Any honest discussion of immigration has to recognize how much our economy depends on immigrant labor. Gas stations, fast food restaurants, nail salons, convenience stores, construction sites, ground maintenance companies, rideshare services, and trucking operations all depend on immigrant workers. We need immigrants to help our country function. But we also need to know who’s here, who’s working, and who’s following the law.

Too much time is spent on regulations and legislation aimed at controlling ICE. I believe Washington needs a more practical state-level approach. My proposal is a Washington State Citizenship program or “Washingtonship” (WSC).

Current unregistered immigrants and asylum seekers in Washington would qualify for this standard if they can show they have lived in the state for more than one year. New immigrants and asylum seekers wouldn’t qualify for this program only due to the linits of jobs, housing and other public sevices. 

People who are here undocumented  but who register under the program would receive protection from the State of Washington. This would be a sanctuary-state model.   Appication would be throught the Department of licensing at Driver license facilties.  Application fees would fund the program. 

When the federal authorities later recognize or coordinate with the Washingtonship program, the hope is that the state process could transfer into the federal process for U.S. citizenship.

Washington should crack down on employers who hire undocumented workers outside the law. At the same time, the state should make it easier and less expensive for employers to use legal work visa programs, including H-1B, H-2A, and H-2B visas.

The state shouldn’t provide immigrants with services that current residents don’t receive.

In regard to ICE, if they are going to operate in Washington it will be with proper procedures under the Law. Legal Documents, inspection of ICE facilities.   If needed our National Guard could be called out to make  to secure compliance. 

Washington needs practical housing policies that encourage private participation without creating more unnecessary government administration. 

In the 46th District, I would support modifying House Bill 1110. Increasing housing is essential, but preserving neighborhoods with single-family homes that have yards for families with children and pets is equally important.

I would support limiting the redevelopment of single-family neighborhoods so that no more than two six-unit multifamily buildings could be constructed on a single block. This approach would help increase housing opportunities while preserving the character and livability of our neighborhoods.

The state should lower unnecessary fees and regulations and work more closely with cities and counties to streamline housing rules.

Streamlining permitting      One stop Digital Permitting

Reducing unnecessary regulatory delays.

Continue to encouraging higher-density housing near transit. 

Establish Predictable Review timelines.

Improve Agency Coordination

Incorporate AI to assist government employee’s repetitive administrative task. 

Conduct reviews simultaneously rather than sequentially.

Encourage Public Private Partnerships

Redeveloping underused commercial sites can be one way to add homes without expanding into undeveloped areas. 

Landlords with properties of ten or more units should receive incentives to set aside at least one rental unit for renters who pay 30 percent of their gross income toward rent. These incentives could include tax reductions, permit breaks, or other practical benefits.

 “Even with a pension and additional income from my real estate work, Offciating and Ride Share driving  I've seen my housing costs, utilities, groceries, and fuel increase. Many families don't have a second source of income. That's one reason I believe we need policies that increase housing supply, improve permitting, and make it easier to build homes that working families can afford.”

If the government creates a moratorium that prevents property owners from collecting rent, the law should also create a matching moratorium on mortgage payments for those same owners during that period.

Corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and similar entities should be limited in how many single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes they can own. I propose a limit of ten such properties.     E2SSB 5496.    Addressed this in the last session but the session ended before senate action. I suppor t reitroduction. 

The  21st Century Road to Housing Act will pass by default July 11th.   The state should incorpoate as much as possible. This program may be restricted to Federal programs only , like vetreans and Hud. This will have to be determined and utilized. 

Washington should also encourage mixed-income housing. Some renters may pay market rates, but others pay reduced rates based on income. I support a working-income model that caps rent at 28 percent of income when appropriate. This is similar to an airplane seating model, where different people pay different rates within the same system.

Campaigns have become too dependent on money. Politicians hire paid lobbyists because they provide a voice for specific interests. Elected officials obviously can’t accept money in exchange for a vote, but when a lobbyist donates money and then pushes for a vote on a specific issue, the public has every reason to question the system. It may not violate the law, but let’s be honest about how it looks.

Everyday citizens can lobby too, but they often get, at best, a form letter or a few minutes of a legislator’s time. A paid lobbyist usually gets a better audience.

Most citizens don’t enjoy political ads, yard signs, door knocking, phone calls, mailers, or campaign emails. With email, at least people can read the subject line, delete it, or mark it as spam. But the rest of it consumes time and money.

I would favor banning most of these campaign methods. Each candidate could receive a public website for campaign information and space in the voters’ guide. Candidates could also still speak publicly, appear on talk shows, attend forums, march in parades, and stand in their districts with personal banners.

Think about the possible benefits. Less waste material in landfills. Fewer phone calls during dinner. Fewer knocks at the door. Less campaign money wasted on advertising. More room for regular people to run for office, not just candidates who can raise large sums of money.

This would be a major shift, but it’s worth discussing. Let’s find out how far we can take the proposal.  

Connecticut has a good direct donation restriction to candidates but does not address advertising.

An Example  from  the Public Disclosure  Financial Data from 2024

Washington 2024 Candidate Spending

Initial findings

The PDC data show:

• 1,057 candidate records

• $79,726,213.79 in reported candidate expenditures

• $79,211,007.06 in reported contributions

• $355,982.10 in reported campaign debt

Category

Candidate records

Reported spending

Statewide offices

100

$37,652,326

Legislature

341

$32,591,308

County offices

285

$5,222,512

Judicial offices

252

$2,947,359

City offices

6

$1,077,465

Special districts

73

$235,243

Total

1,057

$79,726,214

This Phase One total covers candidate committees only. It does not yet include ballot-measure campaigns, PAC and party spending, or independent expenditures. The PDC describes its Campaign Finance Summary as one record per candidate campaign and election year, compiled from candidate registrations and campaign finance reports.

One important limitation is that 413 candidate records show no reported expenditures. This includes some withdrawn, discontinued and mini-reporting candidates, so the number of candidate records is not the same as the number of actively financed general-election campa

Modernizing the Four-Year Degree

Should Washington Reevaluate the 120-Credit Bachelor's Degree?

Under WAC 250-61-100, many bachelor’s degrees require 180 credits for graduation, but many degree programs require only 40 to 90 credits within the major itself. Washington’s public colleges and universities should consider reducing the graduation requirement to 135 credits. That would allow students to complete a degree in three years, with three quarters per year and 45 credits per year. That would save students money and allow more students to move through each institution.

Today's students are different. Washington has become a national leader in programs such as: Running Start, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College in the High School, Career and Technical Education dual-credit programs.

Many students now enter college with 20–60 college credits, and some graduate from high school with an associate degree.

The question is no longer whether students are academically prepared. The question is whether the bachelor's degree itself has adapted to this new reality.

Rather than beginning with the assumption that every bachelor's degree must require 120 credits, Washington should ask:

Why are 120 credits still the standard?

Which requirements are essential to producing competent graduates?

Which general education requirements duplicate learning already completed in high school?

Could many majors be completed with fewer total credits while maintaining quality and accreditation?

Potential Benefits

A thoughtful reduction in unnecessary credit requirements could:

• Lower tuition costs

• Reduce student debt.

• Allow students to enter the workforce sooner.

• Increase graduation rates.

• Improve access for low-income students.

• Reduce demand for state higher education funding.

• Better align college expectations with today's K–12 system

• Allow more students to enter the college system.

Washington as a National Leader

Washington is uniquely positioned to study this issue because it has one of the nation's strongest dual-credit systems. Rather than assuming the bachelor's degree should remain unchanged, Washington could commission an independent review Commission asking:

• Why are 120 credits still the norm?

• Which majors truly require 120 credits or more?

• How much duplication exists between modern high school curricula and college general education?

• How do Washington's requirements compare with peer states and other countries?

• Could competency-based assessment replace some seat-time requirements?

• What would be the effects on tuition, graduation rates, student debt, and workforce entry?

• Are one hundred level college classes with huge enrolments, taught by a teaching Lecturer;  maybe using a text published by the tenure driven professor. Is this the best for the student? 

 In addition: 

Washington should also subsidize specific degrees that serve major public needs, including homelessness, addiction, and mental health. For example, a social work degree could be free for students who commit to working in the field for five years.

 K-12

School districts should have more authority to set seat-time requirements and graduation standards based on their local demographics and student needs. The state should reduce unnecessary academic requirements for the masses and expand internships, apprenticeships, private-sector partnerships, and on-the-job training. Aviation programs, trade programs, truck driving schools, and the state ferry system are examples of areas where stronger partnerships could help students move directly into real careers.

Central school district administration should be reduced. Too many positions exist without a clear enough purpose. Districts should reassign employees where possible and allow attrition to reduce administrative numbers over time.

Schools should be fully funded. That includes bus service, construction, the arts, heat, insurance, computers, special education, and other essential needs. Hoppfully this could reduce local levies.

Classrooms also need to be protected from chronic disruption. Students who repeatedly disrupt schools, skip class, or refuse to learn should be moved to late-afternoon or evening school at the same location, thus ensuring their right to education.  Full-time teachers who teach in these programs should receive a special stipend.

Teachers with large classes, lab courses, and heavy composition workloads should receive additional honorariums for that extra work.

Rather than creating a voucher-style program, districts should go one step beyond “choice schools” and create independent schools within the district. This approach would protect district funding and give families access to alternative educational options.

The Governor Should accept the  $1700  Federal grant  program, " Washington School Choice Scholarships"  It benefits both the donors with a 1-1 tax credit. It  would be avaiable for both private and public schools.   This does not effect state funding for public schools. 

Some suggested uses of the funds for students and familys would be:

• Tuition

• Fees

• Tutoring

• Special needs student services

• Books

• Supplies

• Uniforms

• Transportation

• Computers, 

• Supplementary services such as extended day programs

The 46th has some amazing nationally recognized health facilities in our district, University Medical center, Montlake & South Haller Lake, Kaiser Permanente, and Children’s Hospital as well as amazing specialist care facilities.

I believe every Washington resident should have access to quality medical care. At the same time, everyone who is able should contribute toward the cost of the health insurance and medical services they use. A sliding-scale contribution system can help ensure that people pay according to their ability while protecting those with lower incomes. Those who are unemployed or facing financial hardship should continue to have access to necessary medical care.

Prescription Drug Costs

Americans often pay significantly more for prescription drugs than consumers in many other countries, including Canada. Washington should work with the federal government and other states to explore ways to reduce prescription drug costs and give patients access to more affordable medications. Drug companies deserve to recover the costs of research and development, but patients should not bear an unfair share of those costs simply because they live in the United States.

Increasing Competition

Competition is one of the best ways to improve service and control costs. I support expanding competition in Washington's health insurance market by encouraging additional insurers to participate, while maintaining strong consumer protections and financial standards. More choices can give families and small businesses better options and encourage innovation.

A Nonprofit Health Plan

I would like Washington to explore creating a nonprofit health insurance organization that operates with the efficiency and customer service expected of private insurers while focusing solely on serving patients rather than generating profits for shareholders. If structured properly and financially sustainable, such an organization could compete alongside private insurance companies and provide consumers with another high-quality option.

Fair Competition

Government agencies, school districts, and other large employers should encourage open competition when selecting health insurance providers. Purchasing decisions should be based on quality, cost, provider networks, and service to employees rather than contractual arrangements that unnecessarily limit competition. Employees deserve access to a fair selection of health insurance options whenever practical.

Measuring Success

Health care reform should be judged by measurable results. We should evaluate policies based on whether they improve access to care, reduce costs, shorten wait times, improve health outcomes, and increase patient satisfaction. Washington taxpayers deserve a health care system that is transparent, accountable, and focused on delivering better results.

It has been a long-ago norm that the dad worked and supported the family while the wife stayed home to raise the kids. That model is outdated in many ways. Mom and Dad are not terms that define a family any longer. More import the majority of the populace cannot live at the middle-class standard on one income. The Washington state constitution (Article 9) states “…It is the paramount duty of the state to make ample provision for the education of all Children….” of the state. The argument can be made there is a lot of learning going on from infancy to pre-kindergarten. Our paradigm needs change.

There is a good working model with New Mexico that can be a starting point for Washington. Citizens that are not in financial need should not need childcare assistance.

The Climate Commitment Act should be put on hold and reimagined . Climate change is real, but Washington’s current approach is hurting residents without meeting the goals that were promised. Washington is only one peg of a much larger global issue. The state can’t solve climate change on its own by making life more expensive for its residents, i.e. the gas tax!  I am in the process of evaluating the data.  In my  prelimary evaluation, many projects appear to be regular budget items streched into a relation with climate change.  

You can take a look look at the CCA dashboard at this link.

 https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/2ea5f320187440298c7b2d1746a2290f#

 The first thing is for the policy makers to put on hold pay raises, for the Governor, Cabinet, Lawmakers and Judges  for the next year. 

Washington’s budget must be balanced without cutting essential services. Before raising taxes or reducing programs, the state should conduct a careful, line-by-line review of how public money is being spent 

We should ask:

• Which departments can be combined or eliminated?

• Which responsibilities can be shared between agencies?

• Which outdated systems can be modernized to reduce costs?

• Which programs are producing measurable results?

Accountability for State Programs

When the Legislature creates a new program, the law should follow the S.M.A.R.T. model:

• Specific

• Measurable

• Achievable

• Relevant

• Time-bound

This is especially important for grant programs. Every grant should have a clear purpose, measurable goals, a completion date, and full accounting of how the money was spent.

Budget reports should not rely on vague categories such as “other,” “miscellaneous,” “uncategorized,” or “special programs.” Taxpayers deserve to know exactly where their money is going.

Fraud must be identified, investigated, and prosecuted. At the same time, we should not punish responsible organizations by adding unnecessary layers of regulation because of the actions of a few bad actors.

Potential New Revenue Sources

Short-Term Opportunities

Washington should expand the state’s work-zone traffic-camera program to include clearly identified, high-risk areas with significant histories of speeding and serious collisions.

Camera-enforced areas should be marked well in advance. Drivers would receive clear notice, and anyone who chooses to speed through those areas would be responsible for the consequences.

The current capital-gains tax, sometimes referred to as the millionaire’s tax, should be reconsidered by voters. Any replacement proposal should include strong constitutional protections preventing the tax from being expanded beyond its original purpose or applied to additional taxpayers without voter approval.

Supporting Long-Term Economic Growth

Reduce the B&O Tax for Small Businesses

Washington should gradually reduce the Business and Occupation tax burden on small businesses. Unlike a traditional income tax, the B&O tax is based on gross receipts, meaning a business may owe taxes even when it earns little or no profit.

Reducing this burden would encourage entrepreneurship, help existing small businesses grow, and make Washington more attractive to new employers.

Rebuild Puget Sound Shipbuilding

The federal government is showing renewed interest in expanding American shipbuilding. Washington should aggressively promote the Puget Sound region as a center for building large commercial and ocean-transport vessels.

Partnerships involving Washington businesses, the federal government, and South Korean shipbuilders could create skilled jobs, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and expand our maritime economy.

Expand Washington Tourism

Washington has extraordinary natural, cultural, and recreational attractions. Tourism can produce substantial economic activity for local businesses and communities.

The cruise industry demonstrates how visitors can support hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, retail stores, and tourist attractions. Grays Harbor has also shown how effective regional promotion can attract visitors.

Washington should develop a stronger statewide tourism campaign that promotes destinations throughout the state, not only the most familiar locations.

Restore Washington’s Film Industry

Washington once had a stronger competitive position in film and television production, but many projects moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, and other locations offering more attractive incentives.

The state should develop competitive, performance-based incentives that encourage production companies to film in Washington, hire Washington workers, and spend money with local businesses.

Any incentive program should include clear requirements, measurable economic benefits, and strong accountability for taxpayer funds.

Whether someone is applying for a job, a coaching position, or public office, endorsements serve the same purpose. They show that someone supports the candidate.  Every candidate can find someone willing to write something positive.

As a candidate I have been receiving many questionnaires from organizations.  They want me to fill out their questionnaire.   Apparently if my answer is in line with their focus, ideals and policies, I may get endorsement. This process is very normal and if you are a voter on the fence, endorsement by an organization you support or belong to becomes very influential. 

This process is well documented.   I want to be independent of specific “lobbies” Even if I generally agree with their platforms, I want to be free as an independent and transparent that not all of an organization’s positions would be mine as may be implied with an endorsement.

Organizations usually endorse candidates because the answers on a questionnaire match the organization’s views. That doesn’t always tell voters how the candidate will perform under pressure, how independently the candidate will operate, or how well the candidate understands regular people.

When I was teaching, I noticed a similar pattern. If school board members or special guests visited a campus, everyone knew in advance. The custodian made sure everything looked good. Visitors were taken to the best-performing classrooms. That’s normal, but it may not show the reality of the school. If someone wants to see what a school is really like, show up unannounced on a Friday afternoon. The best teachers wouldn’t have a problem with that.

The same idea applies to coaching. If you want to know who the coach really is, talk to the opposing coaches.

Endorsements are often polished, selective, and predictable. No one submits a negative recommendation. Voters should look beyond endorsements and judge candidates by their ideas, judgment, record, and relationship with the truth. If that lines up with an organization, so be it and cast your vote 

Accidents where the driver isn’t at fault shouldn’t be used to raise that driver’s insurance rates.

Washington should create graffiti removal grants for cities and counties, especially along state and interstate roads. These grants could also create job-training opportunities for people in temporary housing, tiny home communities, or county-supported programs. With the right structure, graffiti removal could become a path into steady work and community improvement.

A Washington Integrated Water System

Planning Today for Tomorrow's Water Needs

Washington has regions that experience severe flooding and others that face recurring drought. Rather than treating these challenges as separate issues, we should explore whether they can be addressed through a comprehensive statewide water management strategy.

I support conducting a thorough feasibility study to determine whether Washington should develop an Integrated Water System to better manage one of our state's most valuable natural resources.

Rather than focusing on a single solution, the study should evaluate a variety of options, including:

• Water storage reservoirs and retention basins

• Intrastate water pipelines where practical

• Aquifer recharge and groundwater storage

• Water recycling and reuse

• Flood-control infrastructure

• Modern water monitoring and management technology

• Regional partnerships for water conservation and distribution

The goal would be to capture excess water during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding and, when practical, move or store that water for use during droughts, agriculture, wildfire suppression, fish habitat restoration, municipal water supplies, and future population growth.

Let Science and Engineering Lead the Way

This proposal is not a commitment to build a statewide water system. It is a commitment to determine whether such a system is technically feasible, environmentally responsible, and financially practical.

Any study should include engineers, hydrologists, environmental scientists, tribal governments, agricultural representatives, utilities, cities, counties, business leaders, and other stakeholders.

The study should answer important questions such as:

• Can excess water be captured without harming rivers and ecosystems?

• Where would additional storage provide the greatest benefit?

• What are the environmental impacts?

• What are the long-term operating costs?

• How would water rights be protected?

• Could the system reduce both flooding and drought impacts?

• What benefits would it provide to agriculture, communities, fish habitat, and economic development?

A Legacy Infrastructure Investment

If the study demonstrates that an Integrated Water System is practical and environmentally responsible, it could become one of the largest and most important infrastructure investments in Washington's history.

Like the interstate highway system transformed transportation, a statewide water system could strengthen Washington's long-term water security while creating thousands of high-quality, family-wage jobs over many years.

The project could improve:

• Flood resilience

• Agricultural productivity

• Drought preparedness

• Wildfire response

• Drinking water reliability

• Economic development

• Climate resilience

Funding the Future

If the project proves worthwhile, Washington should evaluate a variety of funding options, including federal infrastructure grants, public-private partnerships, state capital investments, and, where legally appropriate, climate-related funding sources such as revenues generated under the Climate Commitment Act.

Funding decisions should only be made after the project has demonstrated measurable public benefits and strong fiscal responsibility.

Accountability Comes First

Large public investments require public trust.

Any feasibility study should follow the S.M.A.R.T. model by establishing goals that are:

• Specific

• Measurable

• Achievable

• Relevant

• Time-Bound

The study should include:

• Clearly defined objectives

• A public project timeline

• Independent engineering and environmental review

• Regular public progress reports

• Transparent budgeting and expenditures

• Public hearings throughout the state

• A final report with recommendations before any construction decisions are made

Washington taxpayers deserve complete transparency before committing billions of dollars to any major infrastructure project.

Looking Ahead

Water is one of Washington's greatest natural resources. As our population grows and weather patterns become more unpredictable, we should begin planning today for tomorrow's challenges.

An Integrated Water System may or may not prove to be the right solution. But Washington should have the vision to ask the question, gather the facts, and make decisions based on sound science, responsible stewardship, and measurable results.

The future belongs to states that plan ahead. I believe Washington should be one of them.

Washington needs meaningful prison reform. Prisoners should have better access to communication with the outside world, including support networks and reentry resources. Maintaining outside connections can help reduce isolation and improve the chances of successful reentry after release.

Correctional officers also need better compensation. Prison reform should include both humane treatment for prisoners and fair pay for the people responsible for maintaining safety inside correctional facilities.

Data centers are essential to our future.   It is a lot of information to know. I took my ideas from my research and had AI rewrite my position and AI did a good job of making my own statement come to life here.

AI  powers artificial intelligence, cloud computing, medical research, education, business, and the digital services we rely on every day. They create high-quality jobs and help drive economic growth. Washington should welcome innovation—but we should also plan for it responsibly.

Large data centers require enormous amounts of electricity, water, land, and supporting infrastructure.

Our state's clean energy portfolio provides a solid foundation, but every energy source has strengths and limitations. Wind and solar produce low-carbon electricity but depend on weather conditions. Hydroelectric power is dependable and carbon-free, but opportunities for significant expansion are limited. Emerging technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which typically generate between 50 and 300 megawatts of electricity, may become an important part of a diversified, dependable, and low-carbon energy future.

Rather than viewing data centers as standalone facilities, Washington should encourage the development of integrated AI campuses that combine multiple energy and sustainability technologies. These campuses could include Small Modular Reactors. On-site solar generation, Battery energy storage, Advanced cooling systems, Water recycling and conservation, Hydroelectric power from the regional grid

For smaller data centers located near cities, we should also explore capturing and reusing waste heat. Instead of allowing excess heat to be released into the atmosphere, it could be used to help heat nearby apartments, office buildings, schools, hospitals, greenhouses, or other community facilities, improving energy efficiency while lowering operating costs.

Data centers are not just buildings—they are critical infrastructure that will shape Washington's economy for decades to come. We should embrace the opportunities they bring while ensuring that growth is carefully planned, environmentally responsible, and beneficial to the communities that host them.

 Washington needs data centers. But more importantly, Washington needs a thoughtful, long-term plan to ensure these projects strengthen our economy, protect our natural resources, and serve the public interest. We must also consider our Salmon, Dams, Transmission network, and impacts on the local population.

A complicated issue that has a multitude of solutions.

Building Washington's Maritime Future

A Vision for the Next Generation

Washington has always been a state that builds things. We helped build the airplanes that connected the world. I believe we can once again become a national leader by building the ships and maritime technology that will power the next generation of commerce, transportation, and national security.

The Pacific Northwest has every advantage needed to become America's premier center for maritime manufacturing and innovation. We should seize that opportunity.

A National Opportunity

For decades, the United States has fallen behind other nations in commercial shipbuilding. Today, South Korea, Japan, and China build most of the world's commercial vessels.

Recognizing the importance of rebuilding America's industrial base and strengthening our national security, the federal government has renewed its focus on expanding domestic shipbuilding. South Korean companies, including Hanwha Ocean, have begun making significant investments in American shipbuilding facilities and technology.

Washington should compete aggressively to attract those investments and position itself as the leading maritime manufacturing state on the West Coast.

Why Washington?

Few places in the world possess the combination of resources that Washington already has:

• Deep-water ports with direct access to Pacific trade routes.

• Existing shipbuilders, including Nichols Brothers Boat Builders and Vigor Industrial.

• Naval Base Kitsap and other military facilities.

• A highly skilled manufacturing workforce.

• Strong aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries.

• World-class technology companies.

• Outstanding research universities and community colleges.

• A long history of innovation, engineering, and international trade.

Rather than watching other states compete for these opportunities, Washington should lead.

A Washington Maritime Innovation Initiative

I propose creating a Washington Maritime Innovation Initiative that brings together:

• Shipbuilders

• Port authorities

• Labor unions

• Community and technical colleges

• Universities

• The Washington State Department of Commerce

• Federal agencies

• The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard

• Private investors

• International partners

The purpose would be to develop a long-term strategy for expanding Washington's maritime economy and attracting new investment.

Building More Than Ships

The future of maritime manufacturing extends far beyond traditional shipbuilding. Washington should become a leader in:

• Commercial shipbuilding

• Naval shipbuilding and repair

• Autonomous vessels and marine robotics

• AI-assisted ship design and engineering

• Advanced manufacturing technologies

• Marine cybersecurity

• Electric and hybrid propulsion systems

• Hydrogen and alternative marine fuels

• Offshore energy support vessels

• Advanced composite materials

• Maritime research and development

This initiative would position Washington not only as a place that builds ships, but as a global leader in maritime innovation.

Investing in People

A successful maritime industry depends on a skilled workforce.

Washington should expand:

• Apprenticeship programs

• Skilled trade education

• Engineering and technical education

• Partnerships between industry and community colleges

• University research programs

• Workforce retraining opportunities for experienced workers

These investments would create thousands of high-quality, family-wage careers while helping meet the workforce needs of future employers.

Economic Growth Through Partnership

As part of my campaign, I have already written letters of interest to Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, Vigor Industrial, Hanwha Philly Shipyard, and Huntington Ingalls Industries to learn how Washington can play a larger role in America's renewed investment in shipbuilding.

Good legislation begins by listening. Before writing policy, legislators should meet with industry leaders, workers, educators, labor organizations, military representatives, and investors to understand the opportunities and challenges facing Washington's maritime economy.

Benefits for Washington

A strong maritime manufacturing industry would:

• Create thousands of family-wage jobs.

• Expand apprenticeship opportunities.

• Strengthen Washington's manufacturing base.

• Support hundreds of small businesses throughout the supply chain.

• Increase long-term state and local tax revenues.

• Improve America's commercial and naval shipbuilding capacity.

• Strengthen our national security.

• Encourage innovation in clean-energy marine technologies.

Looking Ahead

Great states plan for the future.

Washington once became a global leader in aerospace because we invested in innovation, education, skilled workers, and world-class manufacturing. We have the opportunity to build on that legacy by becoming America's leader in maritime manufacturing and technology.

This is about more than building ships.

It is about creating careers for the next generation, strengthening our economy, expanding American manufacturing, supporting our national security, and ensuring that Washington remains one of the most innovative and competitive states in the nation.

I believe Washington should become the Silicon Valley of maritime innovation—where world-class manufacturing, cutting-edge technology, and a highly skilled workforce come together to shape the future of the global maritime industry.

Washington should formally support tribes that seek state or federal recognition and help them move through that process. The state should also consider transferring selected government properties located on historic tribal lands to the appropriate tribes. In some cases, the government could lease those properties back from the tribes. That would turn symbolic recognition into meaningful action.

Washington should reconsider the automatic publication of the names of people who have been charged but not convicted. The public has a right to know what crimes are being charged and whether a public official or person in a position of trust is involved, but in many cases, the public doesn’t need the name of the accused before guilt has been established. Publishing names too early can damage reputations, affect employment, and create problems for people who are later found not guilty or whose charges are dismissed. The state should better balance public safety and the rights of the accused.

Private companies provide fast, efficient service. A bank can notify a customer on a phone before an ATM even dispenses cash. Replacement debit cards can arrive within a couple of days. Costco can issue a membership card on the spot. State systems need to bring its state systems into the 21st century so they can operate with the same level of efficiency.

Real estate agents must renew their licenses every two years, but the state system still requires unnecessary password resets and outdated steps. When residents renew a driver’s license, they often receive a temporary paper license and must wait for the permanent license to arrive by mail. Washington should modernize these systems so residents and professionals can complete routine state transactions securely and without unnecessary delays.

Flock cameras and similar surveillance systems raise privacy concerns, especially if federal agencies use the data to locate people at random. Under my proposed Washingtonship program, there would be less need to use surveillance tools for immigration enforcement because the state would have a better system for identifying who is living and working here.

At the same time, we need to be honest about the world we live in. People are already recorded by doorbell cameras, business cameras, traffic cameras, and private security systems every day. Privacy inside the home must remain protected, but public spaces are different.

The state should create clear limits on how surveillance data can be used but should still allow law enforcement to identify criminal activity and remove dangerous offenders from the streets.

Washington should consider targeted tax holidays to help residents with major recurring expenses. These could include back-to-school tax holidays, gas tax holidays, or one larger annual tax holiday designed to give families direct relief.

Government Accountability and Performance

Government exists to serve the people. Every tax dollar collected should produce measurable results, and every public official should be accountable to the citizens they represent.

Too often, government programs continue year after year with little evaluation of whether they are achieving their intended purpose. New programs are created, funding grows, and regulations expand, but taxpayers rarely receive a clear explanation of what was accomplished.

I believe Washington State government should operate with the same level of accountability that successful businesses, nonprofit organizations, schools and families expect when managing their own resources.

No fee bail is ok the first time, maybe even the second.  After that one needs to be accountable. 
Not paying on public transportation?  One warning is good before consequence, not six.  Student turns in a book late or loses it?  A fine may be waived but not a consequence.  An alternative may be working in the lunchroom. 

Because one is unhoused and on the street, does not give that person the right to shoplift or take shopping carts from the local grocer.

 It does not matter about your  personal circumstance. A consequence can be personalized, but there needs to be accountability for behaviors.

Measure Results, Not Intentions

Every new law and every significant state program should include clear performance measures using the S.M.A.R.T. model: I learned this model in setting objectives in my classes I taught. 

• Specific – Clearly define the objective.

• Measurable – Establish objective ways to measure success.

• Achievable – Set realistic and attainable goals.

• Relevant – Ensure the program addresses a genuine public need.

• Time-Bound – Establish deadlines for measuring progress and reviewing results.

Good intentions alone are not enough. Programs should demonstrate measurable outcomes.

Regular Performance Reviews

State agencies should periodically review every major program to answer several basic questions:

• Is the program accomplishing its stated purpose?

• Are taxpayers receiving good value for the money invested?

• Can the same results be achieved more efficiently?

• Has the original need changed?

• Should the program be expanded, improved, consolidated, or ended?

Successful programs deserve continued support. Programs that consistently fail to meet their goals should be reformed or discontinued.

Transparent Spending

Washington residents deserve to know exactly how their tax dollars are being spent.

Budget reports should avoid vague categories such as "Other," "Miscellaneous," "Uncategorized," or "Special Programs" whenever possible. Spending should be described in plain language that allows taxpayers to understand where their money is going.

Transparency builds trust.

Accountability for Grants

State grants should include:

• Clearly defined objectives.

• Measurable performance standards.

• Completion deadlines.

• Public reporting of results.

• Financial accountability for all expenditures.

Grant recipients should demonstrate that public funds achieved the intended public benefit.

Protect Taxpayer Dollars

Fraud, waste, and abuse should be investigated and prosecuted whenever they occur.

At the same time, government should avoid creating unnecessary regulations that burden honest organizations because of the misconduct of a few bad actors. Accountability should target wrongdoing while allowing responsible organizations to continue serving their communities efficiently.

Better Laws Through Better Evaluation

Legislation should not be judged by how many bills are passed during a legislative session. It should be judged by whether those laws improve the lives of Washington residents.

Whenever practical, major legislation should include:

• Clearly stated objectives.

• Performance measurements.

• Periodic legislative review.

• Sunset provisions when appropriate.

• Public reporting of outcomes.

This creates a culture of continuous improvement instead of assuming every law should remain unchanged forever.

Accountability Begins With Me

I believe elected officials should hold themselves to the same standards they expect from government agencies.

As your representative, I will:

• Respond to constituents in a timely manner.

• Explain the reasoning behind my votes.

• Be transparent about meetings and decision-making.

• Evaluate legislation based on facts and measurable outcomes—not party pressure.

• Put the interests of the people of the 46th District ahead of political ideology or special interests.

Government works best when it earns the public's trust through honesty, transparency, accountability, and measurable results.

That is the standard I will bring to Olympia.

These are my ideas but AI formatted for me as that is NOT my skill level.

Super Market, Big Box Theft

Cities need to prosecute misdemeanor crimes, especially when repeat offenders are involved. Retail theft hurts businesses, employees, and customers.

Stores could also consider a version of the Costco membership model. Customers would use a card to enter, and stores would have a record of who’s coming in and out. Many grocery stores already check receipts at the exit. A membership or entry-card model could help reduce theft and give stores a better way to track repeat offenders.

Resource Officers

The decision to place resource officers in schools should be made locally. Some argue that officers create stress for students in certain communities. That concern should be taken seriously, but it should also be understood in context.

For many people, their first interaction with police is frightening. It may happen at a party, at a park, during a traffic stop, after a parking ticket, or during a demonstration. If young people only see police during moments of conflict, they may grow up associating officers with fear or punishment.

Resource officers and beat officers can help create positive interactions before problems occur. When handled correctly, they can build trust, support safety, and help students understand that police are there to maintain the law, not just to punish citizens.

Roll Down Security Shutters

Roll-down security shutters could help protect businesses from smash-and-grab burglaries and vehicle break-ins, especially for storefronts in areas with repeated property crime.

They could also improve the appearance of business districts. Local artists could paint murals or designs on the shutters and turn a security feature into public art. The cost of installing shutters may be far less than the cost of repairing damaged doors, windows, walls, and other building infrastructure after a burglary. It could be a great partnership via a grants with the state and local municipalitys. 

Overview

Washington should establish a grant program to encourage the development of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) and vertical farming facilities in underserved communities, particularly in areas designated as food deserts. These projects would increase access to fresh, locally grown produce while creating family-wage jobs and strengthening local economies.

Mixed-Use Development Model

The program should encourage mixed-use developments that combine:

• Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) facilities

• Affordable housing

• Neighborhood grocery stores

• Retail and community services

• Workforce development and job training opportunities

A former large retail site, such as the closed Fred Meyer property in Seattle's Lake City neighborhood, could serve as an excellent demonstration project. Existing commercial sites often have the size, infrastructure, and location needed to support redevelopment into vibrant mixed-use community assets.

Public-Private Partnership

The State of Washington, local governments, and private developers should work together to finance these projects through public-private partnerships.

The state could support development by:

• Providing competitive construction grants for CEA facilities.

• Offering low-interest financing or loan guarantees.

• Expediting environmental review and permitting.

• Waiving or reducing state and local permitting fees.

• Coordinating infrastructure improvements where needed.

• Encouraging local governments to prioritize these projects because of their public benefits.

Community Benefits

This initiative would provide multiple long-term benefits, including:

• Increased access to affordable, fresh produce in underserved communities.

• Creation of permanent agricultural, retail, maintenance, and management jobs.

• Construction employment during project development.

• New affordable housing opportunities.

• Revitalization of underutilized commercial properties.

• Increased local tax revenues over time.

• Reduced transportation costs and emissions associated with shipping produce long distances.

• Greater food security through year-round local food production.

• Economic development that benefits residents, businesses, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Conclusion

By combining Controlled Environment Agriculture, affordable housing, grocery retail, and workforce opportunities into a single development model, Washington can address several critical challenges simultaneously. This approach promotes food security, expands housing, creates jobs, revitalizes aging commercial properties, and strengthens communities through strategic public-private investment. It represents an innovative model for sustainable economic development that benefits residents, local governments, private developers, and the state as a whole.