Despite being in what could be considered a swing district, state Rep. Paul Harris is unabashedly conservative.
As a pro-business, low-tax, pro-gun-rights, low-minimum-wage, fund-education-first Republican, Harris leaves little room for gray area in supporting the issues in which he believes. But while Harris is firm in his positions, he also has the ability to listen and to debate in defense of his views. That is what makes him an effective representative for his constituents, and that is why The Columbian recommends Harris in the Nov. 4 general election. He is facing Democrat Richard McCluskey for representative from Legislative District 17, Position 2.
As always, this is simply a recommendation. Voters are well-equipped to examine the issues and decide which candidate best represents their views.
For Harris, such an examination will reveal a candidate who has been a longtime businessman, community leader and school board member in the area. It will reveal somebody who demonstrates strong leadership skills and is seeking a third term in the state House of Representatives. It also will reveal someone who has garnered a long list of supporters, ranging from elected officials to individuals to businesses.
The business support is easy to understand, as Harris embraces a traditional pro-business approach to legislating. He says that last year’s $8.7 billion tax break for Boeing was “absolutely necessary,” and he favors a training wage for new employees that is lower than the state minimum wage: “Education is the way to get out of a minimum-wage job. Get educated, get a skill.”
On the issue of education, Harris invokes the common Republican view that the state should “fund education first.” That will be a paramount concern when the Legislature convenes in January, as lawmakers have been tasked by the state Supreme Court to fully fund K-12 education as a result of the McCleary v. Washington court case.
In his campaign materials, Harris asserts, “I supported an increase in funding for full-day kindergarten and K-3 class-size reductions. This is where we know we will get the largest return on investment for student outcomes. … If education is the great equalizer and we know it reduces poverty, the answer in our state is to invest in education first.” Harris also believes the state can meet the McCleary mandate without raising taxes, in part thanks to new revenue from legalized marijuana.
McCluskey, on the other hand, is a traditional liberal, providing a stark contrast in this contest. “As a society,” he told The Columbian’s Editorial Board, “I think it makes sense to pay for the things we all share.” He says it is shameful for the state to provide corporate tax breaks while not adequately funding education, and criticizes Harris by saying, “The incumbent is all about no government. He’s so proud of pushing the ‘no’ button. There is vital work that needs to be done to benefit Clark County, Washington state, my neighbors, friends and family.”
McCluskey is a strong advocate for the development of renewable energy resources and supports an increase to the minimum wage, saying, “We don’t have a full middle class right now.” He also says, “People are so averse in increasing taxes, that would certainly have to be a last resort. But as a responsible legislator, I would not rule that out.”
Harris, meanwhile, takes a stronger anti-tax stand. And while he is firm in his opinions, he also is engaging and has demonstrated the kind of leadership that serves the 17th District well.
