Meet the candidates for 10th District Legislature

Why are you seeking office?

I am running for State House LD10 Position 2 because I feel that with one party control in Olympia, we are not getting good policies. As an example, HB 1589 which my opponent voted for and coincidentally Democratic Lt. Gov. Denny Heck called "a hot mess" is one example. The Seattle Times just endorsed I-2066 stating "The legislature could have and should have done better". I think the fact that there were seven initiatives, four of which are on this year's ballot, is indicative that the legislature is failing to listen to the citizens of Washington. The initiative process is not a good way to legislate, but is the only alternative left for a lot of people to have their voices heard. We need much more bipartisan collaboration in Olympia.

How will you increase funding for public school special education and mental health programs?

We must take better care of the most vulnerable in our community. The funds for special education should be a higher priority. We don't have a revenue problem in Olympia, we have a spending problem. For mental health treatment programs, shifting priority to treatment will reduce costs in policing and hospitalization care. We are tackling this problem backwards.

Where will significant funding for building "missing middle" housing come from?

The best way to create more housing, not just workforce housing, but all housing is to reduce the cost of housing. How do we do this? Speed up the processes and reduce regulations. We are in crisis with availably of housing. Let builders build.

If I-2109 passes, repealing the tax on long-term capital gains, how will the legislature replace that state funding?

The capital gains (excise) tax is in my opinion an income tax. Its stated purpose by many that support it is to have a state income tax. The citizens of Washington have never supported a state income tax. I will never go against the wishes of the people.

If I-2117 passes, repealing the Washington Climate Commitment Act, what legislative acts are needed to replace it?

Incentives and technology will continue to reduce our carbon footprint. In his book "Time To Think Small", Todd Myers illustrates many ways carbon production can be reduced without heavy handed government regulations. The Carbon Commitment Act is really hurting the working poor.

What legislative initiatives will reduce usage of gasoline engine vehicles?

Technology is evolving and advancing. Innovation and commerce will do a much better job in weaning us off fossil fuels than government will ever be able to do. Legislation to support advancements is what is needed. Improvements in our electrical grid are needed before we can electrify everything. Solar and wind cannot meet that added demand. We need to look at and encourage other "no-to-low" carbon energy sources. Nuclear, fission for short term and then fusion when the technology exists, needs to be part of the conversation.