ELECTIONS 2024: Three compete for state House 10th Legislative District
Emma Fletcher-Frazer reports on the legislative elections for the Stanwood Camano News.
Three candidates are running for the Position 1 state representative seat of the 10th Legislative District on the Aug. 6 ballot.
The district includes Camano Island, Stanwood, La Conner, Conway, Whidbey Island, Arlington and western Mount Vernon.
The candidates submitted responses to a questionnaire sent out by Skagit Publishing.
They Said It
Incumbent Clyde Shavers (D-Oak Harbor)… said that he prioritizes lowering rising costs and serving all community members regardless of party.
“I fought to lower property taxes for more seniors, veterans, and the disabled; and cap medication costs. I increased retirement benefits for teachers and public employees; and funded affordable housing for Langley, Coupeville, Stanwood, and Arlington,” said Shavers in his questionnaire response.
Shavers also said he prioritizes reproductive choice, the environment, veterans and military families, and support for law enforcement.
Shavers cited his lead sponsorship of seven bills for community projects, including those to do with clean fusion technology, career learning opportunities for children, and accessibility to benefits for veterans.
“My goal has been and will always be simple — to give my absolute everything to public service. Serving in the Legislature has been one of the most challenging endeavors, but also one of the most meaningful — and I’m honored to have gone on this adventure with you,” said Shavers. “Together, we accomplished so much — but there’s more work to be done for all of us. I hope to continue my life-long dedication to public service — to serve you.”
[Yvonne] Gallardo-Van Ornam [R-Arlington] said the most important issue that the chosen representative faces is to work on both sides of the aisle to address each of the three counties’ disparate issues. She also said she wants to maintain direct engagement with the district’s citizens.
“In today’s politically charged atmosphere it is easy for folks to get caught up in party politics instead of focusing on the policies that will help folks in this district see solutions with their geographic transportation issues, affordability, employment, parental rights, quality education, civic rights and public safety concerns,” Gallardo-Van Ornam said her questionnaire response.
Gallardo-Van Ornam said that she is “honest, embedded in this community and my passion for service over the last 25 years has led me to be involved with many organizations that work to support public safety and child welfare, economic development and veterans.”
Carrie Kennedy [R-Coupeville] said that she values honesty and integrity.
“Bring honor and integrity back to politics, elections so citizens will want to vote and trust their candidate,” said Kennedy in her questionnaire response. “A candidate who will and support the constituents and their communities, their rights, liberties and way of life putting legal Americans first always.”
On The Ballot in August 2024
State Senator, LD 10 Denny Sandberg (D-Camano Island)
Janet St. Clair (D-Camano Island)
Ron Muzzall (R-Oak Harbor), the incumbentState Representative, LD 10, Posn 1 Carrie R. Kennedy (R-Oak Harbor)
Yvonne Gallardo-Van Ornam (R-Arlington)
Clyde Shavers (D-Oak Harbor), the incumbentState Representative, LD 10, Posn 2 Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor), the incumbent
Gary Wray (R-Coupeville)Candidates for Legislative District 10 offices. Candidates are listed in the order in which they will appear on the ballot.
