Issues
The Constitution
The Constitution is the lens I use to view all legislation. It is not a “living” document ratified by each generation. I also believe that returning more power to our State from the Federal government is the path back to freedom and restoration of our Constitutional Republic. “All political power is inherent in the people, and governments are established to protect and maintain individual rights.” Article 1, Section 1, Washington State Constitution
Less Government Spending
It should come as no surprise that the state legislature tried to pass an income tax referendum to tax the wealthy in our state. It is the old political game of class warfare, pitting the majority against a minority. While some people in our state may believe that taxing the income of the rich would be a good thing, it’s important to keep in mind that once we allow the income tax to exist on the wealthy, eventually the politicians will run out of money and they will lower the income level to include taxing the rest of us. I believe the solution for the State’s budget deficit lies in cutting State spending and living according to a balanced budget. We should also look at eliminating the Business and Operation tax on our small businesses. This would put more money into the economy, empowering small businesses to create jobs and hire more employees. Controlling state spending and freeing up money to invest in small businesses will go beyond meeting our State’s current economic challenges to initiate a boom for employment in Washington State.
I am the only State Representative candidate in the 18th District supporting term limits. I believe that this Legislative seat belongs to the people of the Eighteenth District. The person that is elected to this seat will have a great advantage over future candidates. This position should not be used for a long term power grab. I will serve for eight years (four terms) and I will return to private business and allow another candidate to have a chance to earn your vote. It’s about your voice and not business as usual.
Healthcare
As the owner of an urgent and family care clinic, my top concern is that healthcare is accessible and affordable to every person in our area. However, Medicaid has turned into just another welfare program, layered in bureaucracy, instead of a way to help the poor in our communities to receive healthcare. Only by streamlining Medicaid, through easy submission of claims and vastly improving medical provider reimbursement rates, will we see more efficiency and higher quality care. I submit that only through real healthcare reform; that would contain lawsuit (Tort) reform, individualized healthcare plans, and across-state-border insurance competition; will we see lower costs for all of us.
Job Growth & Economic Development
My top priority is to empower our small businesses to succeed. Jobs will be created in the Clark County/Cowlitz County area when our State government cuts taxes and loosens the burdensome regulations, which are placing a stranglehold on economic growth. Our community will see resurgence in economic activity when unfunded mandates from the State are eliminated and our cities and counties are allowed to make policy according to what is best for their respective business communities. North Clark County, East Clark County and Cowlitz County, each have unique economic needs that can only be met through a team effort that places economic control in the hands of those who create jobs. As an entrepreneur and owner of a business that has created jobs in the midst of this recession, you can bet that I understand this fully. In other words, I am one of you and you can count on me to take this very seriously.
Immigration
I have passed and sponored a resolution in support of Arizona’s Immigration Law through the Washougal City Council. I have also sponsored and passed e-verify to keep our tax money from going to illegal alien contractors. I will advance these same immigration items in the State Legisalture.
Transportation
The Olympia-to-Seattle corridor siphons our transportation dollars to the north instead of sending this money home for us to invest in our communities. In North Clark County, including Woodland, we are in need of major transportation projects to improve connectivity within and between cities which will dramatically increase economic growth. In East Clark County, we continue to wait for the State to start the construction for Hwy 14 improvements. This project was promised and approved by our legislative delegation in 2005. However, the Governor and the State bureaucracy continues to drag out the process, increasing costs and forcing the DOT to go back and cut items from the originally approved project, due to the delays. I will work with our State delegation to clearly communicate that we want our transportation money back from Olympia, to invest in meeting the needs of our area.
I-5 Bridge
I support the widening of the I-5 bridge. However, before we can get to that point there are several things that must happen first: 1.) Portland must widen their portion of I-5 from the Rose Garden to Delta Park. 2.) This project must be paid in full by the federal government 3.) No Tolls or Light Rail 4.) Complete transparency and citizen involvement. If these four items are not agreed to first, then I will oppose the project as your Legslator.
Gun Ownership
I believe gun rights for law-abiding citizens are non-negotiable. “The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself, or the state, shall not be impaired…” Article 1, Section 24, Washington State Constitution
Right to Life
It is an honor to be the only pro-life endorsed candidate running in the 18th District. I believe that all should be welcomed in life and protected by law, and therefore I applaud those organizations which provide and/or give access to life enhancing services for parents and children such as adoption, life skills, parenting classes; and faith-based and community organizations. Individual citizens play a critical role in strengthening our neighborhoods and bringing care and comfort to those in need, and by helping fellow citizens, these groups recognize the dignity of every human being and possibilities of every life; and their important efforts are helping to build a more just and generous State and to build a culture that respects life; and by working together to protect the weak, the imperfect and unwanted, I affirm a culture of hope and help ensure a brighter future for all. I reaffirm my commitment to respecting life and dignity of every human being from conception to natural death.