Senate candidates split on tax cuts, transit, and local housing rules

Republican Sherri Larkin is running against incumbent Democrat John Lovick for a state Senate seat in the Nov. 3 election. The two candidates outline different paths on housing, transportation, and taxes.

Larkin wants to repeal the gas tax tied to the Climate Commitment Act and stop annual gas tax increases. She also proposes repealing the tax on million-dollar earners and cutting the state business and occupation tax. "Cutting gas prices will lower prices all around quickly including groceries, retail products, and your drive to work. The B&O tax reduction allows small businesses to stay in business and pay their employees a decent wage," Larkin said.

Lovick voted for the tax on high earners and said the money can fund housing. "I believe the millionaires' tax I proudly voted for creates an opportunity to direct new revenue toward critical needs like housing," he said. He named affordable housing for people leaving homelessness, low-wage workers, and seniors as a state investment.

On building rules, Larkin said she would push for fewer state mandates and leave zoning and permitting to city and county governments. "I would advocate for as much as possible staying at the local level of decision making. I don't believe it works when state legislation forces local governments to all participate in the same way for housing needs," she said. "I do not agree with a 'one size fits all' approach."

Lovick lists schools, roads, and job creation as his affordability priorities. "With safe, strong schools, we will prepare our students for the future of working great, well-paying jobs. When our roads are safe, our communities will have less expenses in car recovery and fixes," he said.

Both candidates name traffic congestion as a regional problem, but they differ on spending. Larkin said riders in the district pay steep Sound Transit costs and that ridership is not projected to grow significantly. She wants state money directed to roads and bridges, including Highway 522. "Our current legislators gave the 2022 transportation package to bikes and buses. We need to prioritize roads and bridges. We need to prioritize HWY 522 that was promised in 1993," Larkin said. A prior governor set aside millions for the highway in 1993, and the project moved slowly in the 2000s and 2010s.

Lovick, vice chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, said he met with Snohomish city officials about the bridge over U.S. 2 near Bickford Avenue and works on state solutions. He backs light rail and bus service. "I am one of the state's strongest advocates for our light rail system," he said, calling for "more routes and shorter wait times." As for funding choices, he said, "Each year, there are dozens of competing priorities for transportation funding, but my number one priority is safety.. Safety should always come first."

Lovick served 13 years in the Coast Guard and 31 years in the Washington State Patrol, was elected Snohomish County sheriff in 2007, and joined the Senate in 2022. He has lived in Snohomish County for 49 years. Larkin has lived in Snohomish for more than 25 years and serves on the Snohomish School District board; her campaign was unanimously endorsed by the Snohomish County Deputy Sheriff's Association board. The 44th Legislative District covers Snohomish, Mill Creek, Maltby, Clearview, Bothell, Everett, Monroe, and North Creek.