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Age: 44 Occupation: Attorney and Rancher Town of residence: Inchelium Party: Republican
What can the state do to get more affordable housing?
Housing is far too expensive in our district, and it is postponing the American dream for way too many of our citizens.
This is driven by a multitude of factors, including some at the national level such as high interest rates and supply chain disruptions. That said, we can take certain actions at the state level.
First, we should modify the Growth Management Act to reduce the cost, time, and administrative complexity associated with new construction. Second, we should institute a requirement that local governments must issue final permit decisions within 120 days of filing a complete application and be held accountable for timely permit decisions. Third, we should aggressively push back on the pending proposals to ban the use of natural gas, which will only significantly increase the cost of new constructions and remodels. Fourth, we should reduce the high gas tax in Washington that makes everything more expensive, including housing. This gas tax acts as a significant additional burden for residents of rural areas.
These steps will assist in the short and long-term challenge of affordable housing in our district.
How should the state fund roads in light of the declining gas tax revenues?
This is an issue that especially concerns me, particularly given our large and rural district. I am aware of the recent proposal to transition from Washington’s high gas tax to a per-mile charge, as recommended by the Washington State Transportation Commission, to account for the increase in electric vehicles.
I have privacy and govern- ment-tracking concerns, however, about any such proposal. Any replacement for the gas tax should respect the privacy rights of Washington residents and seek to move away from the punitive nature of the current gas tax on rural residents. I would be in favor of further exploring proposals that proactively address both concerns.
What is your most important issue?
Fighting the fentanyl epidemic is my number one priority in this campaign. I had the distinct honor of serving as the appointed Ferry County District Court Judge from 2023-2024 and was a judge pro tem for a number of years prior. As such, and as a former U.S. Navy prosecutor, I have unique insight into the challenges posed by fentanyl and the wave of drug-related violence we are experiencing.
We must ensure we are acting aggressively to disrupt and stop the cartel-related trafficking of fentanyl through the 7th Legislative District and the rest of eastern and central Washington. We must ensure that the multijurisdictional drug task forces are fully funded, equipped, and trained to counter this organized drug trafficking effort. We must also ensure there is the prospect of real jail time for drug-related offenses that will actually deter these crimes. Finally, because many drug addicts can and would be productive members of society if they can only get clean, we must ensure the uniform availability of quality drug court programs in the state. Quality drug court programs are proven to dramatically reduce recidivism and are a vital tool for turning lives around.
