As part of our endorsement process at The Urbanist, we ask candidates to complete a standard questionnaire to better understand and evaluate their positions on housing, land use, transportation, and other important issues. We then share this information with our readers to help inform their own voting decisions.
This year we are considering selected candidates running for US Congress, Washington State Legislature, and King County Prosecuting Attorney. We are publishing the questionnaires in full, concluding with our official general election endorsements in mid-October.
The following questionnaire was submitted by Frank Deisler running for Legislative District 32B (which stretches from the Broadview neighborhood of Seattle to Lynnwood) on the Republican ticket. Deisler’s opponent, Lauren Davis (D-Shoreline) did not submit a questionnaire.
***
Rapid Fire
Do you consider yourself an urbanist?
Yes.
Do you support an income tax?
No.
Short Answer
How do we keep Sound Transit 3 (ST3) timelines on track given that the Trump administration is slow-walking or eliminating grants for transit projects and construction costs are skyrocketing?
By ending illegal sanctuary city and state policies, the Federal government will most likely cooperate with grants and funding assistance. More tax revenue will be available to complete the project.
What is your position on the Sound Transit car-tab tax? Would you support a plan that cuts Sound Transit’s budget?
High car tab costs hurt low income people the most. I support the $30 annual car tab tax.
How will you leverage state resources to increase affordable housing?
I support taxing and regulating marijuana cafes. A possible $200 million dollar tax windfall in the first year alone. All collected tax revenue shall be applied towards affordable housing construction projects. Legalizing, taxing, and regulating sex workers could lead to a $300 million tax windfall which should be applied towards affordable housing.
Washington is ranked as having the most regressive tax code in the nation. Rich households pay a much lower effective tax rate than poor households. What, if anything, do you propose to do about that?
It is a fact that high income households contribute much more in taxes than low income households. Marxist tax policies will do more harm than good to our state.
How should our state address climate change and would you back a carbon tax bill similar to what Governor Inslee has proposed?
I do not support a carbon tax bill. It will hurt low income and working class people the most. I would support providing tax breaks for consumers who purchase electric vehicles.
Would you vote to permit local transit agencies and police departments to implement camera enforcement of transit lanes in order to keep buses moving through traffic bottlenecks? Why or why not?
Yes. Cameras should only be operating during peak hours. Speedy, efficient, bus service will encourage more people to choose bus transit instead of personal vehicles.
How can we protect and preserve the open spaces in Washington State?
Continue to fund state parks and land. Allow local municipalities a greater voice in how best to utilize open space.
What is your favorite mode of transportation and why?
Riding the Bus is my favorite mode of transportation. It is usually on time and always has interesting people on board.
The next time the state legislature crafts a major transportation funding package, what do you want to see in it?
More Bus service, more Bus routes statewide. We will need more east-west bus lines leading passengers to light rail stations.
Elections Committee
The Urbanist was founded in 2014 to examine and influence urban policies. We believe cities provide unique opportunities for addressing many of the most challenging social, environmental, and economic problems. We serve as a resource for promoting urbanism, increasing political participation, and improving the places we live. The Elections Committee consists of community volunteers and staff members of The Urbanist and is a standing body representing the political values of our organization.