ELECTIONS

Steve Van Luven running for state Senate 40th District

Steve Van Luven is running for Washington's 40th District State Senate seat which is being vacated at the end of the year by Sen. Harriet Spanel.

Van Luven previously served in the Washington House of Representatives from 1983 until 1987, and again from 1989 until 2003, as state representative for the 48th District, which included parts of Bellevue, Kirkland and Redmond. The 40th Legislative District covers parts of Skagit and Whatcom counties and all of San Juan County.

"Although I spent part of my professional life in the Bellevue area, my roots are deep in the 40th District. My family's history goes back 120 years in Whatcom County and 80 years in Skagit County. I was born in Bellingham and came to Samish Island just a week after my birth," said Van Luven. "I'm running for the state Senate because I deeply care about this area, my friends, neighbors, relatives and the citizens who live here, and because I want to ensure a better quality of life for those who call the 40th District their home."

As former chairman of the House International Trade and Economic Development Committee for seven years, Van Luven says he can put his experience to work right away to protect existing jobs in agriculture and expand trade opportunities for the local area.

"I know the value of our farmers and agricultural land. As a young man, I worked on a dairy farm. I know how hard our farmers work. We literally feed the world with some of our seed production. The state, nor the world, cannot afford for Skagit or Whatcom counties to lose farm land," said Van Luven.

Van Luven has been a strong defender of maintaining local ferry runs. In 1997, he introduced legislation that stopped the closure of the Anacortes to Sidney, B.C. ferry route.

"Our local ferries are an important part of the economic engine for the 40th District. From tourism to transporting products, our ferries are vital for jobs and the quality of life we enjoy here," noted Van Luven. "It's essential we keep our ferries running properly. Anyone who questions the importance of this need only to look to the effects of the Port Townsend-Keystone route closure earlier this year."

Having served several years on the House Higher Education Committee, Van Luven understands the importance of local access to higher education facilities. He has been a strong vocal supporter of locating a new university branch campus in or near the Skagit County area.

"I am one of the two legislators who sponsored legislation that created the five branch campuses for Washington State University and the University of Washington. I know this issue well," he added. "I also know the importance of working with faculty and students to keep Western Washington University at the top of the funding list when state budgets are prepared."

An advocate for taxpayers and lower property taxes for working families, Van Luven has also been a strong supporter of measures allowing senior citizens to reduce their tax burdens so they don't lose their homes or farms.

"We all know taxes are necessary, but they shouldn't be a burden on our business owners, farmers or hard-working citizens. We need to make sure every tax dollar is spent wisely and that government takes not one penny more than it needs to provide essential services for our citizens," said Van Luven.

A longtime business owner in the import/export business with China and Mexico, Van Luven is fluent in Spanish. He is an Eagle Scout, served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Finance Corp., has lived and or worked in New York City, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, China and Japan and holds both a BA and MBA degree.

"With more than 17 years experience as a leader in the House of Representatives, I can hit the road running and provide results in the Senate. My negotiating skills and knowledge of the Legislature will ensure a strong voice for our local citizens. I'm looking forward to this campaign and serving the people of the 40th District," said Van Luven.

SAN JUAN ISLANDER © 2010

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