It’s commendable for anyone to step up and run for public office. But it helps to know something about the candidate.

Write-in candidate Michael Scott, a Libertarian from Langley, is challenging Rep. Norma Smith for state House Position 1.

Scott is a very late entry, and Smith’s other opponent hasn’t made himself available to voters or the media to answer questions.

Smith, 65, was appointed to a House seat in January 2008, re-elected three times and serves on the Capital Budget and Technology and Economic Development committees.

Without knowing more about Smith’s opponent, we are encouraging voters to stick with the candidate with a proven track record, Norma Smith.

In the race for Position 2 for the state House, Rep. Dave Hayes, R-Camano Island, faces political newcomer Doris Brevoort.

Hayes, 50, is seeking a third term. A sergeant with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, he said he would continue to seek ways to improve public safety, reduce the cost of transportation projects through regulatory reforms and end school districts’ over-reliance on local property tax levies to operate.

Brevoort, 66, D-Mount Vernon, is a retired educator who worked 25 years in Seattle public schools as a counselor and special education teacher.

Brevoort said her career in education better prepares her for the upcoming debate on how to meet the funding challenges posed by the McCleary case.

She also wants to improve the availability and delivery of mental health services, increase the supply of affordable housing and clean up Puget Sound.

Brevoort criticizes Hayes for voting against the $16 billion transportation package in 2015. He said he did so because it did not put enough money into maintaining existing state routes and highways.

Hayes has been supportive of transportation needs on Whidbey Island, helping secure aid for Island Transit and other transportation needs in the district.

Hayes is a steady drum supporting the island and should be reelected to continue his work in the House.