Dave Paul holds town hall

District 10 residents peppered Rep. Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor) with questions ranging from mountain goat removal in Olympic National Park to sole source water aquifers to replacing traffic lights with roundabouts, such as Sharpes Corner. Paul responded that some issues were federal (goats) or local (water) thus were not for a state legislator at this town hall held July13.

There was a long discussion about the Navy’s Growlers on Whidbey Island among the 50 people attending at the Camano Island Library. Paul noted his conversations with Reps. Suzan DelBene and Rick Larsen, who also represent parts of Skagit County, and Larsen’s advocating for real time monitoring.

Paul, who started the town hall meeting summing up the past legislative session in Olympia, discussed funding shaped by the House transportation committee, on which he sits. He promoted multi-modal transportation – walking and biking – on a dike that will be built to protect State Route 532 leading to the Island. The state ferries need more funding. And large, long term funding is needed for a stream by stream basis of culvert replacement to improve salmon habitat.

He praised Norma Smith (R-Clinton) for her role in shaping funding.

The crowd discussed recycling, climate change, including wildfires and orca recovery at length.

Paul shared business lobbyist support for a statewide plastic bag ban, which did not pass.

Other topics included his support for rural broadband, reducing fees for students in Running Start college classes and workforce development programs. The McCleary decision and funding public education was brought up. Paul said special education and school safety, including mental health counseling needed more funding.

Asked about taxes, Paul said Washington “has a messed up tax system they relies too much on sales tax, property tax and B and O tax, business and occupancy.” He seeks progressive taxes, citing the capital gains tax enacted. Gas tax revenues that are flat, not growing, concern the legislature.

Local issues attendees brought up included proliferation of gun ranges and increased backyard target shooting on the Island.

Paul called the meeting over after close to two hours, citing his need to get his daughter home.