Voter’s Guide
1. When elected, what two strategies will you support to ensure a strong local business environment and why?
2. What do you believe are the top two public investments we need to make to sustain economic success for all and why?
State Senator, L.D. 2
State Senator, L.D. 22
State Representative Pos. 2, L.D. 2
State Representative Pos. 1, L.D. 20
State Representative Pos. 1, L.D. 22
State Representative Pos. 2, L.D. 22
State Representative Pos. 2 L.D. 35
Thurston County Commissioner Dist. 2
Thurston County Commissioner Dist. 4
Thurston County PUD Commissioner Dist. 1
PUBLISHER
Thurston County Chamber of Commerce
EDITORIAL
David Schaffert
360-357-3362 dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com
CONTRIBUTORS
David Schaffert
ADVERTISING
Sales & Marketing:
Krystal Barkus-Franco Elizabeth Bretschneider
Ashley Chandler Shelbi Boyd
SUBSCRIPTIONS
360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com
DESIGN Ben Hawkes Mosaic Marketing Studio
COVER
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PRINTING Print NW
CONTACT THE CHAMBER
809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com thurstonchamber.com
Be Heard! Your Vote Is Your Voice!
The Thurston County Chamber encourages all community members to engage in public policy, get to know the candidates and vote.
Welcome to the 2024 Voters’ Guide!
Voting is one of the most important ways to make your voice heard. To help you be more informed, we asked candidates running for key offices in Thurston County to answer questions about how they will support the business community. Their responses will give you insight into how they plan to support our local economy and community.
This guide covers contested races for the State Senate, House of Representatives, Thurston County Commission, and Thurston Public Utility District. The answers provided by the candidates reflect their values and plans for the future. As you read, think about which candidates best represent your own values and goals for our community. This information is intended to help you be confident in your choices when you vote in November.
We also invite you to the Candidates Reception & Meet the Candidates Forum on Wednesday, September 11, at Saint Martin’s Norman Worthington Center. This event is a great chance to connect with candidates running in high-profile races, including Legislative District 2 and Legislative District 22. The forum will be moderated by Doug Mah, Director of the Thurston Chamber’s Public Policy team. In addition to the featured races, many other candidates will be present, offering a unique opportunity to engage in one-on-one conversations about the issues that matter to you.
For more information and to reserve your spot, visit ThurstonChamber.com.
Remember, your vote is your voice— make it count!
September 2024
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER VOICE MAGAZINE
Visit ThurstonChamber.com and click on the Events Calendar for the latest information regarding Chamber events.
After Hours
Join our host, KGY Media Group at 1700 Marine Dr NE, Olympia, WA 98507 on Thursday, September 5 at 5:30 p.m. for the Thurston Young Professionals (TYP) Monthly Networking Event. Enjoy bites and beverages as you expand your network! All are welcome – feel free to invite other 20 to 30-year olds so they can expand their networks! Thurston Young Professionals is sponsored by KGY Media Group.
Join our Business After Hours host Vert Chiropractic at 4444 Lacey Blvd SE, Suite #E, Lacey, WA 98503 on Thursday, September 19 at 5:30 p.m., for mingling and networking with other business professionals, a door prize business card drawing, beverages and appetizers. Business After Hours is a great opportunity to expand your network, and it is proudly sponsored by ROXY 94.5.
On Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 11:15 a.m., at Saint Martin's Norman Worthington Center, 5300 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503, the Chamber will host its Candidates Reception & Meet the Candidates September Forum
Don't miss this celebration of politics, policy and people! Doug Mah, Director of Thurston Chamber’s Public Policy team, will moderate the discussion. Candidates are encouraged to arrive early and stay late for as much one-on-one conversation with Chamber members as possible Register at thurstonchamber.com/events. Thank you to our sponsors, Morningside, Hometown Property Management, and South Puget Sound Community College.
MOMENTS WITH A MENTOR
Thank You Sponsors! Thurston County Voter's Guide p. 5
running in races for State Senator, State Representative, Thurston County Commissioner and PUD positions answer two questions about how they will support the business community, if elected.
Join the Chamber for Moments with a Mentor at 809 Legion Way SE, 3rd Floor, Olympia 98501 on Tuesday, September 17 at 4:30 p.m., for our quarterly professional development session. Hear from Public Policy Director, Doug Mah on how to effectively serve on a Board of Directors.
Caught in the Lens p. 18
Keep up with the latest Chamber happenings and see all of the great smiles that make up our membership!
Welcome to the 2024 Voters’ Guide. This year, we asked candidates running in contested races for the State Senate, House of Representatives, Thurston County Commission, and Thurston Public Utility District to answer two questions to help you determine which candidates to vote for.
State and local government are critical partners for ensuring and sustaining a strong local business environment. What strategies and approaches candidates express supporting often reflects their values, perspectives, and experiences. The type of public investments candidates champion can demonstrate how well a candidate understands community needs and priorities.
We hope that their short answers give you a better idea about their approaches for supporting a strong local business environment and investments for sustained economic success. We want to thank each candidate for taking the time to submit responses and considering the needs of the business community. Read on and remember to Vote in November!
THURSTON COUNTY
Voter’s Guide
QUESTIONS:
1. When elected, what two strategies will you support to ensure a strong local business environment and why?
2. What do you believe are the top two public investments we need to make to sustain economic success for all and why?
State Senator, Legislative District 2 Erasmo Ruiz Gonzalez
1. When elected, what two strategies will you support to ensure a strong local business environment and why?
To strengthen our local business environment, I’ll support targeted tax incentives for small businesses and work to streamline regulations, ensuring they are effective but not overly burdensome. By balancing pro-growth policies with smart oversight, we can attract investment, create jobs, and sustain a thriving local economy.
No response.
Jim McCune Incumbent
2. What do you believe are the top two public investments we need to make to sustain economic success for all and why?
The top two public investments we need are in education and infrastructure. Investing in education ensures a skilled workforce ready for future challenges, while robust infrastructure— roads, broadband, and transit—supports business growth and connectivity. Both are essential for sustained economic success and equitable opportunities.
No response.
NOVEMBER 2, 2024 SAINT MARTIN’S UN IVERSITY GALA
Saint Martin’s University welcomes three-time James Beard Award-winning Chef Pati Jinich as the celebrity guest host for the Gala! The Gala is the University’s annual signature fundraising event for student scholarships, raising more than $2.1 million in 2023.
Guests will be transported into the rich heart of Mexican culture while indulging in Chef Pati’s culinary masterpieces and heartwarming stories throughout the evening.
Reserve your tickets today at www.stmartin.edu/Gala or call 360-438-4366.
Dr. Jay and Carla Rudd
State Senator, Legislative District 22 Jessica Bateman
1. When elected, what two strategies will you support to ensure a strong local business environment and why?
l support programs that provide lowinterest loans, grants, and tax incentives to small businesses. I’ll also ensure we are investing in infrastructure projects such as broadband expansion, transportation improvements, childcare, and commercial space development that benefit small businesses and help them thrive.
Bob Iyall
2. What do you believe are the top two public investments we need to make to sustain economic success for all and why?
Affordable housing at every level is a priority including investments in the Housing Trust Fund and improving housing options for working families and lowincome renters. I also support investments in workforce development to ensure the skilled workforce our working families and employers require to compete.
Two strategies; 1) Promote collaborative governance through public-private partnerships for economic development. 2) Advocate for inclusive policymaking with community engagement. These strategies unify our collective strengths to improve communication, foster innovation, and ensure policies reflect the needs of all stakeholders.
Top two public investments; 1) Investing in education and workforce development, including apprenticeship programs to prepare a skilled workforce that contribute to innovation. 2) Modernizing infrastructure and transportation to improve access and connectivity. These investments create jobs and ensure economic growth.
State Representative Pos. 2, Legislative District 2 Matt Marshall
1. When elected, what two strategies will you support to ensure a strong local business environment and why?
I will advocate for streamlining the permitting process to reduce wait times for businesses and support tax incentives for local startups. These strategies will attract new businesses, encourage entrepreneurship, and ensure a vibrant and competitive local economy.
No response.
John Snaza
2. What do you believe are the top two public investments we need to make to sustain economic success for all and why?
We must invest in upgrading our infrastructure, particularly roads and broadband. Additionally, we must invest in affordable housing. These investments are crucial for supporting business growth, improving quality of life, and ensuring that all residents benefit from economic success.
No response.
The True Power Of Quality Service
Demonstrating our commitment to quality, we consistently earn the highest QA cleaning scores among hotels nationwide.
Recognized and awarded globally by multiple companies, such as "Contractor of the Year 2023" and “Best Commercial and Industrial Cleaning Firm in North America," we demonstrate our unwavering dedication to excellence.
A commitment to maintaining a clean, wellorganized environment, facilitating smooth business operations.
In the words of our CEO, Danielle Vest, “We are as successful as our clients allow us to be. Because our clients have such great communication with us, we can ensure not only great service but exceptional outcomes."
State Representative
Pos. 1, Legislative District 20
1. When elected, what two strategies will you support to ensure a strong local business environment and why?
2. What do you believe are the top two public investments we need to make to sustain economic success for all and why?
No response.
Melvin Kaleolani Apana
State Representative
Pos. 1, Legislative District 22
No response.
1. When elected, what two strategies will you support to ensure a strong local business environment and why?
Beth Doglio Incumbent
No response.
Peter Abbarno Incumbent
2. What do you believe are the top two public investments we need to make to sustain economic success for all and why?
Local businesses are the fabric of our community. I will work to provide capital and low-interest microloans. I will also work to increase the housing supply in Thurston County, bringing down the cost of housing, so family businesses can grow and thrive here.
The state needs to continue to invest in childcare, as this is a major issue in ensuring families with young children can successfully enter the workforce. I will continue to advocate for funding for necessary transportation infrastructure in our community and along the I-5 corridor.
No response.
No response.
Owens
No response.
Steve
W hen Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County (BGCTC) opened their doors in 2001, OlyFed was one of the organization’s early investors. From board leadership and volunteer support to financial assistance and program tools and resources, OlyFed has and continues to show up for the thousands of local kids served by the Clubs.
“When community partners support us, we want to support them, which is why we’ve chosen to work with OlyFed,” Shellica Trevino, BGCTC CEO said. “We love that they live out their values and put our needs first.” For Shellica, what sets OlyFed apart is the fact that they put real relationships above the bottom line.
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THURSTON COUNTY I Shellica Trevino, CEO
State Representative
Pos. 2, Legislative District 22
1. When elected, what two strategies will you support to ensure a strong local business environment and why?
2. What do you believe are the top two public investments we need to make to sustain economic success for all and why?
State Representative
Pos. 2, Legislative District 35
1. When elected, what two strategies will you support to ensure a strong local business environment and why?
2. What do you believe are the top two public investments we need to make to sustain economic success for all and why?
Lisa Parshley Syd Locke
As a former small business owner, I know that businesses require local support and the workforce required. I would implement the Olympia Strong plan I helped develop at the state and partner with local jurisdictions to tackle the homelessness, behavioral health, and substance use epidemics.
My first recommended public investment would focus on affordability in housing, childcare, and food access to support a healthy local workforce. The second investment would focus on expanding our behavioral health and addiction programs. Investments should focus on building partnerships and supporting local jurisdictions.
Travis Couture Incumbent
I'll advocate for less taxes and reduced regulations to empower local businesses to thrive. A reasonable and predictable regulatory environment will spur innovation and growth, while tax relief will leave more capital in the hands of entrepreneurs, boosting job creation and a vibrant local economy.
Investing in infrastructure and economic development is crucial. Modern infrastructure boosts commerce and connectivity, while targeted economic development initiatives attract industries, foster entrepreneurship, and assist workforce development. These investments will create jobs, strengthen the local economy, and ensure long-term prosperity for everyone.
Washington's economy depends on trade, so we need to encourage trade, not sink into trade wars. We also need to replace the B&O tax, because it hurts small and new businesses. Small and medium-sized businesses need a level playing field with the corporate giants.
The state needs to assist with providing affordable child care, which helps businesses recruit and retain employees. Physical infrastructure, STEM, and higher education investments are needed, which will develop a world-class workforce, family-wage jobs, and help businesses expand. Government is an essential partner for growth.
James DeHart
I will support revamping our permitting process as well as revisiting regulations to make sure that we are only using regulations that are committed to safety, security and environmental protection. I will also make sure that we have a small business loan safety net program to help struggling businesses when times are tough, making sure they can continue to serve our communities.
I believe that investing in our environment for future generations is of utmost importance. The second is that making sure that small businesses can achieve said environmental investments through subsidies and common-sense permitting regulations.
Thurston County Commissioner District No. 2 JW
1. When elected, what two strategies will you support to ensure a strong local business environment and why?
Strive to keep Thurston County a great place to live, learn, work and play. Partner with the EDC, Small Business Administration, Chambers of Commerce, and educational organizations, to create opportunities for entrepreneurs to start up and thrive in maker spaces, shared workplaces, and pop-up markets.
I will support encouraging collaboration between businesses and local government and streamlining permit processes. These strategies will improve communication, reduce delays, and enhance coordination between stakeholders, leading to a more efficient and effective business environment that fosters growth and innovation.
2. What do you believe are the top two public investments we need to make to sustain economic success for all and why?
Creating attainable housing for people of all ages and life experiences. Supporting education at the primary and secondary level, community colleges, and internship programs in the trades. Ombudsman support to guide business owners getting started and thriving in our community.
Thurston County Commissioner District No. 4
Wayne Fournier Incumbent
1. When elected, what two strategies will you support to ensure a strong local business environment and why?
2. What do you believe are the top two public investments we need to make to sustain economic success for all and why?
As Thurston County Commissioner, I will continue to advocate for streamlined permitting processes to reduce bureaucratic delays for businesses. I will continue to invest in local workforce development programs to ensure businesses have access to skilled labor, fostering a robust and competitive local economy.
Education and infrastructure. Quality education ensures a skilled workforce, while robust infrastructure supports business growth and accessibility. Both are essential for long-term economic prosperity, resilience, and equitable opportunities for our entire community.
I believe the top investments we need to sustain economic success are workforce training and affordable housing projects. Investing in workforce and education will enhance employability and productivity, while affordable housing initiatives will support workforce retention, promote community stability, and boost local economic activity.
Rob Laymon
I would implement a "check the box" strategy. The county would be required to provide a list of necessary paperwork required for project approval. I would also have an ombudsman that would rule on disagreements regarding paperwork and time frames for approval.
Roads and bridges are the county's responsibility and should be a priority.
Thurston County PUD District No. 1
Q1: What role do you see the Thurston PUD playing to address the housing crisis?
Q2: How can the Thurston PUD better support economic success for all?
Linda Oosterman Incumbent
Thurston PUD serves 7,835 homes, business, schools and parks with water service. Our water rights can accommodate the expansion of an additional 2,850 homes within/adjacent to our current systems. Future planning includes having sufficient water rights to serve an additional 5,650 customers/homes within Thurston County.
The 2024 annual operations budget of 40 million dollars provides a multiplying effect from leveraging local resources. The immense economic growth of this PUD has more skilled employees and two large property purchases. As a publicly owned utility all water is obtained and distributed locally.
Response.
Bruce D. Wilkinson, Jr.
Scan to register: homesfirst.org/heroes
Response.
A Special Day for Our Military Members
FRIDAY
SEPTEMBER 6
Join us for the 60th annual Foofaraw! On Friday, September 6, the Thurston County Chamber and the Olympia Yacht Club will host an unforgettable day for our local military heroes.
Every year, always the first Friday after Labor Day, we gather at the Olympia Yacht Club to set sail for Island Home. Foofaraw is a special event loved by military members across the United States. Yacht club members will ferry our guests to the island, where they’ll enjoy a day filled with fun games, a delicious salmon bake, and heartfelt recognition from local leaders. This tasty feast is provided by Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel and The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis.
The event is special, with two service members for every civilian. The Port of Olympia kicks things off with a grand send-off featuring local police, medics, and fire departments, and a giant American flag hoisted by one of their cranes.
The word "Foofaraw" means "much ado about nothing," and for one day each year, our military guests get to say "Foof" to their duties and just have fun.
Sponsor tickets are limited and only available to Chamber Members. We’re also accepting donations for the free military raffle held throughout the day.
For more information or to donate, call the Chamber at 360-357-3362. Tickets and registration information is available at thurstonchamber.com/events
Presenting Sponsors
Meet the Candidates!
Join the Chamber on Wednesday, September 11 at 11:15 a.m. for a Candidates Reception & Meet the Candidates Forum. Don't miss this celebration of politics, policy and people!
Doug Mah, Director of Thurston Chamber’s Public Policy team, will moderate the discussion. In addition, a large contingent of candidates running for public office in Thurston County will be at Forum and the Candidates Reception to meet and mingle with community and business leaders. Candidates in all races are encouraged to arrive early and stay late for as much one-on-one conversation with Chamber members as possible. $30 Members pre-registration, $35 Non-Member pre-registration, $35 Members at the door, $40 Non-Members at the door. Pre-registration prices are available until 5:00pm the Friday before the event. Thank you to our sponsors, Morningside, Hometown Property Management, and South Puget Sound Community College.
What: Candidates Reception & Meet the Candidates Forum
When: Wednesday, September 11 at 11:15 am.
Where: Norman Worthington Center at Saint Martin's University, 5300 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503
For tickets and more information, visit thurstonchamber.com/events
C E L E B R A T E 4 0 Y E A R S O F M E N T O R S H I P W I T H U S !
Join us for our 40th Anniversary Birthday Bash!
Enjoy food, drinks, and a thrilling pickleball tournament while reconnecting with past and present Bigs, Littles, Families, Donors, and more!
Help us raise $40,000 in 40 days to empower the next generation. Your support makes a difference— donate today!
Caught in the Lens
Keep up with the Thurston Chamber happenings – ribbon cuttings and the networking events. Find more at the Chamber's Facebook page – fb.com/thurstoncountychamber.
