In Our View: Advance Stonier or Barber in 49th District primary

In the race for 49th Legislative District Representative, Position 2, The Columbian’s Editorial Board recommends a vote for Democrat Monica Stonier or Republican Russell Barber in the Aug. 6 primary.

As always, this is merely a recommendation, designed to foster discussion and provide information. The Columbian trusts that voters in the 49th District will study the candidates and the issues before casting an informed ballot.

In Stonier, voters will find an experienced legislator who has effectively worked for her constituents. She was first elected to represent the 49th District in 2016, after previously serving in the 17th District. In the House, Stonier has been selected by her peers as majority floor leader, an example of the respect she has earned in Olympia.

During an interview with the Editorial Board, Stonier effectively articulated how she views her duties: “I believe the role of state government is to help out when cities are not able to (provide services) and when the federal government is nowhere to be seen.”

As one example, she points to the Climate Commitment Act — which was passed by lawmakers in 2021 and could be repealed by an initiative on the November ballot — and notes that it is helping school districts pay for electric school buses.

Stonier has worked in Evergreen Public Schools for more than 20 years, including time as a classroom teacher and as an instructional coach. In Olympia, she has been a strong supporter of labor unions and public education, leading legislation to create alternative pathways for high school graduation and to adequately fund special education.

In the Voters’ Pamphlet, Stonier writes: “My record is clear. I have delivered on my progressive values of fighting bans on books and abortion access, supporting stabilized rent, and access to health care and jobs.” While she typically supports progressive causes, she also has a history of working with Republicans to get legislation passed.

Stonier’s main challenger on the three-person primary ballot is Barber, a software engineer who is seeking office for the first time. At a candidate forum hosted by the League of Women Voters, he said: “In Olympia, I’ll focus on practical solutions to our most pressing issues, including education, addressing transportation needs, and supporting working families and local businesses.”

He favors initiatives to repeal the state’s capital gains tax and Climate Commitment Act, saying: “How are we using these dollars for people? I just don’t see it.”

In his campaign materials, Barber writes that he “supports increased transportation infrastructure, including the construction of a third bridge or tunnel, to improve connectivity and reduce congestion.”

When questioned about specific issues, Barber often replies, “I don’t know.” Such honesty can be seen as an attribute of somebody who admits they have much to learn; but it also can be viewed as a detriment for a candidate who is not as knowledgeable as his experienced opponent.

The third person on the ballot, Justin Forsman, is a perennial candidate who has sought various offices over the years. In the Voters’ Pamphlet, he writes: “I will advocate for the Washington State Guard to be sent to our southern border to help stop the invasion by illegals, terrorists, and human traffickers. I will fight to stop the use of Glyphosates, Fluoride, and MRNA ‘vaccines.’ ”

Two candidates will advance to the November general election. The Columbian’s Editorial Board believes Monica Stonier and Russell Barber are the best choices.