Mercer Island residents Lisa Wellman and Tana Senn have retained their spots in the Legislative District 41 political realm.
King County Elections certified the results on Nov. 24, and Wellman (D) won her state senatorial race by garnering 69.93 percent of the votes to 29.98 percent for Mike Nykreim (R). Senn (D) ran unopposed for state representative Pos. 1 and amassed 96.77 percent of the votes.
The Reporter asked incumbents Wellman and Senn about their political lives in this special Q and A session.
Wellman
* What was the impetus to get you running for office?
Back in 2016 I was running a business as a tech consultant while working at a number of nonprofits. One position, appointed by Gov. Gregoire, was with the Community Economic Revitalization Board. This involved providing loans and grants to communities across Washington for infrastructure allowing existing businesses to expand and new businesses to come to our state. Every project we funded had job development as a requirement. It was incredibly satisfying work. I learned a lot about our state, the different urban, suburban and rural communities and their issues. But I didn’t feel I had a platform to accomplish all I thought could be done.
As a vice president at Apple, I could make a difference for companies and people around the world. I could show people how to use technology to grow their businesses. I could help bring a product to market that solved a problem. The opportunity to serve as the 41st Legislative District senator seemed to me to offer that kind of platform –- a way to make a positive difference for my own community and others.
* What’s kept you going in the political realm over the years?
Politics has always been part of my life. I’ve always felt it was part of my responsibility as a citizen to be informed and active. Now, as a senator, I feel so incredibly fulfilled doing the job. I wake up every day excited about the work, the people I work with and the new people I’m going to learn about. I’m constitutionally curious.
In this job, every day brings some new learning and I love it.
I’m using a lifetime of experience in my work as a politician and your senator. Over the course of my life, I’ve had the opportunity to work in many enterprise areas and in a number of different positions. K-12, college teacher and mentor, computer programmer, systems developer and marketer, business consultant are but a few. The fact that I can use everything I’ve learned while taking on the challenge of finding solutions, improving people’s lives, helping Washington adapt to our rapidly changing world –- that keeps me going.
* What are some of the key issues that you hope to drive home with citizens? Why are these vital?
We must address institutionalized, systemic injustices throughout our society. After a lifetime of trying to make a difference, desegregating businesses, marching and protesting, fighting for equal rights legislation, it feels as though we (and I include myself) begin to “get it.” We will be reviewing all legislation with a sharper lens making sure we address issues of equity.
I have been a member of the Tax Structure workgroup, a bi-partisan effort to develop more fair revenue streams to more equitably cover our budget. I want to make sure we continue to cover our expenses for the network of critical social services while assuring the revenue is progressive. Currently those most needy pay a greater percent of their income than those of greatest wealth.
I’ve been working on connectivity for 15 years. Today it’s a critical infrastructure for education as well as economic development and healthcare. High-speed Broadband to every home is needed now.
* What are some of the challenges and rewards that come with the political territory?
Looking at the education system, for example, I can see areas that need major transformation and some that need adjustment. Only a limited number of issues can be addressed in any single session. And agreement among your own caucus and opposing caucus is needed to move something forward. Then agreement in the other house must be assured. It is challenging and a question of constantly prioritizing the work.
I’ve already spoken of the rewards this work brings me. Even when it takes multiple sessions, passing impactful legislation that helps many people personally, or addresses pollution or climate change, supports women and minority groups and provides businesses new opportunities for growth — whether they are my bills or the work of others, I love being part of a system that aligns with my values and makes our state a wonderful place to live and work.
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Senn
* What was the impetus to get you running for office?
I first ran for Mercer Island City Council because of a road safety issue. I didn’t like how the council was handling the decision making — focused on slower commute times versus the safety of kids and families — and when I realized it was an all-male council, I knew I had to change that! Diverse voices lead to better choices.
* What’s kept you going in the political realm over the years?
It was my perspective as a busy mom of two kids that drove my initial work on the state level to improve education funding, reduce traffic and expand gun responsibility. Additional issues critical to kids and families center me like my work to improve children’s mental health, women’s equality and the safety net.
* What are some of the key issues that you hope to drive home with citizens? Why are these vital?
This legislative session I am laser focused on increasing access to affordable, high-quality child care. The COVID pandemic has highlighted the critical role it plays in our economy for working parents, businesses and kids. Supporting child care workers and expanding access for families will help in our economic recovery, reduce racial and income inequalities, and ensure all kids have a fair start.
* What are some of the challenges and rewards that come with the political territory?
It is such a challenge to know that there are so many needs in our communities, but the state alone can’t meet them all. However, each policy we pass or investment we make stands to improve the lives of thousands across our state. That keeps me grounded, motivated and fired up to keep serving this community!
