Alex Wood
Party: Democrat
Age: 58
Personal: Born in Calgary, Alberta, grew up in Mt. Vernon and Sequim, Wash. Single. Spokane resident since 1977.
Education: Sequim High School, 1963; four years at Washington State University studying broadcast journalism, 1973-1977.
Professional: Disc jockey, 1963-65, KONP, Port Angeles, Wa.; Navy submarine service, 1966-1970; broadcast journalist, 1977-1996 with KREM, KHQ and KXLY; radio talk show host, KXLY, 1990-1996.
Political: Eight years, four terms, in the House. Elected to first two-year term in 1996. Eight years on Transportation and Commerce and Labor committees. Vice chair of Commerce and Labor Committee.
Key issues: Wants to keeping money flowing for ongoing road projects, including North Side freeway, widening of Interstate 90 in Spokane Valley and widening of Bigelow Gulch Road. Supports job creation with an eye toward workers rights and safety. Health care is a critical issue higher insurance costs, job losses and labor disagreement.
Money raised/spent: $30,995 raised; $18,930 spent
Top contributors: Phillip Morris USA, Abraham Lincoln Memorial Society, Western Washington Trial Lawyers, UFCW Local 1439, Washington Teamsters Legislative League, Justice PAC, Certified Public Accountants PAC, all $675.
Quote: The entire health care system nationwide and regionwide is virtually reaching crisis proportions.
Key influence: Carl Sagan, astronomer and author
First priority if elected: My real focus this time is going to be in the health care. That is bleeding over to everything, including pensions, labor and social services.
Email: wood_al@leg.wa.gov
