Election preview: 12th Legislative District Position No. 1

• Education: Maher wants to fully fund public schools and believes standardized testing should solely be used as an internal tool for the schools, rather than as a measurement of the effectiveness of education.

• Jobs: With a history in the information (IT) field, Maher believes he has the ability to bring about unique opportunities in the area for future growth. He believes the potential for growth is there because of cheap power, an abundance of water and communication infrastructure.

• Social justice: Maher believes the homelessness problem needs to be addressed with social service opportunities. He says that by decreasing living costs for working families, as well as changing regressive taxes to progressive, disposable income can be increased, which in-turn would improve business opportunities.

Ballots in Chelan, Douglas and Grant counties will be mailed on Oct. 19. Ballots in Okanogan County will be mailed on Oct. 21. The general election is set for Nov. 8.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.