Senate Green Duds
In stark contrast to our list of Champions, these Senators uniquely stand out as major disappointments for their poor voting record on environmental issues. They are seriously "out of step" with their constituents and with the values of Washington state.
Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen (D-10)
Despite serving a district that includes Whidbey Island, one of our state’s natural treasures, Senator Mary Margaret Haugen voted against the environment at nearly every turn. Over the past two years, she vigorously opposed clean energy, clean fuels, local transit options, renewable energy development, and green jobs. She uses her position as Transportation Chair to intimidate her committee colleagues, many of whom would otherwise be strong supporters of an environmental agenda.
As the Legislature’s most vocal advocate for the oil and gas lobbyists, Senator Haugen was the single biggest obstacle 2009 and 2010 to passing meaningful legislation that addresses stormwater runoff, the state’s number one water pollution problem. This “polluter pays” approach was led not only by the environmental community but also by local governments, whom she has previously purported to champion. Senator Haugen also worked against the environment and local governments by opposing the chance for voter-approved local tax options for transit, again arguing that the Legislature needs to “hold” those options hostage in exchange for support for increased road funding.
Senator Mary Margaret Haugen’s 40% score is an embarrassment for her constituents and her caucus. It is time for a new generation of leadership in the 10th Legislative District, one that represents the future rather than the distant past.
Sen. Tim Sheldon (D-35)
Senator Tim Sheldon prides himself in being Olympia’s naysayer and contrarian. We get that, but enough is enough. A district like this that includes Hood Canal and is so dependent upon a natural resource-based economy deserves better. In contrast to his seatmates’ respective scores of 78% and 89% on this Scorecard, Senator Sheldon’s 27% demonstrates nothing short of downright hostility toward protecting our air, land, water, and public health. Not even the Senate’s “anti-everything” Val Stevens (R-39, lifetime score of 13%) scored as low as you, Senator Sheldon.
