are fair and consistent.”
