Larkin and Lovick clash on gas tax and transit funding in 44th District race

Sherri Larkin and John Lovick present opposing views on state taxation as the Nov. 3 election approaches for the 44th Legislative District seat. Larkin, a Republican, wants to repeal the Climate Commitment Act gas tax and the annual gas tax increases. She also seeks to repeal the tax on million-dollar earners and reduce the state business and occupation tax. Lovick, the incumbent Democrat, argues that the revenue from the millionaire’s tax is necessary to fund critical infrastructure projects, particularly housing.

Larkin contends that cutting the gas tax will lower prices for groceries and retail products. She believes that reducing the business and occupation tax will help small businesses retain employees and pay fair wages. The Republican candidate stated that repealing the million-dollar tax would help keep high-income earners and companies in Washington. Lovick counters that the tax he voted for creates new revenue for housing needs. He identifies affordable housing for seniors, low-wage workers, and people leaving homelessness as a key investment for the state.

The candidates also disagree on how to handle housing regulations. Larkin supports reducing building regulations and permitting requirements at the state level. She advocates for keeping housing decisions at the local level, arguing that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work for a diverse state. Lovick focuses on investing in schools, maintaining safe roads, and creating jobs with benefits to improve affordability. He links safe schools and roads to the overall well-being of communities.

Transportation funding is a major point of contention. Lovick recently met with Snohomish city officials to discuss congestion and safety near U.S. 2 and Bickford Avenue. He supports expanding public transit, including light rail and bus service, to reduce traffic. He described himself as a strong advocate for the light rail system and pointed to development around transit hubs. Larkin questions the cost of public transit for residents in the 44th District. She noted that ridership is not projected to grow significantly and argued that transit alone will not solve the region's transportation issues.

Larkin argues that funding should prioritize roads and bridges, specifically Highway 522. She stated that the 2022 transportation package allocated funds to bikes and buses, but the region needs road and bridge improvements. She referenced a 1993 promise to build Highway 522 that was delayed in the 2000s and 2010s. Lovick, who serves as vice chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, says safety is his top priority for transportation funding. He stated that he prioritizes investments in unsafe roads and bridges first when research and analysis support the need.

Lovick has lived in Snohomish County for 49 years and is a Mill Creek resident. He served 13 years in the Coast Guard and 31 years in the Washington State Patrol. He was elected Snohomish County sheriff in 2007 and later served as county executive. He joined the state Senate in 2022. Larkin has lived in Snohomish for more than 25 years and serves on the Snohomish School District board. Her campaign received a unanimous endorsement from the Snohomish County Deputy Sheriff’s Association. The 44th Legislative District includes Snohomish, Mill Creek, Maltby, Clearview, Bothell, Everett, Monroe, and North Creek.