Meet the candidates

Sat., Oct. 23, 2004

The Spokesman-Review

Don Barlow

Democrat

Personal: 66, widowed, with three grown children.

Education: Bachelor of arts degree in education from the University of Idaho; master’s of education from the University of Idaho; doctorate in education from Pennsylvania State University.

Professional: Counselor at Community Colleges of Spokane, instructor for general equivalency diploma students and for classes in life skills for men.

Political: Ran unsuccessfully for the Spokane City Council in 1991 and the Spokane school board in 1993 before winning his school board race in 1997. He ran unopposed last year.

Key issues: Funding quality education for both K-12 and higher education; improving health care coverage, including mental health and health care for seniors and people with low incomes; finding more living-wage jobs in state.

John Serben

Republican

Personal: 36, married with one daughter.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, minor in economics from Eastern Washington University.

Professional: Insurance agent for Fidelity Associates.

Political: Served as the co-chair of the finance committee on the 2003 Mead School District levy, which passed.

Key issues: Health care, the economy, jobs and more efficient government spending.

John Ahern

Republican

Personal: 69, married with three grown children.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, University of Denver.

Professional: Owner of Janco Office Supplies Co. for 20 years.

Political: Served as the 6th District’s representative in the House since 2000.

Key issues: Tort reform, eliminating the barriers that are forcing businesses to leave the state; more jail time and lifetime probation for sex offenders; crack down on the methamphetamine problem.

Doug Dobbins

Democrat

Personal: 38, married.

Education: Graduated from North Central High School.

Professional: Stock photographer.

Political: Democratic Party’s vice chairman of the 6th legislative district.

Key issues: Lifelong educational opportunities including job training for people out of work; “health care access for all of our citizens, especially children and seniors”; creating a healthy environment for small business growth.

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