State Representative, 31st LD, Pos. 2 – Thomas R Clark

Legislative Questionnaire

Candidate Information

  • Candidate Name: Thomas R Clark
  • Position Sought: State Representative (Non-incumbent)
  • Home Legislative District: 31
  • Democrat: Yes

Campaign Information

Part I – Candidate Background

1. Please briefly describe your qualifications, education, employment, community and civic activity, union affiliation, prior political activity, and other relevant experience.

Six-year U.S. Navy veteran, honorably discharged. Boeing retiree after 33 years supporting engineering development and system testing. Working alongside U.S. and International Air Defense Forces, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some of the best and brightest. We developed detailed and efficient processes to accomplish our collective objectives and achieved amazing results. These efforts required direct interaction with customers and government regulatory agencies. Working as a team, we ensured the interests, and requirements, of all members were acknowledged and incorporated. Through international travel, I learned to appreciate diverse cultures, respecting the value of teamwork, alliances and shared goals.

2. What prompted you to run for this office? What are your campaign’s most important themes, issues, or priorities (three to five)?

My basic philosophy is that we, as Americans, have far more in common than our differences. I believe a little empathy goes a long way. I have friends from every walk of life and political ideology. I focus on collaboration and compromise to accomplish common goals. I identify as a Democrat, but believe there is room for independence within a Party. I value honor and Integrity. I have enjoyed prosperity, but have also endured great tragedy. In our quest for greatness we should also remember to be good. I’ll work hard for you and would appreciate your vote.

3. What steps are you taking to run a successful campaign?

Working with local LD31 PCOs, submitting questionnaires for endorsements from a variety of affiliations/organizations.

Part II – Local and State Issues

1. Do you support Initiative Measure No. 940 (“De-escalate Washington,” requiring, among other things, that law enforcement officers be required to obtain violence de-escalation and mental health training, so that officers will have greater skills to resolve conflicts without the use of physical or deadly force)?

Yes

2. Do you support the right of public workers, excluding military, to bargain and strike?

Yes

3. Would you support a statewide “Ban the Box” law, prohibiting employers from asking about job applicants’ criminal history until after an initial screening or interview?

Yes

4. Do you support legislation that reimburses the cost of reproductive health care services, such as SB 6105, the Reproductive Health Access for All Act?

Yes

5. Would you support an automatic voter registration act such as HB 2595 (Automatic Voter Registration Act of 2018), streamlining procedures in order to automatically register citizens to vote?

Yes

6. Would you support a bill that would enable the state of WA to create a single health financing entity to provide health care financing for all Washington residents, independent from employment, such as the WA Apple Care Trust?

Yes

Part III – Free Response

1. Why are you running as a Democrat? What aspects of the Democratic platform most resonate with you?

I am a person who strives to make a difference. I feel it is socially responsible to take care of our weakest members of society in order to have the greatest impact on a community. Our country needs leaders who are responsible and empathetic to all people.

2. In the past, many Democrat-sponsored bills have died in the Republican-controlled Senate. Please list three failed bills from the past legislative session that you will champion when elected.

As a newly elected representative, I will seek to learn where I can best make a difference and work tirelessly to accomplish bipartisan legislation that supports all of Washington.

3. What important state and local issues have you worked on (or taken an interest in) that you feel aren’t getting enough attention from elected leaders and the media?

I strongly support investment in infrastructure, education, and public safety.

4. Do you think Washington public schools are adequately funded? If not, what minimum requirements should be met in an adequately funded public school system? What specific forms of taxation would you support to attain that funding?

I do not feel that Washington public schools are adequately funded. Each child should have access to individual technology (one computer per child) and all our teachers should be paid an adequate salary to compensate for the important role they play in society, educating our youth. This is a serious and complex problem that requires innovative ideas of a team, working together, to find the best solutions.

5. What are some obstacles inherent in proposed legislative solutions to climate change? How would you approach those obstacles in order to best overcome or minimize any negative effects?

I feel that understanding and educating ourselves on climate change and the solutions that are available is the most important step all of us can take to come to agreement on how to best address and implement solutions.

6. What are some obstacles inherent in proposed approaches to tax reform in Washington State? How would you approach those obstacles in order to best overcome or minimize any negative effects?

I believe we all have more in common than we have differences and the current tax structure should be evaluated to determine how best to serve our community in a fair and equitable manner that continues to support the goals of the State.

7. Do you support the voter-approved call for a Constitutional Amendment to overturn the Citizens United Supreme Court decision (I-735), and if so, how do you propose to work toward that goal?

I believe Campaign Finance Reform is critical to restoring democracy, as intended, by the Founding Fathers in that those elected are the choice of the people.

By typing my name below, I declare under penalty of perjury the foregoing is true and correct.

Printed Name: Thomas R. Clark

Date: 06/07/2020

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