Mary Ellen Biggerstaff 2020 Questionnaire – State House District 22, Position 2

The Urbanist Elections Committee invited candidates in the Seattle metropolitan region to fill out our questionnaire and participate in our endorsement process. We based our endorsement decisions on the responses and follow-up interviews.

Below is the response from Mary Ellen Biggerstaff, who is running for State House District 22, Position 2.

What lessons about government revenues and fiscal priorities from the wake of 2008 would you apply in responding to the Covid-19 crisis? (200 words or less)

We need tax reform, we need to cut money spent incarcerating people and instead prioritize services for the most vulnerable in our State. This is not the time we need austerity.

Would you vote for a bill that ends the ban on rent control in Washington? Yes

Why or Why not? (50 words or less)

We have to prioritize affordable housing for low income people and strengthen tennants rights. Communities should be able to implement rent control.

What role do you see the state playing in enacting land use reform, and what should that reform prioritize? (200 words or less)

It should prioritize housing that is affordable for everyone.

What should be the major components of a climate package? (50 words or less)

Transition to clean energy, protecting and restoring our existing natural habitats and waterways, environmental justice and equity, and transition to public transportation.

What should be the top strategies for the state to fix the cycle of segregation, disinvestment, gentrification, and unaffordable housing in our cities? (200 words or less)

The state investing in non market housing through maintaining and building non market housing, supporting community land trusts so that communities can collectively own both housing and businesses, and tenants rights. Requiring all multi-housing developments to maintain 25% of their housing for low income residents. Looking at Housing as a basic human right, not as a commodity.

What’s your roadmap to fixing educational inequities in Washington state? How can Washington state comply with its constitutional duties regarding education? (200 words or less)

We have to have funding reform – we need to rely on progressive taxation to properly fund our education system, not unequal property taxes. Our priority needs to be equity in fully funding education.

Do you think Washington state should have an income tax? Yes

If yes, what is the legislative path? If not, would you pursue any tax reform? (100 words or less)

I need to understand this process better – but we need to amend the constitution to implement an income tax.

While California and Oregon have passed a clean fuels standard aiming to meet their climate goals, Washington did not, as the bill stalled out last session. Would you vote for it? If not, what is the route to meeting our climate goals? (150 words or less)

Yes, I would absolutely vote for clean fuel standards. The world and our state government will be a very different place in January, and it is a good time try again at this legislation.

What percentage of the state’s transportation budget should be for alternatives to cars, such as transit, biking, and pedestrian infrastructure? (100 words)

I would love to see at least 50% of our budget put towards building an excellent public transportation system. I have traveled in both Asia and Europe enough to know that this completely feasible.

What should be a higher priority: electrifying personal vehicles or reducing the number of trips made in personal vehicles? Explain how to achieve your priority. (50 words).

I think our current stay at home orders are providing a great roadmap for reducing the amount of driving in personal vehicles – as we return back to (more) normal activity, what can we maintain about reducing driving?

The Urbanist Elections Committee’s Take: No endorsement

Read our full endorsement here