In East Honolulu and neighboring areas, voters have a slate of solid candidates who are both in tune with their districts and have extensive experience in dealing with belt-tightening at the Capitol.

With budget cuts on the horizon, having seasoned veterans on board with a good grasp of the budget will be crucial.

In House District 17 (Hawai'i Kai, Kalama Valley) Republican incumbent Gene Ward is facing newcomer Democrat Amy Monk, a retired foreign service officer.

Ward is the clear choice. He understands the issues facing the district and the state, and has a strong record as an advocate for his constituents. Ward was active in staving off development in Ka Iwi and continues to work on preserving farming in Kamilo Nui Valley.

Ward knows that preserving jobs and reining in government spending are critical. In that mix, he plans to continue fighting for small businesses. And in a climate of cuts, Ward cites programs for the elderly and for those on fixed incomes as areas he would work aggressively to protect.

On education, Ward supports pressing for accountability, and cites charter schools as having key ingredients for success — parental involvement, community involvement and engaged teachers.

He also supports renewable energy incentives, and understands the need to deal with Hawai'i's healthcare crisis through higher reimbursements for physicians and reasonable tort reform.

Ward has worked hard for his district and has earned another term.

In House District 19 (Kaimuki, Kahala, Wai'alae Iki), Republican incumbent Barbara Marumoto faces another challenge from Democrat Michael Abe, a self-employed attorney.

Marumoto is the stronger candidate, with the better grasp of the issues in her district and the fiscal picture facing the state.

Marumoto recognized early on the need for ramping up marketing to bolster tourism. She opposes tax increases and wants to examine the effectiveness of existing tax credits.

She is a smart supporter of renewable energy and is well known for service to the district through her involvement with a wide range of community groups, schools and more.

Marumoto remains a hard-working advocate for her district and deserves support.

In the neighboring House District 20 (St. Louis Heights, Palolo, Wilhelmina Rise) Democratic incumbent and House Speaker Calvin Say faces Julia Allen, a small-business owner.

Say is clearly the best choice -— he understands the needs of his district and is well-equipped to lead the Legislature through some difficult times. His 32 years of service in the House includes serving as chairman of the Finance Committee during the downturn in the mid-1990s and serving as House speaker in the post-9/11 years, when tourism came to a virtual standstill.

Say intends to keep a sharp focus on pocketbook issues. He will re-examine current general excise tax exemptions and the state income tax structure, with an eye on assisting the middle class and working poor.

He also understands the needs of his district, which has a growing elderly population. Finding ways to keep elder care affordable, including nursing homes and other long-term care options, will be among his priorities.

Say's leadership will serve his district and the state well. He should be re-elected.

These seasoned veterans from both parties will provide the best mix in the Legislature, at a time when strong leadership and knowledge will be imperative to our future.