House: District 4, Position 2

Thu., Oct. 29, 1998

By Pat Sciuchetti pats@spokesman.com

Two very different candidates are vying for the Spokane Valley legislative seat formerly held by Mark Sterk.

Republican Lynn Schindler was appointed to the Fourth District Position 2 seat in May, when Sterk stepped down to run for sheriff. The 54-year-old family advocate hopes to retain it and use it to reduce taxes and government regulations.

Democrat John Kallas says he’d use the seat to fight gangs and safety problems in schools, and to oppose many of the things Schindler supports.

Schindler, a party activist, is former vice-chairman of the Spokane County Republican Party. She also has been a full-time parent and partner in her family’s businesses and investment activities.

Kallas, 46, is a retired narcotics and gangs detective. He’s a political newcomer who promises to work hard and think independently.

The two clash on most issues. Schindler supports Referendum 49, the Republican transportation plan; Kallas does not. Schindler opposes further expansion of gambling; Kallas supports an even playing field for non-tribal and tribal casinos.

Schindler believes the region’s current legislative delegation has done a good job getting funding for local projects. Kallas believes it must fight for more.

Schindler supports parental notification and restrictions on abortion. Kallas believes government should stay out of such personal issues.

Schindler supports the concept of vouchers. She also supports pilot charter schools and more educational choice for parents.

Kallas opposes anything that would shift public school money to private educational interests.

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