2024 Candidates
On behalf of its members, the Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce invited all candidates to complete a Chamber Questionnaire and share their positions on business, economic, and political issues important to our region. The Federal Way Chamber is nonpartisan and does not endorse candidates.
Position 1: House of Representatives
Name: Rep. Jamila E. Taylor
Education: JD, University of Oregon School of Law
Current mailing address: PO Box 3996, Federal Way, WA 98063
Telephone: 206-486-5493
Email: info@electjamilataylor.com
Website: https://www.electjamilataylor.com
Section 1: Business and Economic Issues
The Priority Industry and Workforce Assessment outlines regional opportunities to develop business sectors in our economic ecosystem. How do you envision supporting a talent pipeline with Federal Way as a regional hub for job growth in any of these or other sectors?
As we look toward job growth and talent recruitment, I firmly believe that supporting this growth is paramount to its success and longevity. In my capacity as State Representative, support looks like prioritizing legislation that would increase funding and accessibility to much needed job training. As well as ensuring all industries, especially those seeing growth, are prioritizing the health, safety, and economic security of its workforce. When we speak specifically about industries outlined in the report, like life sciences, it is important that we understand South King county residents are aging and will need more health care services. The potential attraction of 30th district residents to enter stable, high-paying jobs in our region will continue to increase as we close the health-sector labor shortage.
Chamber studies note that a skilled and trained workforce demands affordable housing availability. How will you work legislatively to support housing initiatives in Washington state, and particularly the Federal Way region?
As the former Vice Chair of the Housing, Human Services and Veterans Committee along with my prior work in nonprofit leadership with tangible experience building public-private partnerships, I have a unique perspective on this issue. To urgently address housing, we must rapidly expand the supply at all levels.
For example, I support increased density on my own block. Local control over zoning and density ideally helps to maintain the character of a community and management of municipal resources, while planning for future growth and providing for expanding options within the entire housing ecosystem.
I understand the pressures facing local families, and the need to maximize resources and deliver services efficiently. I’ll continue the fight to ensure every family — regardless of employment status and income — can keep a roof over their head and access critical services, without fear of gentrification. Many people with developmental disabilities and their families, the elderly, and other residents with fixed incomes are unable to keep up with the rising housing rents. I’ve sponsored legislation to increase housing supports, increase access to first-time homeownership, expand tenant protections, clarify landlord-tenant privacy in leasing, and secured millions in funding for workforce housing in the 30th District.
The Chamber’s 2024 Sector Data report noted the economic impact of six Department of Commerce focus industries for job growth. Which of those six do you think should be the focus of strategic business expansion for Greater Federal Way? Please explain why.
The state’s population growth is expected to rise, especially Federal Way and South King County cities. The strategic focus should prioritize the Information and communication economic sector since it experienced 35% growth (2018-2023, with an anticipated growth of 24% (2023-2028). The types of commercial properties available in the 30th may suit this sector very well. If the region can concentrate on expanding transportation oriented housing near light rail on 320th, new residents looking for condos, local retail, and entertainment in our 320th economic center, may have great options for long term residency. The secondary priority should be the Healthcare industry. This sector is the second largest in the district. South King county residents are aging and will need more health care services. The potential attraction of 30th district residents to enter stable, high-paying jobs in our region will continue to increase as we close the health-sector labor shortage. Lastly, the district has the potential to continue the growth in the construction industry and outperform the national average for employees in an area of this size as investments for infrastructure repair and redevelopment are deployed in this region. The 30th District has incredible talent ready to be tapped in this region.
How will you work legislatively with the Federal Way Chamber on economic development and other business initiatives? Please note any past or present engagement with the Chamber on such projects.
I will continue to collaborate with the Chamber on its priorities. I’ve previously sponsored the Chamber’s budget requests and will support public-private partnerships cultivated by the Chamber in support of our region. Among other efforts to support the district, I’ve championed policies that expand CTE and other workforce opportunities, increase access to childcare, address housing disparities, and secured funding for workforce housing and to save the iconic skate rink. In addition, I’ve also secured $1 million for law enforcement, prosecutors, and criminal defense to establish programs to address organized theft redirecting folks into treatment, housing and other services while focusing on holding crime-ring leaders accountable to unlawful behaviors.
Section 2: Political Engagement
What elected offices have you held and how has that experience prepared you for the Legislature.
I was elected to the state legislature in 2020. During my first two terms, I’ve served in several leadership positions: House Democratic Caucus Vice Chair; House Members of Color Caucus Vice Chair; and Legislative Black Caucus Chair. My policy leadership roles have included: Housing, Human Services & Veterans Committee Vice Chair; Human Services, Youth & Early Learning Committee Vice Chair; and the Developmental Disability Advocacy Caucus Chair. I believe I am well-suited to bring the perspective of the South Sound / South King Region to Olympia.
How does your campaign engage with the community (i.e., local office, door-to-door, Town Hall meetings, phone calls, emails). Do you plan to continue the same involvement if elected?
My campaign continues to connect with the community via door-to-door canvassing; phone calls; emails, social media and attendance at community events. My involvement and participation in the community has increased since my first term. In addition, I attend local cultural events, support local businesses and retailers, engage with local nonprofits and support 30th district residents in my capacity as a legislator. I respond to emerging issues and continue to support opportunities that benefit the South King County region, with needs of the 30th district in mind.
Does your campaign use local District 30 businesses in the production of marketing collateral? Why or why not?
Yes! I am proud to have collaborated and marketed my campaign in the 30th district--I have marketed my campaign in the Federal Way Mirror and other local news outlets. My printing has been done in Seattle at union-led printing organizations. In addition to the marketing collateral, I support many Federal Way small businesses with my events, meetings, and fundraisers.
Section 3: Campaign Activity
What are your primary sources of funding? Please note the top five (5) business contributors within District 30 and the top five (5) business contributors outside of District 30. Please also note the top five (5) individuals within District 30 and the top five (5) individuals outside of District 30.
A full list of my contributions can be found on the PDC: https://www.pdc.wa.gov/political-disclosure-reporting-data/browse-search-data/candidates/689005#contributions
Top five (5) business contributors within District 30: Washington Education Association and Davita
Top five (5) business contributors outside of District 30: Puget Sound Energy, United Health Group, Zeneca, Zillow and State Farm Insurance
Top five (5) individuals within District 30: Carolyn Taylor, Dr. Quintard Taylor, Madelyn Grayson, Cynthia Ricks-Maccottan, Gennia Wellington, Carlecia Bell and Saudia Abdullah
Top five (5) individuals outside of District 30.
Phylisha Agbor, Dawn Bennett, Bobbe Bridge, Val Thomas-Matson, Kevin Baker
Please share your major endorsements from the South Sound region (including greater Federal Way and South King County).
Full list is available at: https://www.electjamilataylor.com/endorsements
Seattle Times, Washington Education Association, LiUNA Local 242, Plumbers and Pipefitters, ATU 587, SEIU 776 and 1199NW, Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Seattle/King County Building & Construction Trades Council, 30th District Democrats, OneAmerica Votes, ProChoice WA, and Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates
Have you contracted with a firm or individual to manage your campaign? If so, please provide the name and address of the firm/ individual.
NWP Consulting, Raven Tyler
PO Box 15734, Seattle, WA 98115
https://www.nwpconsulting.com
Name: Melissa Hamilton
Education: Saint Martins University, Lacey WA/Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice/Magna Cum Laude
Current mailing address: 1911 SW Campus Dr PMB 313, Federal Way WA 98023
Telephone: 360-791-2589
Email: melissaforwa@gmail.com
Website: melissaforwa.com
Section 1: Business and Economic Issues
The Priority Industry and Workforce Assessment outlines regional opportunities to develop business sectors in our economic ecosystem. How do you envision supporting a talent pipeline with Federal Way as a regional hub for job growth in any of these or other sectors?
Supporting a strong talent pipeline is key to job growth and economic prosperity. One of my top priorities is ensuring young people are prepared for life post-graduation, whether pursuing a university degree or entering an apprentice trade program for higher-wage jobs. As the first in my family to graduate from college, I know first-hand that education opens doors and opportunities. I will work to expand higher education including career and technical programs, with a goal of securing state funding for identified priority industries.
Public safety is also critical to attracting and retaining a quality workforce. As the candidate endorsed by law enforcement, I am committed and trusted to restore public safety—an essential foundation for thriving communities and a strong workforce.
Affordable housing is another critical piece. We can’t grow our workforce if people can’t afford to live here. I will support legislation that encourages housing development, ensuring Federal Way is available to all income levels.
Additionally, I’ll advocate for connecting young workers with industry leaders, furthering the pipeline from education to employment.
Chamber studies note that a skilled and trained workforce demands affordable housing availability. How will you work legislatively to support housing initiatives in Washington state, and particularly the Federal Way region?
People are moving to Federal Way seeking relief from rising housing costs in more expensive areas, creating an opportunity here to build a skilled workforce that benefits the local economy. The housing affordability and housing shortage problem is primarily an issue of supply and demand. Increasing housing supply will help reduce costs, and I will support initiatives that encourage housing production. For example, I support Initiative 2066, which protects energy choice, as it will help lower housing costs, according to housing industry leaders including the BIAW and the Affordable Housing Council.
Beyond housing, we must address overall affordability. The cost of living has risen sharply over the last four years, leaving people with less income for housing. I also support Initiative 2117, which aims to stop the hidden gas tax. The Climate Commitment Act led to much higher costs than what we were told, and now Washingtonians are paying some of the highest gas prices in the nation. This drives up the cost of groceries and anything transported by truck, increasing prices across the board. We need relief from these rising costs to make life more affordable for all residents.
The Chamber’s 2024 Sector Data report noted the economic impact of six Department of Commerce focus industries for job growth. Which of those six do you think should be the focus of strategic business expansion for Greater Federal Way? Please explain why.
All six industries have potential for economic impact and job growth, but I would prioritize the healthcare and construction industries for strategic business expansion in Federal Way.
Healthcare, recently identified as a potential economic industry priority by our city, offers stable job growth and is often more recession-proof. It also provides greater access to essential healthcare services for our community. As a legislator, I would advocate for state-level funding to support healthcare education at our local community college, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled workers in this critical sector.
The construction industry, offering excellent wages for highly skilled workers, is another area ripe for expansion. Federal Way’s location between Seattle and Tacoma, with easy access to the Eastside, is ideal for construction tradespeople who often travel between job sites. With the growing demand for housing, I anticipate a significant boom in this industry over the next decade as more housing will need to be built. Supporting this sector will not only create good-paying jobs but also contribute to addressing our housing shortage.
How will you work legislatively with the Federal Way Chamber on economic development and other business initiatives? Please note any past or present engagement with the Chamber on such projects.
I have a track record of problem-solving and leadership in critical areas—especially public safety, which is essential for a strong business environment. As the candidate endorsed by local law enforcement, I understand the challenges businesses face when public safety is compromised, and I am committed to restoring community safety as the foundation for successful economic development and retention.
Working with the Federal Way Chamber, I will take a collaborative, solutions-focused approach to economic development. I’ll listen to business leaders, understand their needs, and advocate for policies that create a stable, thriving business climate. This includes supporting initiatives identified by the Chamber that make Federal Way more attractive.
By partnering with the Chamber, community leaders, and law enforcement, I will work to ensure our economic development efforts deliver measurable results for Federal Way.
Section 2: Political Engagement
What elected offices have you held and how has that experience prepared you for the Legislature.
I am a first time candidate for elected office. With that said, the role of a representative is to be a bridge between the people and their government. A person who is willing to serve and listen to the needs of the communities they are elected to represent. I’m ready to be that voice in Olympia for the people in this district. I am proud to have endorsements from local law enforcement, several Federal Way elected city leaders, and key stakeholders who know me and trust that I will work on behalf of what’s best for our 30th district community. I currently serve on two city commissions, have career experience in public safety, a formal education in criminal justice, and am deeply involved in community service. This has prepared me to advocate in Olympia for the solutions we need.
How does your campaign engage with the community (i.e., local office, door-to-door, Town Hall meetings, phone calls, emails). Do you plan to continue the same involvement if elected?
As a candidate for office, my team and I have worked hard to connect with residents primarily by going door to door, having a presence at large community events, attending neighborly meet-and-greets, and engaging with our diverse faith communities. We've also made a point to visit many of our small business owners, listening to their concerns and ideas.
My deep commitment to community involvement is one of the reasons I was encouraged to run for office, and I intend to maintain that connection if elected. I believe that being accessible and responsive to constituents is essential for effective representation. I will continue to prioritize the relationships I've developed and hope to expand to ensure that our community's voice is heard in Olympia.
Does your campaign use local District 30 businesses in the production of marketing collateral? Why or why not?
My campaign is working with a consulting firm to manage operations, and they have established partnerships with small businesses in Washington State to produce our marketing collateral, though these businesses are not located within the 30th District. However, we have made it a priority to support local District 30 businesses in other ways. We’ve consistently held fundraisers, meetings, and no-host dinners at locally owned restaurants within the district, ensuring that our campaign contributes to the local economy and supports small businesses right here in our community.
Section 3: Campaign Activity
What are your primary sources of funding? Please note the top five (5) business contributors within District 30 and the top five (5) business contributors outside of District 30. Please also note the top five (5) individuals within District 30 and the top five (5) individuals outside of District 30.
My primary sources of funding have come from 30th district residents including local small business owners.
Top 5 30th LD Business Owner Contributors: Terry Thomas, Paul Ellingson, Dara Mandeville, Ken Blevins, Nadeem Ahmed
Top 5 Business Contributors (outside 30th): Jornada Roofing
Top 5 30th District Donors: Larry Huisinga, Kim Hensley, Dianna Vaughan, Mohammad Saeed, Geoff Irons
Top 5 Donors (outside 30th): Lyndy Slyker, Jeremy Hoyle, Alyssa Hamilton, Barbara Sliker, Luanne Van Werven
Please share your major endorsements from the South Sound region (including greater Federal Way and South King County).
King County Police Officers Guild
WACOPS (Washington Council Of Police & Sheriffs)
Stand Up Federal Way
Federal Way City Council President Linda Kochmar
Federal Way City Council Member Jack Walsh
Federal Way City Council Member Paul McDaniel
Federal Way School Board Director Joan Murphy
Former Federal Way Youth Commission Chairman Juan Juarez Ramos
King County Republican Party
30th District Republicans
I also have endorsements from elected State Representatives across the State of Washington with several representing South Sound districts.
Have you contracted with a firm or individual to manage your campaign? If so, please provide the name and address of the firm/ individual.
Position 2: House of Representatives
Name: Kristine Reeves
Education: Diploma: Moses Lake High School, BA: Washington State University, MA: Gonzaga University
Current mailing address: PO Box 26332, Federal Way, WA 98093
Telephone: 360-359-1910
Email: electkristinereeves@gmail.com
Website: kristinereeves.com
Section 1: Business and Economic Issues
The Priority Industry and Workforce Assessment outlines regional opportunities to develop business sectors in our economic ecosystem. How do you envision supporting a talent pipeline with Federal Way as a regional hub for job growth in any of these or other sectors?
With over 15 years in community and economic development in Washington, particularly in South Puget Sound, I'm dedicated to building an economy that supports working families.
We have a talent pipeline in Federal Way! With the 5th most diverse school district in the U.S. and intersecting logistics corridors, we can develop job growth in the identified sectors through key investments:
1. Workforce Development: Connect our school's talent pipeline to career pathways aligned with industry needs. This includes fostering public-private partnerships in workforce initiatives and partnering with military bases to create transition programs for veterans, which I've done for over a decade.
2. Business Retention, Recruitment, and Expansion: Retaining businesses and meeting their needs requires targeted effort, which the Chamber brings. Recruiting companies requires a talent pool and a focus on supporting their growth. I've brought resources to our community and the Chamber to build and execute strategic plans for job growth.
3. Community Culture: Business development requires recognizing the contributions of businesses by ensuring public safety, public transportation infrastructure, and strong schools. My legislative experience has focused on these critical elements to enhance business growth and development.
I'll continue partnering with the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses to support regional business development through targeted investments.
Chamber studies note that a skilled and trained workforce demands affordable housing availability. How will you work legislatively to support housing initiatives in Washington state, and particularly the Federal Way region?
Our housing challenges are the result of economic decisions around development that resulted in a simply supply versus demand challenge. As the tech sector has grown in the region over the past three decades in particular, the demand for housing has grown. Post the 2009 housing crisis, fewer houses have been built, resulting in little supply and a lot of demand. This has led to increased housing costs across the state. As local municipalities continue to promote a “not in my city” approach to housing development, we continue to see stalled housing development that delays solutions to this crisis.
I have voted to increase housing development and middle-housing supply. I have voted to increase development opportunities through zoning fixes, and land use policy. I have voted to reduce condo liability reform to support increased condo development opportunities. In the meantime, I have worked with my colleagues both in my party and across the aisle to bring millions of dollars to our community to support transitional housing programs like those we see at Fusion and at Mary’s Place.
As someone who has personally experienced homelessness, I know how impactful having a roof over your head can be. I am going to continue to advocate for strong and strategic approaches that recognize the balance needed in policy for those providing housing, and for those seeking housing, while holding our cities and county’s feet to the fire to be part of the solution and build more affordable housing in the region.
The Chamber’s 2024 Sector Data report noted the economic impact of six Department of Commerce focus industries for job growth. Which of those six do you think should be the focus of strategic business expansion for Greater Federal Way? Please explain why.
I am most invested in Clean Tech as a sector with an emphasis on Climate Resilience and Environmental Equity. I believe the biggest challenge our economy faces over the next two decades is going to be the transition from the industrial age to the technical age with a climate resilient focus. Clean Tech represents the opportunity for our region to innovate in an industry and has problems it doesn’t yet know the solutions to and our community can be the leader in addressing those challenges while providing living wage jobs in our backyard.
This is why I was proud to partner with the Federal Way Public Schools to bring millions of dollars to support STEM education, why I support building public-private partnerships with industry in Aerospace, Life Sciences, and more knowing that this STEM education is foundational to the success of all of our kids getting great jobs post-graduation, but why I am also focused on the redevelopment of the IRG property as a Climate Resilience and Environmental Equity Career Campus (CREEC) that supports a STEM focus that partners our schools with companies centered on Clean Tech solutions of the future.
How will you work legislatively with the Federal Way Chamber on economic development and other business initiatives? Please note any past or present engagement with the Chamber on such projects.
I am proud to not only be a member of the Federal Way Chamber – 3x over, but to have been a partner in bringing over a million dollars in resources to the chamber to help us best understand our region’s unique economic footprint, to understand the challenges and the opportunities, and to then be able to work directly with businesses to support our communities’ shared success through a common vision for what the future can hold. I will continue to work collaboratively with the Chamber and our small business community to focus on building an economy that works best for working families.
Section 2: Political Engagement
What elected offices have you held and how has that experience prepared you for the Legislature.
I have been elected to the WA State Legislature three times previously in 2016, 2018, and 2022. This experience has taught me how to get things done in the unique institution that is the state legislature. Going into my fourth term, with the high level of turnover these past several years, since I was originally elected, I am now considered a senior member of the House of Representatives and upon my re-election, I will have the opportunity to continue to advocate for Federal Way and South King County.
How does your campaign engage with the community (i.e., local office, door-to-door, Town Hall meetings, phone calls, emails). Do you plan to continue the same involvement if elected?
I strongly believe that it's my responsibility as a representative to engage in community, be accessible and make myself available.
Since my election in 2016, I've hosted weekly constituent coffee hours, first at Poverty Bay and now at Ebony and Ivory on Tuesday mornings. I host virtual office hours on Friday afternoons. I hosted “Local Leaders Calls” during my first three legislative sessions, inviting city councils, mayors, school boards, and first responders to promote transparency.
I typically host one town hall during the legislative session and one at the end. I regularly post on social media to share my work and engage in discussions, even on contentious issues.
I participate in calls, meetings, tours, and site visits to better understand challenges and opportunities in our district and beyond.
As a mom, I attend my children’s activities, gathering insights from other parents about what works in our schools. As a small business owner, I hear firsthand from clients about state agency performance.
Over my four campaigns, I have knocked on over 10,000 doors, with my team reaching 25,000, collecting valuable feedback. People often approach me in everyday settings to share their thoughts, which informs my work in Olympia and deepens my community connection.
Does your campaign use local District 30 businesses in the production of marketing collateral? Why or why not?
Yes. I use local businesses for a variety of campaign activities because I have the opportunity to fundraise from a lot of different organizations and reinvesting that in my community, not just through marketing production, ads in the Federal Way Mirror, or catering from local businesses like East India Grill or Roundtable Pizza helps strengthen our local economy and I hope reinforces that even in campaigning and asking for your support, I am committed to supporting this community.
Section 3: Campaign Activity
What are your primary sources of funding? Please note the top five (5) business contributors within District 30 and the top five (5) business contributors outside of District 30. Please also note the top five (5) individuals within District 30 and the top five (5) individuals outside of District 30.
Business Inside 30:
Packaging Corporation of America ($500.00) - Algona
Muckleshoot Indian Tribe ($1,200.00) – Auburn
Public School Employees ($1,200.00) – Auburn
Laborers Local 242 ($1,200.00) – Des Moines
WA Aggregates & Concrete Association ($1,000) – Des Moines
Davita ($1,200.00) – Federal Way
Business Outside 30:
Boeing ($2400.00) – Arlington, VA
Amazon ($2,400.00) – Washington, DC
WA Realtors ($2,400.00) – Olympia, WA
Weyerhaeuser ($1,200.00) – Seattle, WA
Microsoft ($1,000.00) – Fargo, ND
Individual Inside 30:
Robert Armstrong ($100.00) – Federal Way
Bilan Aden ($250.00) – Federal Way
Camron Schwarmann
Martin Moore
Steve & Ann Mayer
Individuals Outside 30:
Brady Horenstein ($500.00)
Brian Bonlender ($500.00)
David Overton ($500.00)
Eva Posner ($500.00)
Michael Moran ($500.00)
Please share your major endorsements from the South Sound region (including greater Federal Way and South King County).
Seattle Times
Washington Education Association (WEA)
Association of Washington Business (AWB)
Washington Retail Association PAC
WA Realtors PAC
And many many more…
Have you contracted with a firm or individual to manage your campaign? If so, please provide the name and address of the firm/ individual.
Yes. John Wyble has been my consultant for the past 8 years, based in the SeaTac area.
WinPowerStrategies.com
19550 International Blvd, #103 Seattle, WA 98188
Name: Quentin Morris
Education:
Current mailing address:
Telephone: 206-852-9852
Email: Qjmorrris2@gmail.com
Website: QMorris4WA.com
Section 1: Business and Economic Issues
The Priority Industry and Workforce Assessment outlines regional opportunities to develop business sectors in our economic ecosystem. How do you envision supporting a talent pipeline with Federal Way as a regional hub for job growth in any of these or other sectors?
The health of a community is best reflected in the health of its schools and the values and direction that those schools present to its stakeholders: the students, the families, the local businesses and the community at large. Curriculum should be directive to educating our youth on the values of human flourishing, civic responsibility, while assisting students in self-discovery and pursuits of knowledge and empowering skills, self-control and agency.
Our schools need directive funding for skilled trades, apprenticeships, and mentoring into living-wage jobs and career paths immediately out of the K-12 experience. There is far more demand than capacity to support it. Also, it is imperative that students be prepared for the basics of everyday life: financial literacy, home economics, important awareness of health and hygiene: self-care, physical fitness, and healthy diet. I will work to direct funding to support such endeavors.
Chamber studies note that a skilled and trained workforce demands affordable housing availability. How will you work legislatively to support housing initiatives in Washington state, and particularly the Federal Way region?
The 30th District includes more than Federal Way. It has segments of Des Moines and Auburn, Algona and Pacific as well as swathes of unincorporated King County. Affordable housing is largely driven by availability, reduced “non-value” regulatory burdens, available skilled workers, and an attractive and sustainable tax environment. Our state and county, largely dominated by the Democrat party, seems incapable of resisting the urge to spend without accountability. Our own legislative team sees its mission as “harvesting” subsidies and funding for special interests rather than being focused on the “general welfare” of the greater community. The cost of such posturing is an unstainable tax burden inflicted on the working class as well as decaying infrastructure. I fear what looms, of which we can already see evidence, the state will attempt to consume even more of the taxpayers’ discretionary income through an unconstitutional income tax, ever increasing property taxes and restrictions, further transportation fees and other schemes that nurture unaccountable governmental agencies and loosely managed CBOs/NGOs.
The Chamber’s 2024 Sector Data report noted the economic impact of six Department of Commerce focus industries for job growth. Which of those six do you think should be the focus of strategic business expansion for Greater Federal Way? Please explain why.
I assume that the cited growth sectors of attention are: Aerospace, Agribusiness, Forest Products, Life Sciences, Maritime and ICT. Rather than picking winners and losers, I believe in providing a healthy environment for ALL these sectors to thrive. The best means to expand human flourishing, which is where our attention should be in our communities. The most important need is in continued availability of energy sources. We cannot grow, much less sustain our life-affirming culture by treating climate alarmism as “settled science”. Net Zero is contaminated by a zero-growth vision that is anything but life sustaining. I present this not as a climate-change denier, but as an educated and experienced systems engineer. I happen to believe that climate change is real but climate is not notably affected by anthropogenic means as is the popular narrative. The Net Zero agenda attacking all fossil fuels is a direct threat to all these sectors as I can attest in a separate paper. One need only observe the behaviors of the growth in India and Asia to observe where they are investing. Our “Knowledge System” is suspect and largely influenced by special interests.
How will you work legislatively with the Federal Way Chamber on economic development and other business initiatives? Please note any past or present engagement with the Chamber on such projects.
As a member of Federal Way Chamber of Commerce, I will promote public policy decisions that are sustainable and life & growth affirming. A civilized community does not put special interests over the general welfare of its diverse population. Chamber of Commerce was established to promote free enterprise. We have seen in the recent past where we have all failed to adequately assess and address where government has aggressively intruded deeply into the viability of “main street business” while working the interests of Wall Street and globalist enterprises. Nowhere is this more apparent than with the Inslee administration. It is time to manage and legislate local and regionally. Small, entrepreneurial businesses are the bedrock of our country. We seem to have lost sight of that as we shift ever increasing burdens on these struggling entities. My prior experience may appear to be centered on the “corporate sector”, but this is an illusion. Many of the services I represented to business customers in my former role were small, scalable and enabling in those smaller business’ interests to direct their funding to reinvestment and growth.
Section 2: Political Engagement
What elected offices have you held and how has that experience prepared you for the Legislature.
I am currently on the Federal Way Public Schools Board of Governance. My time on this board has been one of personal growth and increased political awareness. As a professional engineer and sales executive, I have always been inclined to use my ears over that of my voice. “When one is talking, they are seldom listening.” The primary mission there is to manage for the sake of the safety and health of our children as they mature to active citizens. I have taken this mission seriously. The health of a community is mirrored in how it treats its children.
How does your campaign engage with the community (i.e., local office, door-to-door, Town Hall meetings, phone calls, emails). Do you plan to continue the same involvement if elected?
I only recently retired from a professional career that sent me travelling the world, leaving me little prior time to be active in Federal Way politics. I do not see myself as a politician as much as an aware and vigilant citizen. After retirement, I ran for and was elected to the FWPS School Board of Governance. Holding the School Board position has not afforded me the time to engage as deeply with City Hall as our meeting time often conflict.
Regarding my campaign, I distribute my personal phone number and email address as my campaign contacts. As an involved citizen, I will continue to work with the community organization for the improvement of the 30th Legislative District. I see the opportunity coming for more community outreach through regular business hours and small group meetings.
Does your campaign use local District 30 businesses in the production of marketing collateral? Why or why not?
My collaterals were design by myself and printed in Puyallup. When running a campaign against an incumbent with deep pockets, I must use the most affordable resources.
Section 3: Campaign Activity
What are your primary sources of funding? Please note the top five (5) business contributors within District 30 and the top five (5) business contributors outside of District 30. Please also note the top five (5) individuals within District 30 and the top five (5) individuals outside of District 30.
I am NOT a professional politician. I am a citizen of Federal Way for over 50 years. All my funding has been provided by personal relationships, i.e. people who know and trust my knowledge, my character, my values, my ethics and my heart. It is largely friends, family and former business associates/customers. I have no business contributions. This leaves me free of financial influences and leverage. The major political contributor is the 30th District Republicans.
The PDC has all records.
Please share your major endorsements from the South Sound region (including greater Federal Way and South King County).
While I realize the importance of endorsements, I have largely shunned the process as I found very early that political endorsements are largely driven by financial interests of control and access. These I have shunned. I cannot and will not be bought. It is freedom to be able to work with all voices without preconceptions.
Have you contracted with a firm or individual to manage your campaign? If so, please provide the name and address of the firm/ individual.
N/A
