Legislative candidates offered competing approaches to public safety, homelessness and affordability at the Oct. 6 Kent and Covington chambers of commerce candidate showcase, outlining proposals ranging from expanded behavioral health services to stronger enforcement and fewer regulations.
The two-hour event, held in front of a packed room of around 100 at Green River College’s Kent campus, brought together 12 candidates seeking office in the 5th, 33rd and 47th legislative districts, including (in alphabetical order):
- Michelle Bennett
- Cobi Clark
- Debra Entenman
- Mia Gregerson
- Claudia Kauffman
- Yuri Marinchik
- Chris Martinez
- Edwin Obras
- Tina Orwall
- Patrick Peacock
- Kristina Soltys
- Chris Stearns
Moderated by Kent Chamber Government Affairs Committee Chair Carmen Goers along with Covington Chamber Board Chair Rod Meyers, this was a lively, fast-paced “quiz show” style showcase, with five main policy topics.
Organizers described the showcase as an opportunity to hear candidates’ priorities rather than a traditional debate. Candidates drew different questions within five categories, generally receiving 45 seconds to respond. Some audience questions were included at the end.
With just over two weeks left before ballots are due Nov. 3, this event is likely the last (and possibly only) one in the region where this many candidates gathered together, so the video below is worth a watch.
How Do We Stay Safe?
Questions focused on policing, state spending, government accountability, homelessness and disaster preparedness, with additional discussion of schools, fentanyl and water supplies.
“We need to work together as community members, as law enforcement, and with our behavioral health specialists in order to keep our communities safe,” said Michelle Bennett, running for House Position 1 in the 5th District.
Several candidates supported closer coordination between police and social services, though their emphasis differed.
Kristina Soltys, a Covington City Council member running for the 47th District Senate seat, proposed expanding a model she said Covington is piloting that pairs a community resource officer with police to connect people with services.
“There is a gap between resources and policing right now and I would love to see that met and that connected,” Soltys said.
Sen. Tina Orwall of the 33rd District emphasized coordination between the 988 behavioral health crisis phone system, 911 dispatchers and emergency responders. She said connecting people with clinical help can free officers to handle other calls.
Rep. Edwin Obras, also of the 33rd District, prioritized youth prevention programs, including collaboration among community organizations, schools, police and human service providers.
Patrick Peacock, a candidate for House Position 2 in the 5th District, emphasized school resource officers and deterrence through arrests and prosecution, alongside programs that help people improve their lives.
Rep. Chris Stearns of the 47th District pointed to his support for restoring reasonable suspicion as the standard for police pursuits. Rep. Debra Entenman, also of the 47th District, called for another review of pursuit policy, citing concerns about deaths associated with pursuits.
Rep. Mia Gregerson of the 33rd District identified cybersecurity as a priority, calling for a statewide data privacy bill to help address breaches affecting schools, businesses and individuals.
How Do We Pay For That? (Budget)
On the budget, candidates described different ways to balance essential services with pressure on households and businesses.
Entenman said lawmakers should stop spending beyond forecast revenue, preserve reserves and consider the potential harm when deciding what to cut.
Gregerson cautioned that cutting services can create larger expenses later if people lose support and need more intensive help.
Orwall said lawmakers should examine alternatives to the business and occupation tax, including whether a different approach could better serve new or struggling businesses.
Cobi Clark, a Libertarian candidate from Auburn running for House Position 1 in the 47th District, proposed repealing the state’s certificate of need program. He argued that removing the approval requirement would allow more health care facilities to open and help lower costs.
Bennett called for closer scrutiny of whether public spending produces measurable results. Soltys said she would protect school funding while seeking greater efficiency and transparency in Climate Commitment Act spending.
Sen. Claudia Kauffmann of the 47th District emphasized maintaining transportation investments and supporting education. Stearns pointed to growing the region’s space economy as one way to strengthen the state’s revenue base.
Addressing the Unhoused
Homelessness prompted a similar divide over the balance between housing, treatment and enforcement.
Entenman said reducing encampments requires providing places for people to go, including transitional housing, tiny houses or motels.
Clark proposed directing all state revenue collected from alcohol and marijuana toward addiction treatment. Soltys emphasized treatment and better communication between state government and local providers.
Bennett called for consequences for crimes associated with addiction, drawing on her law enforcement experience and a family member’s homelessness.
Yuri Marinchik, a candidate for House Position 2 in the 33rd District, advocated stronger action against drugs, treatment for people willing to accept it and jail for others. He called for action against drugs and treatment for those who want it, adding, “after that we need to put the rest in the jail.”
Stearns, who said he has been in recovery for 16 years, emphasized helping treatment providers and nonprofit organizations serve people with addiction.
Orwall supported treatment on demand and longer follow-through to ensure people connect with services. She also identified workforce housing near Kent Station as a project she wants to see developed.
During the audience question period, Orwall said she was working with partners on a youth center in Kent modeled on a facility in Renton, describing safe places for young people to connect as part of the response to addiction.
What Happened to That? (Accountability)
Government accountability was a recurring concern across the forum.
Orwall pointed to audits and public reporting as ways to evaluate programs. Soltys said funding sources and expected results should be clear before programs begin. Bennett urged lawmakers to involve affected stakeholders before adopting legislation.
Preparing for Natural Disasters
On disaster preparedness, candidates emphasized household supplies, stronger infrastructure, accessible alerts and planning for people who may need assistance.
Kauffmann said she had worked with Kent to secure money to repair an aging levee system. Orwall called for emergency information in multiple languages, while Peacock emphasized identifying vulnerable residents and establishing reliable communication before a disaster.
Chris Martinez, a candidate for House Position 1 in the 33rd District, gave introductory and closing remarks but did not participate in the policy panel. He emphasized support for small businesses, lower taxes, fewer regulations and emphasized second amendment gun rights.
In his closing remarks, Clark called for negotiation over partisan conflict.
“Good policy happens by sitting down, negotiating, developing a good mutual understanding of truth, and then identifying the best solutions,” he said.
Video
Below is video of the showcase, as filmed/edited by Scott Schaefer:
