Tim Sheldon
From dKosopedia
Categories: Washington Democrats | Homophobes
Tim Sheldon is the third term Democratic State Senator from the 35th District of Washington. He has been in that elective office since 2002.
Contact Informtion
- Olympia Office: 412 Legislative Building, PO Box 40435, Olympia, WA 98504-0435
- Telephone Number: (360) 786-7668
- Fax Number : (360) 786-1999
Party Turncoat, Legislative Slacker or Both?
Washington State Senate Minority Leader Mike Hewitt (R-Walla Walla), quoted in The Olympian [1], says of his 2006 election plans, “My goal this year is to break even. My goal is to come out of there with 23 plus 1.” Whose is that one extra seat? The so-called "Democratic" Senator Tim Sheldon.
What has Senator Sheldon Been Up To in the Most Recent Legislative Session (2006)? According to Washington Votes [2], Senator Sheldon hasn't been up to much. During the most recent legislative session, Senator Sheldon:
- Voted in favor of a ban on giving away free tobacco samples. The bill died in committee.
- Worked successfully to repeal the $5 day-use fee in Washington State Parks.
- Voted in favor of publicly-funded local elections.
- Sided against Democrats (and many Republicans) to vote against expanding the scope of the Family and Medical Leave Act. The bill passed, anyway.
- Introduced a bill which would slightly lower the noise of off-road vehicles (from the current 105 decibels to 96 – note: Thurston County already limits to 55 decibels). The bill also appropriates $100,000 per year for off-road vehicle education. The bill did not get out of committee.
- Voted against changing the date of nominating primaries to the 3rd Tuesday of the August preceding the election. The bill passed with strong bipartisan support, 37 in favor, 11 opposed.
- Introduced a bill, which was passed, to remove the minimum height requirements for license plates.
- Sided with Republicans to vote against a bill to help clean up Puget Sound through management of on-site septic systems in sensitive areas. The bill passed, anyway.
- Sided with Republicans to vote against a bill to foster alternative fuels in Washington State. The bill passed, anyway.
- Sided with Republicans to vote against the 2006 supplemental budget bill. The bill passed, anyway.
At the beginning of the session, The Olympian reported on the "wish lists" of various Senator’s. Sheldon’s were reported to be reducing park fees and using electronic tracking devices to monitor felons. Not exactly what most would call a "visionary agenda."
"Discrimination on the basis of gender, race or religion has long been illegal in Washington state -- but for gay people, the wait for equal protection continues."- Seattle P-I
Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, D-Spokane, said. "With all the issues we have to deal with this session -- transportation, the economy, education -- this is their big stand? It should be an embarrassment to them."
The embarrassment is shared by Democrats in the 35th Legislative District, whose own Senator, Tim Sheldon, joined with Republicans to continue to permit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
In Senator Sheldon's Washington, it's alright for those suspected of being gay to be discriminated against by a landlord, an employer or a banker.
Senator Sheldon sided with Republicans to vote against disclosing information regarding campaign contributors including who has financed elections communications around the state. The bill, which passed in the Senate, sought also to regulate the use of soft money in campaigns. (Senate Bill 5034)
Senator Sheldon sided with Republicans to vote against increasing wages to child care workers which would have rewarded work experience, level of responsibility, and education. The bill passed, despite his opposition. (House Bill 1636)
Senator Sheldon sided with Republicans to vote against a Memorial requesting that the privatization of social security be rejected. The Memorial passed, anyway. (Senate Joint Memorial 8014)
Senator Sheldon opposed a bill which sought to prohibit genetic testing as a condition for life insurance. (Senate Bill 5452)
Even though the bill enjoyed bipartisan support, Senator Sheldon voted against allowing state employees who volunteer to serve in the Peace Corps to return to their jobs and regain their seniority and benefits. The bill passed. (Senate Bill 6010)
Senator Sheldon was the Washington state leader of "Democrats for Bush"
And, don't forget that Senator Sheldon appeared in ads for Dino Rossi's gubernatorial campaign.
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