Examining the race for Washington State House 6th District, Position 2

(This profile was compiled by staff reporter Paul Delaney)

The race for 6th District Representative Position 2 on the upcoming Aug. 7 primary will eventually replace Jeff Holy who is seeking the district’s Senate seat. .

While the 6th District is vast and stretches across a large chunk of Spokane County, one of its biggest geographical areas rests in the West Plains.

Since there are four candidates seeking this office the Cheney Free Press is publishing a preview for voters to learn more about candidates and issues relative to the area.

Each candidate was asked to answer the same two questions, plus what was called a “wild-card” issue of their choice. Some answers may have been edited for brevity and/or Associated Press style. Candidates are featured in alphabetical order.

John W. Aiken Jr

(Prefers Republican Party)

See further information at: http://www.JWAiken.org

1. If elected, what are your top-3 priorities in Olympia?

I want to define what is a basic education that takes 60 percent of our state’s budget for as defined in 1889 and what is to adequately fund means.

I am against any new income, food, business or whatever tax government comes up with and seek cuts in government in duplication.

I want to seek ways to make affordable housing available in Washington state when industry will not do it to maximize rental by shortages of housing.

2. What do you see as the challenges on the West Plains?

Industrial pollution has become a costly cleanup problem that need to be monitored. I also am interested in the Hirst Decision on water rights and will protect farmers and rural property owners rights. Poor growth management makes property owners pay again and again to upgrade services, which is unfair and then to be taxed out of their own property at the end. There needs to be fair and not selective taxes.

3. “Wild card” response.

I have lived in the West Plains area since 1967. I graduated from Medical Lake High School and Eastern Washington University. I worked and owned small businesses in the West Plains area. I am a scientist by degree and worked in local government civil engineering for almost 30 years in construction management and inspecting. I bring a lot of knowledge and experience with me being a product of the West Plains area that other candidates cannot claim.

Rion Ametu

(Prefers Democratic Party)

See further information at: [email protected]

1. If elected, what are your top-3 priorities in Olympia?

In Olympia, my priorities will be fighting for workers’ rights, healthcare and education. As your representative, I will advocate for fair economic policies that serve working families, creating a livable minimum wage and closing tax loopholes that only exist to benefit the wealthiest among us.

I plan to explore innovative ways to bring more affordable healthcare to our community; it’s time we elect legislators who believe healthcare is a human right, not a privilege. I intend to work with fellow legislators to make high-quality education available to all families from pre-K to college.

2. What do you see as the challenges on the West Plains?

I believe two of the biggest issues facing voters of our district are the current housing crisis and wage and income disparities. All over the 6th District and Spokane County, we have seen rent hikes driving hard-working citizens out of their homes. When costs keep rising and wages don’t, people are taken advantage of. We need people with courage and commitment to working families in our local and state government.

3. “Wild card” response.

I believe our current legislators lack a sense of urgency to combat the problems working people face. With several years of service in the Navy, I have what it takes to work in stressful environments and take quick, decisive actions when needed; vital skills for being a legislator. I have lived, and continue to experience the struggles of the average worker. I will bring the perspective of a working-class person who has lived paycheck-to-paycheck and worked multiple jobs to make ends meet to Olympia. I have the sense of urgency necessary to fight for real solutions when elected.

Jenny Graham

(Prefers Republican Party)

See further information at: http://www.votegraham.gop

1. If elected, what are your top-3 priorities in Olympia?

Whether you are passionate about lower taxes, infrastructure issues, education, environmental issues, public safety and more, without your input during hearings, you remain unheard. I want to empower individuals to work with legislators as a team for Eastern Washington interests.

I will work with 6th District Representatives and your other locally elected officials. We will continue support for the projects that are working for the West Plains and adjust, change or stop what is not.

As a veteran and mother, I will protect families and neighborhoods as your new legislator. Mental health issues and how best to provide help and or support is something we must make a priority.

2. What do you see as the challenges on the West Plains?

First is growth. The West Plains is experiencing growth and will continue to grow in population, jobs, infrastructure and needs. Next is affordable housing and opportunities to increase usable water options. Finally there are well issues and contamination of water.

3. “Wild Card” response.

I am enthusiastically endorsed by representatives Jeff Holy and Mike Volz as an individual that will be part of a strong team for the 6th Legislative District. I am the only candidate running for the seat who has state level legislative experience passing bi-partisan law reform.

As a private citizen, working on my own time and at own expense, I worked to give victimized children a voice and seat at the legislative table previously denied. Protecting Washington’s children and community issues were important to me long before making the decision to run for office. I represented Washington’s children then and I will just as tenaciously serve the 6th District now.

Dave Wilson

(Prefers Democratic Party)

See further information at: http://www.ElectDaveWilson.com

1. If elected, what are your top-3 priorities in Olympia?

Education: Build on recent successes in funding K-12 education to ensure the education budget is sustainable in the future; provide access to pre-K for all low-income children; and make college more affordable, including vocational education and apprenticeships.

Healthcare: Work towards getting basic coverage for all and improve access and affordbility. Economic Development and creating good jobs is crucial to securing a prosperous future. My priorities will include funding for infrastructure projects in the West Plains area, which will also create jobs, improve quality of life and contribute to long-term economic success of the area.

2. What do you see as the challenges on the West Plains?

The top issue is water. Cheney, Airway Heights and Medical Lake all have water issues that need to be addressed, and resolved with feasible long-term solutions.

Another challenge is infrastructure and connecting the West Plains. The Geiger Interchange will help as will the paving of State Route 902, making Highway 904 to Cheney into four lanes is a priority, as is additional bus service. We need to stay ahead of the growth curve in the West Plains area to ensure safe and ample transportation solutions.

With the coming of Amazon, affordable housing will also be important.

3. “Wild Card” response.

As a representative I will hold myself to the highest standards of accountability. I will be visible, accessible and responsive. I will listen to constituents and work hard on the issues important to our community. My interest is in representing people and families, not a party or political ideology. My approach to solving problems is to listen, do my homework and build relationships – this includes working in a bi-partisan fashion. I am focused on the future, including education at every level; accessible, affordable health care for everyone, and I will promote solutions that help our economy grow, create good paying jobs and help the West Plains prosper.