Typical knowledge holds that it’s almost unimaginable for members of the minority occasion to achieve success getting payments by way of the state Legislature. However that wasn’t true for Rep. Sam Low. Throughout his first time period in Olympia, the Lake Stevens Republican was capable of introduce 5 payments that turned regulation within the Democratic-controlled Legislature.
Low is justifiably pleased with that accomplishment, which resulted in additional constant penalties for animal abuse; extra flexibility round constructing inexpensive housing in rural areas; and enhancements to make sure correct voter rolls.
His means to get the animal-cruelty invoice by way of the left-leaning Home Committee on Group Security, Justice and Reentry — which is usually averse to growing prison sanctions — is of specific word, a sign of Low’s means to work with colleagues throughout the aisle. In a legislative physique too typically pushed by agendas of the far left or far proper, his reasonable method is welcome.
A devoted public servant, Low has been in elected workplace 11 years, first as a member of the Lake Stevens Metropolis Council, the place he turned council president and served because the mayor professional tem. In 2016, Low was elected to the Snohomish County Council, a seat he retains, even after becoming a member of the Legislature in 2023.
His high competitor within the race for reelection is Republican Bob Sutherland, who held the seat for 4 years however declined to take a seat for an interview with The Instances editorial board.
Unbiased candidate Kathryn Lewandowsky, a retired nurse, says her views line up with the Democrats’ progressive wing. Whereas her concentrate on enhancing nationwide well being care coverage is laudable, the Legislature just isn’t essentially the very best area. Additional, regardless of her profession, Lewandowsky was uninformed about WA Cares, the Legislature’s groundbreaking, if divisive, new regulation requiring each employee to contribute to a government-administered long-term care plan.
The invoice, as handed, had main flaws, a few of which have already been tweaked. Low favors enhancing it additional — and ending the requirement that employees pay into it by way of obligatory payroll deductions.
“I’m into alternative,” he mentioned.
Regardless of the right-leaning voters in his district, Low takes pains to stipulate the variations between himself and Sutherland, significantly on local weather coverage.
“I’m not a local weather denier,” he mentioned, although he opposes the Local weather Dedication Act due to its fuel tax. “We have to discover a higher technique to save the planet.”
As with WA Cares, voters could have the possibility to weigh in on the Local weather Dedication Act by way of a poll initiative in November. Low mentioned he welcomes giving residents that voice.
For his public servant expertise and willingness to succeed in throughout the aisle, the board recommends voters retain Low to signify the 39th Legislative District in Place 1.