Personal

Name: Dean Takko

Town:Longview

Party: Democrat

Education: Wahkiakum High School; Lower Columbia College; Western Washington University, BS.

Employment or business background: Wahkiakum County Assessor; Chief Deputy Assessor Cowlitz County; Cowlitz County Assessor

Endorsements: (Please limit the number of endorsements to 3) Washington State Labor Council; Washington State Troopers Assn.; Washington Federation of State Employees.

Questions

1. We’ve had an updated revenue forecast for almost a month and we know more about the financial and social impacts of COVID-19. Is it time for the Legislature to have a special session to address budget and other issues?

Yes, but with that said we need to wait to make sure that all of the information we need to make a decision is available. Primarily what more federal money will be available. There are funds available to get us to January, we have 2 billion in budget stabilization, 1 billion in unbudgeted from last session and about 450 million savings from governor budget vetoes. It does appear that a special session will be in November.

2. Because of Covid-19, the state will lose billions of dollars in revenue over this biennium and next, much more than is in the current rainy day fund. Balancing the budget will mean cuts and/or raising taxes. What are your thoughts on whether to cut spending or raise revenue?

It will probably take some of all of those things. Cuts first, reallocate existing accounts to a more pressing need and revenue as a last decision.

3. If the Legislature has to raise taxes to balance the budget, which segments of the economy should see the increases.

We have the most regressive tax structure of all of the 50 states so to just increase the already regressive system is not something I would want to support. The revenue source that is getting the most attention is a capital gains tax. I don’t see this as a fix in the short term. First, in this fiscal environment I cannot see much capital sold to actually generate the income some would expect. Second, there will be a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the tax, which will most likely put it on hold until there is a decision and I am not convinced that it would hold up to a challenge. And lastly, I am sure there would be an initiative that would put it in jeopardy for some time.

4. Is there a need for policing reform? If so, what are some of the issues that need addressing?

I don’t support the concept of defund the police, but I do think that there are reforms that should be made. Number one is some type of registry of police that have had discipline action in their job so that they are not just moved on from one agency to another.

5. What is the most pressing need in your district and what can the Legislature do to address it?

Jobs. I think that the state can help by continuing to fund infrastructure projects. I have been very engaged in getting capital budget and transportation monies to the district. This has always been a priority of mine in the Legislature.