Acknowledged leader in finance and economy will bring 30 years of hands-on expertise to critical post
SEATTLE- State Representative Jim McIntire (D-Seattle), a 5-term legislator and former House Finance Committee Chair, today announced that he will be a candidate for State Treasurer next year. Current Treasurer Mike Murphy has announced that he will be retiring in 2008.
"Washington faces many financing challenges in the next few years," said McIntire. "It is absolutely vital that we find the most efficient, least cost way of financing the construction of our roads, schools and public infrastructure that our communities depend on for basic services.
A longtime economics teacher at the University of Washington, economic advisor to former Governor Booth Gardner, and seasoned legislator, McIntire feels he will bring the right mix of experience to the job-and a focus on public accountability.
"I have 30 years of public finance experience - working with federal, state and local governments on bond and tax finance," said McIntire. "I have the breadth of policy and practical experience to provide this leadership and accountability. This is not about protecting the bureaucracy, it's about protecting the best interests of taxpayers."
Rep. McIntire has led several fiscal committees in the Legislature and now chairs the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council. As a member of the "Gates Commission," he has shepherded three of its key recommendations through the Legislature with strong bi-partisan support, including the constitutional "Rainy Day" proposal on this year's ballot, sales tax reforms, and regular performance audits of tax loopholes.
"Jim's leadership on the constitutional rainy day account was crucial," said House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler, "we wouldn't have passed the legislation without him."
Early endorsements include support from former Gov. Booth Gardner, Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, House Speaker Frank Chopp, and dozens of fellow state legislators. He is also supported by King County Assessor Scott Nobles, Spokane County Treasurer Skip Chilberg, Pierce County Treasurer/Assessor Ken Madsen, and Clark County Treasurer Doug Lasher.
"It's exciting to start the campaign with this kind of broad, statewide support," said McIntire. "I look forward to running a strong campaign."
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