EDITORIAL: The Seattle Times editorial board recommends: Patty Kuderer for WA insurance commissioner

Aug. 29—The race to determine who will lead the Washington State Office of Insurance Commissioner has been narrowed to two candidates, state Sen. Patty Kuderer, a Democrat from Bellevue, and state Sen. Phil Fortunato, a Republican from Auburn.

Both have a wealth of experience in navigating the political scene in Olympia, but Kuderer's approach to addressing the rising cost of vehicle insurance makes her the better choice for the job.

Current Commissioner Mike Kreidler, who has served in that role for 23 years, did not seek reelection. He ignored calls by political leaders to resign after former employees in his office claimed he used racist slurs and was demeaning or rude toward staff members.

Kuderer said she wants to rebuild the office. Her experience as an employment attorney should help do just that. "I know what a respectful workplace looks like and we need to return to that at the office."

She would be an advocate for fair pricing in insurance coverage and wants to increase transparency and accountability when it comes to insurance rates. She wants more transparency when it comes to what factors are used to set premiums and how they are applied.

Kuderer also supports a recently established mandate that insurance companies tell consumers why their premiums increased. She thinks that rule should be extended to homeowners insurance premiums as well.

As a lawyer, she said the language in insurance contracts with drivers should be made more clear.

Although her opponent has called for less regulation in the insurance industry as a way to attract competition, Kuderer disagrees. She said she would look for ways to streamline operations but not at the expense of consumer protection, adding "one person's regulation is another person's consumer protection."

Before serving in the Senate, Kuderer was a state representative. She chairs the Senate Housing Committee and serves on the Law & Justice, the State Government & Elections, and Rules committees.

However, in her bid for insurance commissioner Kuderer has said she would advocate for a multistate universal health care plan, which would require legislative approval.

Washingtonians need a politically savvy leader who understands the needs of the insurance industry but will always put the needs of the people first. Kuderer is that person.

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