Two years ago, The Times editorial board did not endorse Darya Farivar when she sought reelection to the state house representing North Seattle’s 46th Legislative District.
We believed Farivar too often voted with the prevailing tides of the House Democratic majority. She didn’t seem knowledgeable about education or transportation funding. In the end, neither she nor her opponent for Position 2 won our support.
We continue to have disagreements with Farivar over state spending and other issues. But since she was last reelected, Farivar has shown the ability to put aside ideology and try to do something helpful for her district.
For providing a glimmer of hope that she will continue to learn and become a principled, independent voice for her constituents, she has earned the board’s endorsement.
Let’s focus on the positive.
After Kroger suddenly closed the Fred Meyer in Lake City last year, Farivar convened a roundtable of grocers, food banks and others. The goal was to increase food access in North Seattle.
“I’ve been leaning into the grocery landscape and trying to understand, from the perspective of grocers, what we can be doing to support them,” she told the board. “I have been learning more and more about the unintended consequences of some of our actions.”
In the last session, she sponsored a successful bill that prohibited restrictive covenants that blocked new pharmacies and grocery stores from opening. The Seattle City Council passed a similar bill a few months earlier.
Her measure to provide incentives for grocery stores in underserved communities fell short. So did her bill that would have allowed cities to establish publicly owned grocery stores. She plans to make changes and reintroduce the bill next year. Several industry players said they oppose the move but appreciated Farivar’s willingness to listen and make changes.
“She has made it very clear that she wants to be the champion of independent grocers in the Legislature, and she has proved that to us,” said Molly Pfaffenroth, government affairs director of the Washington Food Industry Association.
While Farivar co-sponsored an unsuccessful payroll expense tax in the last session, she said she would have second thoughts on such a revenue measure if she goes back to Olympia. “I’ve had my eyes opened, I’ll leave it at that,” she said.
Let’s hope her clear eyes lead her to see that such a jobs tax is the last thing Washington needs right now.
Her opponent, Rodney “Star” Thornley, is an independent. He doesn’t match Farivar’s potential.
For her willingness to listen, her leadership on an important issue, and commitment to her constituents, voters ought to reelect Darya Farivar for 46th Legislative District Position 2.
