A large crowd gathered Wednesday night, June 30, at the Beveridge Place Pub in the Morgan Junction to attend the campaign kick-off of 34th Legislative District Candidate Mike Heavey. The evening’s remarks focused on efforts to move the State of Washington away from the sales tax and toward a high-earner income tax, initiative reform, and education.

“We cannot continue to ride the boom, bust cycle of the regressive tax system,” Heavey said.

Heavey, pointed out that he has worked in both the private and the public sector, and discussed his support for Initiative 1098, a ballot measure to institute an income tax on high earners.

He described the 34th District as geographically and socially diverse, and spoke about the commonalities throughout West Seattle, Burien, and Vashon Island. He said he has made a firm commitment to supporting school levies and education issues. He said he comes from a family of educators, and therefore seeks to join this tradition of commitment by making it a priority that all children finish high school ready for careers or college. He believes he is the candidate that can best find common ground between parents, school districts, teachers and advocate groups to make this aspiration a reality.

Heavey’s remarks were accompanied by those from two of his endorsers: state senators Ed Muarry and Ken Jacobson. Both spoke about Heavey’s work ethic and both state senators had served in the legislature with Heavey’s father, Judge Michael Heavy. They referred to the "courage and respect of the common good" they knew his father to have, and have "come to see represented within Heavey." Senator Muarry grew up on Southwest 61st Street and attended Alki Elementary.

Heavey thanked both senators for their confidence and praise. He finished the evening by commenting about the campaigning process: "It is a lot of work, but a workload worthy of the responsibilities the job of state representative carries with it. We have a great success thus far and will continue to keep our foot on the gas pedal."