EDITORIAL: The Seattle Times editorial board recommends: John Pestinger for insurance commissioner

Jul. 8—Five viable candidates are seeking the open seat to lead the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, some of whom possess political experience and some who are knowledgeable of the insurance industry. But John Pestinger stands out as the best person to lead that office.

Pestinger would replace Mike Kreidler, who decided not to seek reelection. Time for him to go. In 2022, he refused to resign when Gov. Jay Inslee and legislative leaders called for him to step down after former employees in his office claimed Kreidler used racist slurs and was demeaning or rude toward staff members.

Pestinger is a project manager in the state OIC's consumer division. He has more than 20 years of experience in the industry, mostly in the private sector, and five years working for the state. He also serves as chair of the Washington Veterans Employee Resource Group.

His consumer affairs background would be extremely useful as the office is faced with mounting consumer complaints regarding vehicle insurance. Pestinger agrees with a recent OIC directive that insurance companies must tell customers the reasons for all future rate hikes. But, he added, it's a first step.

"I think it's great to be transparent. In addition to that, they should also tell you how you can lower your rates," Pestinger told The Times editorial board.

When it comes to the use of credit scores as a factor in vehicle insurance rates, Pestinger said there is a "small correlation" between lower credit scores and risk of paying premiums, but it is more so discriminatory against people of color, immigrants and people who cannot obtain credit. Kreidler ordered a temporary halt to companies using credit scores, but a Thurston County judge ruled Kreidler overstepped his authority.

Among the other creditable candidates running are state Sens. Patty Kuderer, D-Bellevue, and Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn.

If elected, Kuderer said she would continue to push for a multistate universal health care plan. However, that idea would best be developed in her current role as state senator.

Fortunato considered running for secretary of state but said he was drawn to the OIC post because of the level of autonomy the position has. He also said he opposes the rate hike notification requirement for insurance companies because "it will add additional costs without providing much benefit."

As insurance commissioner, Pestinger would bring energy and a personal excitement to the office, with a balanced focus on educating and protecting consumers while supporting insurance companies' ability to succeed in the Washington market. He deserves voters' support.

___

(c)2024 The Seattle Times

Visit The Seattle Times at www.seattletimes.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.