Q&A with candidates for the State House 24th District, Position 1 | 2020 Election

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State Representative District 24, Position 1

MIKE CHAPMAN

(Democratic Party)

What makes you the best choice in your race to represent the residents of Legislative District 24 in Olympia?

The Legislature must support and help improve our rural economy. 

I am running for re-election to continue working hard on behalf of the citizens in the 24th Legislative District and improve our quality of life. As Chair of the House Democrats Rural Economic Development Caucus I have a great opportunity to work on issues like small business growth, affordable housing, public infrastructure investments, broadband expansion and workforce training programs at our local colleges. 

I have the experience and passion to see our area thrive and prosper as we grow local jobs, protect our pristine environment and increase access to health care. I ask for your vote so I can continue to advocate on your behalf in Olympia.

What’s your top priority if you win in November?

My top priorities for our district and the state are the state’s budget shortfall. Rebuilding our rural economy, especially in the wake of COVID-19. We must also address the COVID-19 impacts and ensure we have adequate testing, access to medical care and provide a framework for the safe and successful re-opening of schools and businesses as soon as possible.

What’s the biggest difference between you and your opponent?

I have 30 years of public service. I served as a local and federal law enforcement officer for 10 years. I served as Clallam County Commissioner for 16 years and I am finishing my fourth year as your State Representative. I have a AAS from Shoreline College, a BA from Northwest College and a master’s degree from Duquesne University.

I serve as Vice-Chair of the House Labor Committee, and also serve on the Rural Development & Natural Resources Committee, Transportation Committee and the Finance Committee. I have also been elected by my peers as Deputy Majority Whip. Additionally I Chair the House Democrats Rural Development Committee. I have dedicated my life to public service and public policy and I ask for your vote to continue to serve you in Olympia.

State Representative, District 24, Position 1

SUE FORDE

(Republican Party)

What makes you the best choice in your race to represent the residents of Legislative District 24 in Olympia?

The people deserve better than ever-increasing taxes and regulations in our district. Last year alone, the state Legislature increased the tax burden by $10 billion in new taxes. With a
$2 billion budget surplus this year, instead of returning this surplus to the people through $30 car tabs and placing $1 billion or more into the rainy-day fund, the Democrat majority chose to spend it.  

While small businesses, families and workers are hurting from the COVID-19 shutdown, Democrats are talking about raising even more taxes — a payroll tax, a state income tax and more.  

My opponent, the incumbent, has voted for every tax increase.  

I will vote “no” on all new taxes, work to roll back the budget (it’s increased by
70 percent since Gov. Inslee took office, and 19 percent just this past two years), and work to streamline state government. I will advocate for businesses, especially small businesses, workers and families to bring commonsense and balance to our one-party system now in power. I will honor the people’s $30 car tabs vote.  I will always ask these two questions before voting for any bill: (1) Is it constitutional? and (2) how does it help the people of the 24th District?

What’s your top priority if you win in November?

To help grow the economy in our district, returning jobs and bringing new ones; housing affordability, and getting our children back to school.  

One issue I will pursue is that of school choice — where the money follows the child, for the best educational opportunities, instead of a “one size fits all” approach. This will open up excellent educational opportunities to people of all incomes, including our minority communities.  

I will work to streamline state government, looking for instances of overlapping responsibilities between agencies, and excessive spending. A zero-based budget where each department starts fresh with expenditures would be a good place to start.

I stand for faith, family and freedom and the protection of individual rights — especially our first and second amendment rights; for safety and security; for housing affordability and job growth; and for transparency and accountability in state government.

What’s the biggest difference between you and your opponent?

My opponent, the incumbent, has been an elected official for 20 years. In doorbelling and calling, I frequently hear he has lost touch with his constituents; instead, serving Seattle/I-5 corridor special interest groups.

Following the money, his donations are 87 percent from outside our district. He has voted for bigger, overreaching government, like the state-mandated, comprehensive kindergarten (starting as young as age 5) through 12th grade sex-ed bill, where parents and local teachers and school board have no voice in deciding what is taught at a local level.  

By contrast, I have been working in business all my adult life, first as an escrow officer/manager, then owning and operating my own small successful businesses, including an independent escrow company, and for the past 20 years, a website design business. I know what it means to meet payroll and deal with the numerous regulations and taxes the state places on time and money that could be better spent hiring and training more employees.

I’ve been active at the local level, working to bring commonsense governance to our county. Approximately 97 percent of the donations to my campaign are from within our District. I will represent you — not
I-5 corridor special interests.