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Carlyle, Burbank square off at Ballard debate

Posted by Geeky Swedes on October 14th, 2008

The Sunset Hill Community Association hosted a debate tonight between Reuven Carlyle and John Burbank, two Democrats running against each other for the open legislative seat in the 36th District. A good crowd attended.

The majority of the 45-minute debate featured both candidates agreeing with each other, more or less, on critical issues such as transportation, low income housing, health care, education and the troubled economy. But the last question asked what are the top differences between Burbank and Carlyle. “Number one, I don’t take corporate contributions,” Burbank said, pointing out that Carlyle didn’t go along with his proposal to limit campaign contributions in the race. “The idea that I am somehow in the pocket of those organizations whereas 80 plus percent of my money comes from individuals, so for a small amount of money, is simply silly,” Carlyle responded.

As for policy issues, Burbank emphasized his work on the minimum wage initiative, which guarantees automatic cost of living raises, as well as his contributions on family leave insurance. “The core issue here is who is the real change agent,” Burbank said. “We can talk about change, we can talk about dialogue, or we can take action. If you look at my record, I have taken action.”

Carlyle underlined his work on a bill that guaranteed a chance at a college education for foster kids, and he emphasized his experience as a wireless and software entrepreneur and a volunteer citizen activist. “The fundamental question is, do you believe in the concept of a citizen legislature,” he said, explaining that public policy has been Burbank’s job for 25 years. “I like to listen, I like to learn, and I embrace failure as well as success,” Carlyle said.

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  • I thought there was a clear difference in demeanor of the two candidates. I had not seen either of them speak before, other than seeing Reuven at the Ballard Sunday Market once. John Burbank stood out for his calm, even approach and his disciplined answers that stayed within the allotted time. He even had the presence of mind to make a couple of humorus remarks, indicating a mind engaged with the moment.
    Carlyle's responses ran over the time limit more and more as the evening went on. Too many times he started his answer with a list of the organizations that have endorsed him, followed by increasingly animated, but empty words that were hard to concentrate on because they were being delivered after his time was up. The meaning I made from this performance had less to do with what he said and more to do the conclusion I drew that here's a person who's going to have a hard time staying within all kinds of tough budgets, time, money, projects.
    With tough times ahead we need steady calm leadership. That's my gut feeling from last night small sampling.
  • MonkeyPilot
    I couldn't make last night's debate, but am glad to hear some first-hand impressions! Thanks!
  • Swishy Ballard Boy
    Does Burbank still want to tax my morning latte and croissant?
  • Evan
    I like Burbank - but I have major concerns about his Viaduct views. I beleive that he favors a retrofit or a re-build - which would be devestating to our shared downtown. the retrofit has been shown to no longer even be viable.

    This is also a concern I have with Gregoire. I was very disappointed in the stance that our local officials in the state legislature and the governor took on that issue.
  • etta
    Reuven was the clear winner of that debate, IMHO. He has impressive ideas and the energy to get them out there. He's also not just another think-tank policy wonk like the other guy. If all you care about is a legislator who is emotionless and staid, by all means, vote for the other guy. Who does, by the way, continue to support the retrofit despite the fact that engineers who've looked into that option view it as a short term fix that's a huge waste of money.

    Reuven's got real experience in the business world and has some very creative ideas for shaking up the decrepit legislative business-as-usual mindset. One of his main points is changing the out of control regressive taxes we live with in this state. The other guy's been embraced and promoted by the Democratic Party despite his having lost the primary. I prefer an smart, independent thinker, who doesn't need to play party politics to be successful.
  • Swishy Ballard Boy
    But Etta dear, will Reuven tax my morning latte?
  • ivoryhalo
    I have met John Burbank and trust in his intelligence, energy, compassion, stamina, and integrity. I have met Reuven as well and still can't figure out what he's done that makes him a better candidate than John. Even when Reuven's campaign manager tried to convert me, he only came up with one thing that Reuven had accomplished that related to being a public servant and making real progress in our community. No one had ever heard of Reuven in the 36th district before his campaign.

    Not to mention the dirty tricks Reuven's people have had to play in order to try (unsuccessfully) to get support in the 36th district.

    You better believe that if the Democrats had endorsed Reuven, he would have listed them as well before he "answered" questions at the debate, but since he didn't we're saying hhe "doesn't need to play party politics"?

    I don't know about that, but I can tell you one thing: it seems he needs those corporate contributions to be successful...

    John is the definition of a public servant and owes nothing to anyone but the people of the 36th district. He will go to the legislature, not for any personal political ambitions, but for us and the betterment of our lives.
  • Swishy Ballard Boy
    Betterment of our lives? But Ivory dear, he'll probably try to tax our lattes AND our croissants of he gets wins! Then he'll tax the air we breath .
  • Swishy Ballard Boy
    of he gets wins =

    'if he wins'
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