MIKE CHAPMAN

As the incumbent representative for Washington’s 24th District, why should voters elect you to another term?

It’s been my honor to serve as State Representative since 2017. I am running for re-election to continue working on small business growth, affordable housing, public infrastructure investments, broadband expansion and workforce training programs at our local schools. As a result of my bipartisan work on rural economic development and natural resource issues I was recognized by my peers, being elected Chair of the House Rural Development, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee in 2021. I have the experience and passion to see our area thrive and prosper as we grow local jobs, protect our pristine environment, increase access to education and health care, and guarantee a woman’s right to choose. I ask for your vote so I can continue to advocate on your behalf in Olympia.

One of your opponents (Sue Forde) has suggested hand-counting of ballots for future elections. Do you support this, or what negative impacts would you expect?

I do not support mandatory hand counting of all ballots for every election. WA has been a leader in secure, open, and continuously reviewed elections and we were one of the first states in the nation to move to all mail balloting which has been so successful to increase participation in our democracy! Hand counting of all ballots would be slow, cumbersome, not any more accurate, increase the cost of all elections and open the door to intimidation and threats.

Your opponents (Sue Forde and Mathew Rainwater) have voiced strong opposition to your support of increasing the state’s gas tax. Why are you in support of increasing the gas tax?

Earlier this year the Legislature passed a $16 billion transportation package without a gas tax increase! I have never sponsored a gas tax increase nor has the gas tax been increased during my time in the Legislature. I worked hard this last session, as a member of the House Transportation Committee, to make sure our Move Ahead Washington transportation budget was enacted without a gas tax increase. I’m proud of this package which provides funding for increased transit services, new electric ferries, and takes important steps to move our state toward a carbon free transportation system while investing in key infrastructure throughout the state.

You listed supporting fully funding basic education as a part of your legislative priorities. One of your opponents, Sue Forde, has voiced her support for school choice. Are you in favor or opposed to school choice, and if opposed, how would you enact policy to aid Washington’s public schools?

In my time in the Legislature we have complied with the State Constitutional requirement to fully fund basic education. I do not support any policies or legislation that would jeopardize or decrease funding to our public schools. We are continually working with local school districts to make sure they have all the resources they need to provide the quality education our students receive and deserve. We have increased K-12 funding every year I have been in the Legislature, funding I have advocated for in order to make sure our school districts have the needed revenue to comply with the public education paramount duty clause of the State Constitution.

In your view, what was the state Legislature’s biggest mistake in the last session?

The Legislature passed two incredibly complex pieces of legislation, the Climate Commitment Act in 2021 and Move Ahead Washington this year. Unfortunately we haven’t been able to easily explain how the legislation will make Washington a leader in significantly reducing and ultimately eliminating our carbon footprint. I believe future generations will look back on the 2021-2022 State Legislature and say this was the moment when Washington made a definitive commitment and put policies in place to significantly fight the negative impacts of climate change. Unfortunately this legislation has become difficult for many to fully understand thereby opening the door to misleading information and exaggerated claims of harmful impacts, especially in rural more conservative communities throughout Washington. Meaningful legislation must be understandable to gain pubic support.

What was the state Legislature’s biggest success in the last session?

The Legislature passed a historic $16 billion Move Ahead Washington transportation package without raising the gas tax. We also took significant steps to balance our regressive tax code by passing a progressive capital gains tax while cutting and eliminating small business taxes and expanding the Working Families Tax Credit, a sales tax rebate for our low income constituents.

What sets you apart from your Republican opponents as the best option for 24th District voters?

I have public service experience having served for a decade as a law enforcement officer, 16 years as Clallam County Commissioner and now finishing my 3rd term as State Representative. In my time in the Legislature I have supported fully funding basic education. I have supported a woman’s right to choose. I have worked to secure significant tax cuts for small businesses and low income constituents in rural Washington. I have secured funding for a new Hwy 101 Elwha River Bridge and many other safety improvement and electric vehicle and ferry transportation projects in the 24th LD. I have sponsored and seen signed into law bi-partisan legislation creating private-public partnerships offering college scholarships for job skills training for rural residents.

Both of your opponents have discussed their ideas for addressing homelessness in Washington. What are your ideas for addressing homelessness in the state?

The Legislature has allocated a major increase in funding for new affordable housing and low income housing projects in the current budget. We need to work with our local Government partners to make sure they have the tools and funding they need to approve and provide the needed infrastructure for more affordable housing. And we have and will continue to provide the education and job skills training to make sure we have the workforce needed to meet the housing demand, both today and into the future.

What more should be done at the state level to reduce gun violence?

In Washington we have seen significant legislation enacted aimed at reducing gun violence. We must consider reasonable reforms to keep weapons away from those who might engage in mass shootings. Finally, society must decide whether military high capacity assault weapons are appropriate for civilian ownership without a valid purpose and license. Until we make that decision I’m afraid we are one moment away from the next mass shooting at one of our schools, places of worship, public spaces or anywhere a crowd of people have congregated. As a former law enforcement officer, I personally don’t believe weapons capable of firing dozens of bullets into a crowd in a matter of seconds have any business being allowed without a valid purpose and license requirements.

SUE FORDE

In the “Key Issues” section of your website you mentioned a need to reduce property taxes for Washington residents. How much do you believe the state property tax should be reduced to and what other state programs and services should be cut or reduced based on revenue impact? 

Last legislative session, there was a budget surplus of $15 BILLION. There is plenty of money flowing into the state coffers. People of our District are paying more than necessary to cover the cost of state government – and they are hurting with skyrocketing inflation! Instead of giving any of the surplus back to the taxpayers, Mike Chapman and the majority party SPENT IT ALL. High property taxes hit the most vulnerable the hardest – the elderly on a fixed income, working people, young people starting out. (Yes, rents also go higher when property tax rises.) I support a $250,000 exemption on the property value from state property tax, to reduce the cost to taxpayers - one of several ways to make housing more affordable. 

On your website you’ve discussed ways to improve election integrity in Washington state, one of which being to get rid of computer ballot counters and switching to hand-counting ballots because “it’s too easy to hack a machine.” Can you provide any examples of computer ballot counting machines being hacked and influencing election outcomes in Washington?

We’ve all seen the news about state agencies’ computers hacked or compromised, costing the people of our District and state millions in the process, as well as jeopardizing their identities. I’ve talked with IT experts who say it’s fairly easy to do, if you know what you’re doing.  I’ve also heard from many people when doorbelling that it’s a concern. I think a solution may be a hand count of a number of precincts to compare to the results from the machine. There is currently an initiative circulating that would require a hand count of 12 precincts – 6 chosen by each major political party.  I believe this will give everyone better peace of mind about our election integrity.

On your website you listed support for restricting voting for mail. Why?

I offered several ideas to help improve the integrity of our elections.  One change needed is to require proof of citizenship when someone applies to vote at the Licensing Dept., when they get their drivers’ license. (Currently, no proof is required.) Do away with ballot harvesting (currently legal in Washington), where ballots can be collected from individuals, with the possibility of having a ballot signed blank, to be filled in later. Go back to in-person voting with proper ID, with a watermarked ballot. Exceptions for absentee ballots can be made for those serving or living overseas, or unable to travel to a local polling place. Hand count ballots for each precinct. These are areas that can be addressed at the legislative level.

Do you recognize Jay Inslee and Joe Biden as the lawfully and duly elected governor of Washington and president of the United States?

Of course, I refer to them as President and Governor. I respect the offices regardless of who’s holding them. A better question would be, what do I think about the job Governor Inslee has been doing? He has held his emergency powers now for more than 850 days, so we currently do not have a balance of powers. Emergency powers shouldn’t last forever. The majority party had the opportunity to pass a bill to that end, but failed to do so. Meanwhile, the governor continues to rule by mandate (not law), resulting in the loss of a lot of good-paying jobs, and reduction of services to the people. We should limit powers to 30 days, then refer to the legislature for continuation if needed.  

You’ve described the state-mandated K-12 sex education bill as radical. What about the bill is radical to you and why do you believe that it should be overturned?

When 70 percent of students failed Washington’s latest math assessment and 52 percent failed the English assessment, we need to work toward solutions that will help them graduate with basic, usable skills so they can earn a good living. As an example, if you believe that 4th graders should not be taught explicitly how to have sex, then perhaps you agree with me that it’s ‘radical’ (or ‘extreme’).  Check out the curricula approved by the State Superintendent of Schools. Young children should be allowed their innocence. I support school choice, where the money follows the child for their best education, whether it’s public schools, charter or private schools, vocational-tech schools or homeschooling. It will open up great opportunities for our children based on their individual needs. 

On your website you listed Critical Race Theory and Marxist ideology as two factors driving parents/guardians away from public schools in Washington. Can you list any examples of either of these topics being used or taught to students in schools within Washington’s 24th District?

I am addressing issues I hear about from voters. I’ve heard from parents as I’ve doorbelled the District, and listened to their concerns in neighborhood meetings. Some withdrew their children from public school for not being taught the basics (reading, writing, math), and, they are being told their identity is based on belonging to certain “groups”.   

CRT, called by various names, teaches that belonging to certain groups defines who we are, instead of “individuals”, dividing us. “Oppressors” and the “oppressed” is a basic tenet of Marxism, as stated by its founder, Richard Delgado, in a 2011 interview. Marxism goes against the concept of individual freedom and that we are all “Americans”.  

The 14th Amendment and Civil Rights Act of 1964 already provides equal protection. 

Why would Critical Race Theory be a relevant issue to you if elected as a state representative?

I will represent the people of our District and State.  Parents (and grandparents) are expressing concern about education, and what their children are being taught - and not taught - in the public schools.  Parents should have the choice about what their children learn. I propose school choice for that reason. It’s a very popular idea with parents. Children need to be taught basic skills, like reading, writing, and math. Latest test scores show we’re not doing well in those areas as mentioned above. Competition helps us reach toward our highest potential.  It’s most important that our “next generations” receive the best possible education. Other important issues include gas prices, road repair, and more affordable housing.

What sets you apart from your opponents (Mike Chapman and Mathew Rainwater) for State Rep. Position 1?

I’m running against Mike Chapman.  His voting record shows he votes for higher taxes, more government spending, and more regulation, hurting those on a fixed income and working people the most. I’ll vote to reduce property tax, sales, and gas taxes, so we have more income for groceries, gas, and affordable living.  I’ll work to streamline government and limit the governor’s emergency powers. I oppose government mandates; it’s a slippery slope. I stand for transparency, accountability, and the protection of individuals under our Constitutions. I will work to help reduce the cost of housing, making it more attainable for retirees and young families. We’ve spent millions on homelessness. It’s getting worse - with drugs being a large part of the problem. We can do better.

In your view, what was the state legislature’s biggest mistake in the last session?

We currently have one party in power - a trifecta (all three branches) for 24 years. Result: Higher taxes, more spending, more regulation, mandates. The majority party, including Mike Chapman, should have given back some of the $15 BILLION surplus to the taxpayers. They didn’t. They passed a transportation budget that favors the I-5 corridor, and raises taxes and fees.  We can do better.  

We’ve seen our state budget more than double just since 2013. Property crime is on the rise, which affects us all. I will vote for bills to restore the ability of law enforcement to do their job of protecting us. It’s time for a change - for balance, for common sense and for good representation of OUR District. I ask for your vote.

MATTHEW RAINWATER

One of your opponents (Sue Forde) has suggested hand-counting of ballots for future elections. Do you support this, or what negative impacts would you expect?

I have had conversations with the Grays Harbor County Auditor, about this very issue. He was quick to point out the error rate is higher with hand counted ballots, and pointed out the machines being used are very secure. I agree something needs to be done to assure the voters their votes ARE being counted, and counted accurately. This can be done by increasing the amount of election observers and making ballot harvesting illegal. Ultimately, I believe the most secure voting is done in person, with paper ballots. 

As the founder and president of nonprofit Pennies for Quarters, how do you plan to address homelessness at a much larger scale in the state if elected?

There is no easy answer to this. Especially not in 125 words or less. I believe the answer is to increase the availability of mental health services, and programs to deal with addictions. My plan for Pennies for Quarters is to have mandatory group therapy and AA/NA meetings on sight, as well as drug testing and accountability for those who fail the drug tests. 

On your website you said, “not only do they not care, but with the help of the Federal Department of Justice, they have used their power to try to scare parents across the nation into silence by threatening to investigate them for ‘domestic terrorism.’” Can you give an example of when this has occurred in Washington’s 24th Legislative District or in Washington state?

The issue is not whether it has happened or not—those type of investigations are normally classified until an arrest has been made. The fact is our Democrat Representatives were silent on the abuse of power and overreach of the Federal Government by taking steps to investigate parents who are speaking up at School Board meetings. The parents of our community need to be able to express themselves openly, without fear of prosecution from the Federal Government, the State Government or Local Government. 

On your website you mentioned crime in Seattle as an issue of concern to you. Why is this an issue of concern for 24th District voters?

The premise of your question is wrong. Even though high crime anywhere is of concern, I pointed out on my website the laws which hindered law enforcement from being able to do their job were crafted as Seattle burned, and an area of it was taken over by crime lords. Rep. Tharinger’s recent attack on police shows just how dangerous this is. Rep. Chapman’s refusal to denounce this attack by Rep. Tharinger shows he is either afraid to go against his seatmate or agrees with him. Either way, it is very disconcerting, and very serious.

You critiqued Rep. Chapman for his support of increasing the gas tax on your website and have voiced support of lowering taxes. What taxes are you in favor of lowering and what other state programs and services should be cut or reduced based on revenue impact?

I am in support of lowering just about all taxes. I am for sure against raising any taxes. In today’s economy with inflation at over 9 percent, and an average gas price over $5, people need to be able to hang on to more of their money. The state can make up for it by being more fiscally responsible. The state had record revenue last budget, and despite this, Democrats still supported massive tax increases. We could have both cut taxes and increased spending last year.

On your website you said, “restrictions on our freedoms, and the ability for our State and Local Law Enforcement to protect and defend us are constantly under attack by those same Democrats.” Specifically, what freedoms have been restricted by Washington state Democrats?

We’re still under a state of emergency for COVID, even though all but one other state has stopped ruling by executive decree. This is a serious violation of democratic norms. Under Inslee, the right to free assembly, commerce, property, and the right to privacy (i.e. vaccine mandates and vaccine passports) was violated. Democrats have also restricted our 2nd Amendment rights.

When it comes to Washington state’s vaccination mandate, are you opposed or in favor of it?

As someone who chose to get vaccinated and boosted, I 100 percent oppose the vaccine mandates. People should have the right to choose whether they want to get a vaccine or not. Especially a vaccine that is experimental. We have seen the promise of “get vaxxed and stop the spread” was false. The vaccines don’t stop the spread. 

What sets you apart from your Republican opponent Sue Forde as the best Republican candidate for State Rep. Position 1?

It is not about what sets me apart from her, but rather who out of the three of us will do a better job of standing up for, and fighting for, the interests of the 24th District. I bring with me a history of being able to talk to and work with, people of all back grounds. I have the best record of uniting people. I have long history of public service ... and working well with both parties. This ability to unite people means I am more likely to win in November, and more likely to do a good job once elected. I’ll be more effective. 

Where do you stand when it comes to addressing gun violence in Washington state?

The issue of gun violence is a complicated matter. However it is important that we recognize guns are tools, and tools only do what those using them want them to do. What we have is a mental health problem. What we have is a lack of respect for life issue. These things have been brewing for a long time, and they will not be fixed overnight. We need to increase the availability of mental health treatment facilities/programs. We need to punish those committing crimes with guns more severely, and to expand the mental health/drug courts, which have proven effective in reducing recidivism. I should note, Democrats proposed reducing the penalties for drive by shootings. That’s simply crazy.