The Ballard News Tribune recently profiled John Burbank and Reuven Carlyle, the two candidates for state Legislature in the 36th District. I've known John Burbank for 25 years through politics and friendship and can attest with great passion to his overwhelming qualifications for the job.

John's been an activist for progressive issues in the district for decades and has a proven track record of delivering real results for ordinary, working people. As creator and director of the nonprofit Economic Opportunity Institute, John developed policy for the minimum wage initiative benefiting 200,000 workers each year; family leave insurance which benefits 80,000 a year, a wage ladder for childcare workers through which 1,000 workers a year pursue higher education for better pay, and the Basic Health Plan which insured an additional 25,000.

Although he seems to say all the right things, when you dig deeper, Reuven's public service looks thin. He was appointed to the state community and technical colleges board three years ago, and last year a bill that he worked on was passed that helps foster youth go to college. These are admirable activities, but do not demonstrate the commitment to the community that John has. This is a case of style over substance, and Burbank has the depth of experience that we need in Olympia. It's not a beauty contest, its serious business.

Furthermore, I don't know what about "top two" Reuven doesn't understand. The new system is meant to allow the top two vote-getters in the primary to move on to the general election, regardless of party. That means that the person who gets the most votes and the person who gets the second most votes in the primary go on to the general. It does not mean that the person who gets the most votes wins. Reuven needs to concentrate less on trying to convince everyone to the contrary, and focus more on making sure his yard signs do not continue to be placed illegally in the public right of way.

Lucy Auster

Ballard