election guide 2014

A Voters

Guide to Okanogan

and Ferry Counties

A Supplement to The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle

October 22, 2014

2014

2014 Okanogan and Ferry County

Voters’ Guide©2014 The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle

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Scott D. Furman

Party: Democrat, incumbentAge: 56Town: OmakFamily: Wife

Pat, two children,Derik and wifeJamie Groomes,Alicia andhusband JacobWood, threegrandchildren.

Back-ground: I grewup in Okanogan,attending all 12 grades of schoolingin Okanogan. Graduated fromOkanogan High School in 1977.Bachelor of science in agriculturaleconomics from Washington StateUniversity in 1981. Have worked inthe county Assessor’s Office forover 30 years, the last 16 as theelected county assessor. StateDepartment of Revenue accreditedreal estate appraiser, stateDepartment of Licensing licensedcertified general real estateappraiser. Past president of theWashington State Association ofCounty Assessors, president in2005-06, first assessor fromOkanogan County in that positionin over 40 years. OkanoganKiwanis Club treasurer the pasteight years.

What differentiates youfrom your opponent?

I have the experience,knowledge and background tocontinue to lead the office for thenext four years. I have first-handknowledge of the assessor-treasurer software that is soimportant to our daily processesand functions. I have worked hardto develop relationships with thecounty treasurer as well as all othercounty departments so that we canwork together and meet ourcommon goals of providing goodservice to the public. I haveappraised property throughout thecounty over the past 30 years andam very familiar with all areas ofthe county.

What can the Assessor’sOffice do to help propertyowners affected by the CarltonComplex fire?

The fire affected 4,600 parcelsof property. Over 360 parcels lostsome type of structure from thefire. We just finished upcompleting tax roll corrections onall affected properties in 2014. Wealso adjusted those values for taxesdue in 2015. We will be mailingnotices of value change out to thoseproperties by the end of the week.This could not have been donewithout the help of all 12employees within the Assessor’sOffice. This was an unprecedentedevent, with no manual on how to do

it. We stuck with it and figured outa way to get it done accurately andin a timely manner.

Are there any propertyassessment policies thatshould be changed at the statelevel? What would you do tobring about those changes?

I have worked hard at developingrelationships with all of ourrepresentatives from the 7th and12th legislative districts. I attend theWashington State Assessor’sAssociation Legislative Conferenceeach year in January and meet withour representatives. I have testifiedmany times over the years on variouschanges to the property tax system,trying to improve efficiencies. Iwould really like to see the state startpaying the Washington Departmentof Fish and Wildlife payment in lieuof tax on lands that they own at thefull payment, as stated in statute.The Legislature has passedoverriding legislation that currentlylimits the payments to about one-third the amount the statue directsthem to pay.

Les V. Stokes

Party: ConservativeAge: 55Town:

CarltonFamily: Wife

Carrie SchroederStokes,stepdaughterMarlenaBerkheiser andfamily ofSnohomish,stepson MatthewMehaffie, late ofTwisp, and sisterPaula Stokes of Twisp.

Background: Born in Twisp,lived in upper Methow Valley first10 and last 35 years. Twisp Fire andRescue 1979 to 2007, assistantchief 10 years, Twisp Town Council1994-97, involved in numerouscivic committees and groups attown and county level during thattime, Aero Methow volunteer EMT1987-1993, construction andgeneral contractor for over 20years, currently driving truck for

Lloyd Logging, memberCommunity Covenant Church,Twisp.


I am non-partisan conservative,and believe that fair market valueshould reflect what a propertywould sell for within 90 to 120 daysof being put on market as is. Irealize that the bulk of countyresidents are unable to appear toargue their case due to work andtime constraints. First consideredrunning for this when my homewas appraised for $60,000. It tookseveral thousand dollars andseveral years before it sold for$53,500, with real estate gaining 5-10 percent per year. In the 1980s,the house would have sold atappraised value within weeks.

What can the Assessor’sOffice do to help propertyowners affected by the CarltonComplex fire?

This disaster is enough to makeanyone think twice about runningfor this position. We have 320square miles of the county directlyimpacted, and the remainder islikely to be affected as a number ofpeople want to sell what is left andget out. The assessor’s office isgoing to be hard pressed to adjustvalues, and county budgets will beimpacted. In 1984, Twisp lost itssawmill and with it 50 percent ofits property tax base, with existingproperty value dropping due to aglut on the market, and sales taxlikewise dropped.

Are there any propertyassessment policies thatshould be changed at the statelevel? What would you do tobring about those changes?

Property speculation has helpedto inflate values in many areas ofour county. Likewise, the hugeamounts of land purchased by thestate as “habitat” has likewiseimpacted values by, along withrestrictive policies, created anartificial shortage of land. Theseare areas that the state Legislatureneeds to revisit, along with athorough investigation of whatactually happened from July 14until homes stopped being lost.

Okanogan County Assessor Okanogan County Coroner

Furman

Stokes

ContentsOkanogan County assessor ......................................................................................2Okanogan County coroner.........................................................................................2Okanogan County Public Utility District .....................................................................3Ferry County commissioner.......................................................................................4Ferry County prosecuting attorney ............................................................................4Ferry County sheriff ...................................................................................................5Ferry County treasurer...............................................................................................57th District House ......................................................................................................67th District Senate .....................................................................................................7Unopposed candidates ..............................................................................................7U.S. House candidates ..............................................................................................8Winthrop Fire Hall ......................................................................................................9Mid-Valley Hospital, Tonasket sales tax, Tonasket EMS..........................................10

Gary V. Reams

Party: No stated preferenceAge: 62Town: OmakFamily: Wife

Donna, son Nick,daughter Anya,fivegrandchildren

Back-ground: Medic-clinical specialistin U.S. Army1972-74, 30 yearsmedical back-ground as a licensed practical nurseand respiratory therapy, 21 years atMid-Valley Hospital in Omak, 1.5years working for Legacy FuneralHome in Omak, doing body removalsand transports.

Is it more important for acounty coroner to have amedical background or a lawenforcement background, andwhy?

I believe that the coroner shouldhave a medical background to workalongside of law enforcement tocome to a better conclusion of thecause of death.

What would be yourpriorities as coroner?

My priorities, as coroner, wouldbe to work as a team with theinvestigation, show compassion tothe family of the deceased andexplain procedures as needed.

How would you structureyour department, in terms ofappointing deputy coroners?

I structuring the department, Iwould call on the resources needed.Deputy coroners would need agood knowledge of the procedures,through background or futureeducation.

Dave Rodriguez

Party: RepublicanAge: 53Town: Okanogan County over

25 years

Family: Twochildren

Back-ground:Twenty-fouryears of lawenforcementexperience, all inOkanoganCounty. I am agraduate of threepolice academies,I have a bachelor of science degreefrom Colorado State University andI’ve been trained through theWashington Association of Coronersand Medical Examiners as a deathinvestigator. I have been involvedwith numerous death investigationswhile employed with the Sheriff’sOffice. These cases includehomicides, suicides, accidentaldeaths, traffic fatalities as well asdeaths from natural causes.Additionally, I was a state-certifiedadvanced EMT and worked as avolunteer EMT for 13 years.

Is it more important for acounty coroner to have amedical background or a lawenforcement background, andwhy?

The primary job of the coroneris to determine the cause andmanner of death after a thoroughinvestigation. In the context of mylaw enforcement job I haveperformed many of the duties thatare required of a coroner, includingdeath notifications, positiveidentification of deceased subjects,locating next of kin, attendingautopsies, documenting scenes,advising the countyprosecutor/coroner regardingcause and manner of death andcoordinating with the county’scontract medical examiner and thestate anthropologist.

It’s important to point out thatthe coroner operates independentof law enforcement agencies andmedical providers and isresponsible directly to the people

See Coroner 3

Reams

Rodriguez

of Okanogan County.What would be your

priorities as coroner?It will be my goal, if elected, to

work with county officials, firstresponders, law enforcementinvestigators, funeral homes, themedical community and the publicto establish a professionalCoroner’s Office.

It would also be my goal tocertify myself and the OkanoganCounty Coroner’s Office with thenational organization within thefirst year.

I also have a personal interest inbeing involved with the teensuicide prevention program.

How would you structureyour department, in terms ofappointing deputy coroners?

Options related to staffing areobviously tied directly to budgets.The county commissioners arecurrently hard at work trying tosensibly put next year’s countybudget together which wouldinclude the new office of coroner.

I will manage the budgetafforded the office as efficientlyand cost effectively as possible andI believe the most cost effective wayto fund any deputy coronerpositions would be on a “call out”or “on call” basis.

Okanogan County Public Utility District Coroner from 2

Scott Vejraska

Non-partisan positionAge: 37Town: OmakFamily: Craig

Vejraska (dad),MaryK (mom),Todd Vejraska(brother),Grandma EldaVejraska

Back-ground: I’m athird generationrancher, for thepast 37 years I’ve grown up on thefamily ranch in the Omak area, andstill to this day work on the ranch.

I graduated from Omak HighSchool, then attended NortheastCommunity College in Norfolk,Neb., where I received a degree inutility line. For the last 16 years Ihave worked in the utility lineindustry. I currently work atNespelem Valley Electric Co-op as alineman.

Should the PUD continueinvesting in wind power, andwhy?

The PUD should not purchaseanymore wind power. They havealready invested in a wind farm. ThePUD is not required by law like some

other utilities to use wind power.The cost of wind power compared tohydro is almost five times moreexpensive. I don’t want to doanything that will cost theratepayers any more money, so letsstick to hydro. Someday in thefuture the cost of wind power mightcome down and if it does, we willlook at it then.

Should the utility continueits efforts to revamp EnloeDam to generate power? Whyor why not?

We still have time to secure apartner to help revamp Enloe Dam.It is vital that we do this. We cannotask the ratepayers to pay for thisproject if it means a higher utility billat the end of the month. I believethat this is a good project that willpay off in the future if donecorrectly. If for some reason we can’tget a partner, we will have to think ofa way to do it on our own withoutcosting the ratepayer a singleincrease of there monthly bill.Tearing it out is not an option at thistime.

What’s your position on thePateros-to-Twisp transmissionline?

It is a no-brainer that we need tobuild a second line to Twisp. First,we have all seen what can happen

when we don’t have a backup feed toTwisp. The power can go out for daysat a time during fires or a bad snowor wind storm. Second, the PUDloses $500,000 a year in what wecall line lose with the old line. Youmay ask what that is. It is when thewire is to small to carry all theelectricity that is needed. Like tryingto get more water out of a gardenhose, only so much can go through it.

David Womack

Non-partisanposition

Age: 53Town: OmakFamily: I

have beenmarried to mywife Mary for 23years. We havetwo grownchildren, Laura, apharmacy tech inFederal Way andFrank, who is serving in the U.S.Coast Guard. We have six beautifulgrandchildren.

Background: I have served asyour PUD commissioner for 12years. Before I was elected, I served15 years as an Omak City Councilmember. As both PUD

commissioner and city councilmember, I have experience insetting budgets, approving contractsand approving vouchers. Afterreviewing all available informationin order to make well informeddecisions, I have always kept inmind how rates will affect myfriends and family as well as yourfriends and family. I am alsoemployed as the meat departmentmanager at Gene’s Harvest Foods inOmak for over 33 years.

Should the PUD continueinvesting in wind power, andwhy?

We have guaranteed bonds forthe current wind project. For thatreason, we must continue with thisproject. The bond debt will be paid infull in 2023, at which time the cost ofNine Canyon gets cut in half. Ourcontract with Nine Canyon runsthrough 2030, at which time thePUD has the option to elect to extendthe power purchase agreement infive-year increments thereafter. Dueto the federal government’sdiscontinuation of the funding ofRenewable Energy ProductionIncentive (REPI), which the PUDhad been receiving in the past, I donot believe we should invest in any

See PUD 4

Vejraska

Womack

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new wind projects at this time.Should the utility continue its

efforts to revamp Enloe Dam togenerate power? Why or why not?

I believe we should re-energize EnloeDam or find someone to take it over. The daysof just doing nothing with the dam are over.In today’s atmosphere we will have to re-energize it or remove it. I believe re-energizing would have the least overall cost tothe ratepayers.

We have more information regarding the

cost to re-energize the dam than we do thecost to study, remove and clean up all thesediment behind the dam. Study, removaland clean up could cost the rate payers muchmore than re-energizing.

What’s your position on thePateros-to-Twisp transmission line?

I believe we should finish the Pateros-to-Twisp transmission line. Enough time andratepayers’ money has been spent on thisproject. After years of litigation we are closeto being able to build a new line to theMethow Valley and offer a more reliable andredundant power line.

PUD from 3

Emma Paulsen

Party: RepublicanAge: 36Town: RepublicFamily: Married with

two children.Background: Ferry

County deputy prosecutor— felony division; WSBAteaching faculty — Webcourse; owner of LawOffice of Emma J. Paulsen— Class A-qualifieddefender, dependencies,infractions, family law; certified childinterviewer; guardian ad litem; former DrugCourt prosecutor and defender; formerdeputy coroner (completed WACMEtraining). Member, Washington State BarAssociation, 2004; graduated from GonzagaUniversity School of Law, 2004; EasternWashington University, 2000; NorthCentral High School, Spokane, 1995.

Should Ferry County continue toturn over its higher profile felonyprosecutions to the state?

The prosecutor’s office should maintaina presence in all cases filed in Ferry County.There are very complex, time-consumingand lengthy trial cases where a small officesuch as this one may need assistance fromthe attorney general. However, it is myintention that there will be a Ferry Countyprosecutor attached to each and everyprosecution, regardless of the complexity ordifficulty of the case.

Would you restructure the dutiesfor personnel in the prosecutingattorney’s office? Please explain.

Yes, the deputy prosecutor and I wouldwork together managing all caseloads sothat cases are not missed, and there isadequate coverage during periods ofabsence for either attorney. The communitywould be better served by consistent caseoutcomes, and shared information betweencourts. The office staff do a wonderful job;those job duties would remain the same.

What do you see as the biggestchallenge for the prosecutingattorney’s office?

Ferry County has limited fundingavailable for additional staff, technology andprograms. As the prosecutor, I will findcreative ways to maximize the resources we

already have; look for new programs, grantsand training scholarships; and will befinancially responsible in makingimprovements.

James A. von Sauer

Party: RepublicanAge: 64Town: RepublicFamily: Wife Jessica

O. Garrovillo-von Sauer.Father Norman G. Sauer,mother Irene M. Sauer.Brother Georg N. vonSauer, sister VickiWinship

Background: I havepracticed law since 1978 inCalifornia and inWashington state since1996. I was the 2003-2006 term FerryCounty prosecuting attorney and coroner.From 1998-2000 I was the Ferry Countydeputy prosecuting attorney. Privatepractice since 2007.

Should Ferry County continue toturn over its higher profile felonyprosecutions to the state?

I have and will continue to handle myown cases. Emergencies do happen andwhen they do, outside resources may beused. The voters elect the prosecutingattorney so that local values will enter intothe decision to prosecute. Allowing theAttorney General’s Office to make chargingdecisions defeats local interests coming intoplay and allows one-size-fits-all justice.Some murder cases require trial expensesthat the local prosecutor’s budget will notallow.

For effective trial preparation,investigation and for expert witnessretention and in cases where conflictprevent the local prosecutor from handlingthe case outside resource may be required tobe used.

Would you restructure the dutiesfor personnel in the prosecutingattorney’s office? Please explain.

Probably. The Prosecuting Attorney’sOffice reflects the interest of the electedprosecuting attorney. I have no doubt thatthe office has not been run as I would have

See Prosecutor 5

Ferry County Prosecuting AttorneyFerry County Commissioner

Paulsen

von Sauer

Nathan Davis

Party: RepublicanAge: 40Town: RepublicFamily: Married to my wife Shilo for 17

years, and we are raising two teenagers. Weattend Lakeview Bible Church, love thecountry life, and sustainable living with oursmall farm and garden.

Background: I got my start employed bythe local sawmill for 10 years, working myway up to head rig sawyer, until tradepractices forced a shutdown. I was able to goback to college (SFCC), receiving an AASdegree as administrative computer specialist.I was hired by the county as an IT tech in thecourthouse. I earned a degree as a certifiedHVAC technician and started my ownbusiness that I have maintained for the lasteight years. I was elected to serve a term ofsix-years as a PUD commissioner.

Why are you running for theposition?

If elected, I would use my skills inresearch and purposeful fiscal responsibility,doing my utmost in representing the will ofthe people of Ferry County, to bring aboutfinancial stability and economic viability tosee us through the challenging days ahead. Ibelieve in protecting private property rights,including the right to defend our livestockfrom predators such as wolves, protecting ourtrees from neighboring infestations by takingback the responsibility of our forest held intrust by the federal government andreturning the control of these lands to thestate and local government.

What are your thoughts aboutwolves and the county’s role in theirrecovery vs. protection of livestock,pets and human life?

On a county level I believe ourresponsibility is to stand as a united forceagainst the agencies which throw policies atus that shut us out of our forests, introduceunwanted predators that harm our way of lifeand means of income, and then refuse tomaintain the very forest that would harborthe wildlife, so that they are forced to preyupon us, as well as losing value in loss oftimber. We can get behind our Legislatureand add the weight of a vocal community.

Leo Jenkins

Party: DemocratAge: 31Town: Republic

Family: Immediate family membersnames and relationship;wife, Spring LundgrenJenkins; children, KeziaLundgren, AlexandriaJenkins and LeviticusJenkins

Background: I am inmy second term on the citycouncil of Republic, servingon the public workscommittee and theNortheast Tri CountyHealth District board ofdirectors. I am a journeymen bricklayer andhave owned a masonry contracting businesssince 2011. I am a member of the Chamber ofCommerce in Republic and serve on thechamber’s Economic DevelopmentCommittee.

I have earned an associate of arts degreefrom Spokane Falls Community College and abachelors of arts in law and society from thePennsylvania State University.

Why are you running for theposition?

I am running for county commissionerbecause I love Ferry County. The focus ofmy term will be on economic revitalizationand fiscal responsibility. The bottom line isthat people need jobs, to pay bills and takecare of loved ones.

To create economic growth, I’ll workwithin the powers of my office to bring innew and expand existing businesses in thecommunity. Mining, agriculture andforestry are staples of our economy and I’llcontinue to fight for them. Tourism is asimportant as natural resources, and effortsshould be made to market Ferry County’stourism to its fullest potential.

What are your thoughts aboutwolves and the county’s role in theirrecovery vs. the protection oflivestock, pets and human life?

Humans are at the top of the food chain.You have the right to defend you and yoursand your livelihood against harm. I thinkthat the people affected by wolves shouldhave a say in their management, and amdisappointed that the Department of Fishand Wildlife has not listened.

I will support any local legislation thatprotects an individual’s right to defendthemselves and their property from a wolf.I will argue against uncontrolled growth ofwolf packs in any forum I can.

However, I also don’t condonepoaching.

Jenkins

Ferry County TreasurerRochelle Rodak

Party: RepublicanAge: 34Town:

RepublicFamily:

Immediatefamily membersTattem Rodak,daughter, TristinRodak, son.Mother MaryMasingale

Back-ground: I wassupervisor with Bank of Americabefore transitioning to WashingtonFederal, where I have continued toact as second in command. Myposition with the bank isresponsible for 90 percent of theaudit responsibility, and we haveyet to receive anything but highmarks. I have proven my flexibilityin learning new systems andadapting to new policies. I amconfident that I can manage a staff,as I currently have three peoplethat report directly to me. I lookforward to taking on the challengesof being your next Ferry Countytreasurer.

Why are you running forthe position?

I have been interested in thisposition since speaking with theincumbent Kathleen Rupp abouther impending retirement. I feelthat she has given me a clearpicture of what this office requiresfor leadership and I know that I ammore than capable of delivering.There are many things that couldbe updated, and I’m excited to seeour county join the 21st century.

What policies could bechanged to improve localgovernment?

Most of the current policies thatinvolve the treasurer’s office aredetermined in Olympia, but thereare improvements we can make theprocesses and the constituent’sexperience with our office. Most ofthese include updates to thesystems and a review of policiesconcerning past due taxes. Thebiggest change that I can think ofright now is the county banking,currently it is still held with Bank ofAmerica, who left our county, andI’d like to see our business back inthe communities we serve.


I have gained the trust of mycustomers and my community. I amnot afraid to dig deep and find whereI can improve a situation. And

example is the county banking,without doing any research myopponent is convinced it cannot bedone or changed. It will not be easy,but I’m not afraid to take thechallenge and do what is right forour county and our people.

Joy Culp

Party: RepublicanAge: Not providedTown: RepublicFamily: Not providedBackground: I have 20-plus

years experience in accounting andbookkeeping, including more thanfour years as deputy clerk-treasurer and clerk-treasurer forthe city of Republic. I am a 30-yearmember of the Eagles Auxiliary. Ihave volunteered in variousfundraisers in our community. Iwent to school here in Republic,graduating in 1981. In 2007, Ireceived my degree in officeadministration and accountingtechnologies from Skagit ValleyCollege. I am certified in businesscommunications, microcomputeraccounting, software applications,payroll accounting, small businessaccounting and bookkeeping.

Culp did not respond toChronicle election questions.

operated the office.Changes will be made to fit my

policies and manner of my practiceof law. If I am elected, the tail will

not wag the dog.

What do you see as the

biggest challenge for the

prosecuting attorney’s office?

Gaining back a reputation for

hardworking, honest, fair, truthful

and effective prosecution. The office

needs to show the community that

each citizen’s constitutional rights

will be honored and that local

community interests will be

considered important.

Prosecutor from 4

Ferry County Sheriff

Rodak

Raymond Maycumber

Party:Republican

Age: 40Town:

RepublicFamily: Wife

Amber; childrenDonovan andAlex.

Back-ground: I wasborn and raisedin Republic,Washington, where I enjoy a familyhistory of nearly 100 years. Igraduated from Republic HighSchool in 1991. I left Republic toattend Eastern WashingtonUniversity, where I earned abachelors’ degree in criminaljustice. In May of 2001 I wasblessed with the opportunity toreturn to Republic with my familyand take a position as a Republicpolice officer. In 2004 I transferredto the Ferry County Sheriff’s Officeand I am currently the chiefcriminal deputy and E911coordinator responsible for abudget comparable in size to thesheriff.

What would you do assheriff to reduce drug abusein this era of legalizedmarijuana?

With the legalization ofmarijuana, a whole host ofmisunderstandings about itslegality have come up. I believe thateducating the public on what is andis not legal as it pertains tomarijuana will be a good start inunderstanding the limitations ofthis confusing piece of legislation. Ihave always believed that aninformed public is an empoweredpublic, and clearing the air onmarijuana and other drugs will bebest accomplished throughrelationships with communitygroups such as the “What’s Right?”RRAD Coalition and strictenforcement of other drug andalcohol offenses.

As sheriff, what would youdo to better enforce restrictedaccess to street drugs?

Working with the communityand groups such as the NorthCentral Washington Narcotics TaskForce and our neighboringagencies to identify focal points toweaken the traffic of drugs throughthis area. With the limitedresources available in FerryCounty, the community will be keyin identifying the problem areas sothat we can prioritize our efforts tobe the most efficient.

How will you bridge the gapbetween the community andSheriff’s Office to ensurepublic trust and safety?

I plan to establish points ofcontact within each willingcommunity within Ferry County.We will organize monthly meetingswhere deputies will come andprovide a report of our efforts inthose areas. They will seek inputfrom the people of those regions tohelp create a specialized lawenforcement action plan for thosecommunities to maximizeefficiency and gain the trust of thepeople of Ferry County.

Thomas L. Williams

Party: No stated partypreference

Age: Notprovided

Town:Republic

Family:Married to CheriWilliams, 14years.

Back-ground: 28years of lawenforcementexperience, performing duties asundersheriff, deputy sheriff,detective, emergency management,Homeland Security, clandestinelab investigations, narcoticsinvestigations, D.E.A. training,budget preparation/management,grant preparation/management.Honorably discharged from U.S.Army. I have proudly served thecitizens of Ferry County for 21years, and raised my family here. Iam a law enforcement officer andcitizen in Ferry County. I believe inhonest, unbiased, trainedprofessional law enforcement. Ibelieve in public safety, trust,accountability, commitment andcommunity involvement. I havededicated myself to the citizens ofFerry County by listening toconcerns and taking action whenneeded.

What would you do assheriff to reduce drug abusein this era of legalizedmarijuana?

Legalized marijuana hascreated the problem of easieraccess, much like alcohol. Assheriff I would start by educatingthe public and getting informationinto the schools about the dangers.I would use a multi-prongedapproach including publiceducation ads and outreachprograms to reduce first-time druguse; cross train deputies in narcoticinvestigations; work with theprosecutor to ensure these crimesare properly charged andinvestigations completed. I wouldalso support a proven drug court

See Sheriff 7

Maycumber

Williams

Brock Hires/The Chronicle

Election signs sprout on a hillside along state Highway 20 in Republic.

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

Joel Kretz

Party: RepublicanAge: 57Town: WaucondaFamily: Wife, Sara,

and son, JedBackground: Thirty-

four years as a smallbusiness owner in thetimber and ranchingprofessions gives me agood understanding of theregulatory nightmareWashington State has become. Thatfrustration led to years of grassroots effortsattempting to build a better business climate,and reduce unnecessary and burdensomeregulation, including spending time workingon these issues in Olympia. In 2004, alegislative seat opened and I decided to usethat experience on another level. I havefocused on forcing Olympia to live within itsmeans, prioritizing spending for theessentials like education, and fostering abetter business climate and job creation.

Area ranchers and residents areupset about the state’s inability toeffectively manage wolves. Whatwould you do to alleviate theirconcerns?

It is completely rational to be concernedand upset; wolf recovery isn’t working forrural Washington. Most of the support for

wolves comes from areas where there are nowolves, and until they feel the impacts it isdifficult to fix. For that reason, I introduced abill to transplant our “excess” wolves to theWestside and interestingly got no supportfrom wolf advocate legislators. We did get apolicy change to allow wolves threateningpets and livestock to be shot. I will be alsorunning bills for regional delisting and betterinformation for livestock producers. Weneed to be protecting rural families andproperty.

The Buckhorn Mine is expected toclose next year. Who do you thinkshould be the state’s role inkeeping/bringing living wage jobs?

Get out of the way! Kinross has neverasked for lessened environmentalprotections; they have asked for agencyaccountability and predictable timelines.Seven years permitting to drill 2.5-inchexploration holes clearly illustrates both astate and federal inability to function, and isunacceptable. I am working with a bipartisangroup of legislators and groups to addressthe “analysis paralysis” in this case, and on abroad range of regulatory reforms for otherbusinesses, plus a hard look at how fires aremanage

Tell voters what distinguishes youfrom your opponent.

I have not yet met my opponent, so I havea hard time addressing this. I’m sure he’s anice man. But I think I have a good

understanding of the needs of our ruralcommunities, and have been effective inrepresenting them in Olympia. One broadissue I’ll be focused on is that, in far toomany instances, state agencies are veryfocused at the regulatory end of things, buthave forgotten that part of their mission isalso to serve the public, and that functionneeds to be restored.

Ronnie Rae

Party: CentralistAge: 37

Town: Loon LakeFamily: SingleBackground: For the

past 11 years, I havepracticed law in the field ofcriminal defense andpersonal injury followingmy education at GonzagaUniversity. While runningmy law practice, I have alsomanaged a propertymanagement company as

See House 7

James R. Apker

Party: LibertarianAge: 38Town: MeadFamily: Harry R. and

Ramona R. Apker, parentsBackground: I was

raised in Elk andChattaroy, Wash. I went toand graduated fromRiverside High School.Along with this, I have twodegrees — one in networkengineering and the other in constructionmanagement, with a minor in buildinginspection. The son and grandson ofconstruction workers, I learned early on thatthe best way to get anywhere was by usingmy hands, feet and the sweat of my brow. Mygrandfather was born and raised in Mexico.He came to this country with the dream ofmaking a better life and he came here legally.


This issue is going to be a constant battlebetween wolf advocates, Department ofEcology and the Legislature. Part of thereason why we are in this mess to begin withis because our representative, by her ownacknowledgement and admission, hasabdicated the power you granted her to theseagencies that do not have your best interestin mind, your family in mind or yourbusiness in mind. It is time to take that

power back and make sure the people have itand not these agencies, which are runningamuck, hurt the public simply because ofagenda that is not or was not thought outprior to implementation.


As your representative, one of myroles/my jobs is to seek companies that arelooking to relocate or looking for a newhome. When Remington was looking for anew home, where was Shelly? Why doesn’tshe actively seek out these companies out tobring them to our home? Or why didn’t sheseek them out when it was commonknowledge that they were looking for a newhome? I would have courted Remington withfacts about the 7th District and how we havethe best work force in Washington and howWashington’s 7th District is the perfect placeto set up shop and call home.


What distinguishes me from Shelly is thephilosophy of governing. The philosophy ofliberty in which you own yourself andeverything you produce verses the philosophyof making sure that special interest, politicalaction committees and large corporations getwhat they want or need before the people do.The philosophy, jobs and the ability to supportyour family, save money for college and yourretirement versus our current situation oflosing jobs, shrinking paychecks and noretirement options. It is the philosophy ofknowing that being a representative is not a

lifelong position, but a termof service that must bereplenished often to keepthis representativegovernment healthy andvibrant.

Shelly Short

Party: RepublicanAge: 52Town: AddyFamily: Husband, Mitch, married 24

years; and two grown children, Trevor andBrianna

Background: I have had the privilege ofserving the 7th District in the Legislature forthe last six years. I have been the go-to personon environmental issues and am the leadRepublican on the Environment Committee.My top priority has been protecting myconstituents from over-bearing agencies, suchas Ecology and Fish and Wildlife. I havesuccessfully passed legislation that nowrequires these agencies to show their scientificwork to the public when used to justifyregulations. Ultimately, I believe that only thehighest level of scientific review ought to beused in developing regulations. Anything lessis unacceptable.


Okanogan County is very unique in thatwolves are federally delisted east of Highway97 and the remainder of the county is not. I

intend to push for regional delisting, giventhat 13 of the 16 wolf packs in the state arelocated in our district. I will continue tosupport the ability of citizens to protect theirlives and property without fear ofprosecution. Ultimately, wolves should beclassified as predators for management. Inthe meantime, I will do all I can to ensure theDepartment of Fish and Wildlife answers tothe public. Their current failure to act placesour communities and livelihoods at risk.


My role would be to ensure that allagencies involved in any permit decisions actin a timely and predicable manner. Certaintyis critical for businesses investing capital intoprojects. Also, state agencies should not beallowed to use taxpayer dollars to buy largetracts of land that could be productively putto use in our local economies. The stateneeds to stop supporting policies thatincrease the cost of electricity and fuel prices;these policies give mixed signals tobusinesses looking to invest in ourcommunities. Manufacturing needs to beencouraged as does reform to regulationsand permit processes.


My 20 years of experience fighting forfolks is what sets me apart from myopponent. I have a proven track record ofstanding up for our conservative principles,building the necessary relationships and theknow how to get things done in Olympia.

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7th District House, position No. 1

7th District House, position No. 2

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well as a small bee and chicken farm.Area ranchers and residents are

upset about the state’s inability toeffectively manage wolves. What wouldyou do to alleviate their concerns?

With similar concerns of wolves in my ownbackyard the last few years and loss of my ownlivestock, I feel that the only good wolf is adead one. The wolves should all be removeddead or alive. I have always priorities theneeds of a person over that of an animal. Theproblem will get worse before it gets betterunder the current system. In the meantime, Iwill personally shoot to kill.

The Buckhorn Mine is expected toclose next year. Who do you thinkshould be the state’s role in

keeping/bringing living wage jobs?My father has been laid off more times

than I can count as mines and smelterscollapsed everywhere we turned. If the statewould issue more permits and deregulatemining and logging in the area, ourcommunities will once again thrive. Miningexpansion is critical and the state has a duty tofinds ways to return workers to safe mines.


My opponent has disrespected theConstitution and the people of Washingtonwith his numerous votes that were aimed toprevent our countries hard-foughtconstitutional freedoms and liberties. Anyonewho votes against civil liberties should not be inoffice. I am independent in my politics, I canforge party lines and vote for the people, not theparty.

Tony Booth

Party: RepublicanAge: 43Town: ColvilleFamily: Married to

Leslie 21 years; fourchildren, Jordan, 18,Chevy, 16, LT, 13 andAshley, 9.

Background:Business owner in StevensCounty and OkanoganCounty with over 100 fulltime employees. I havebeen a business owner for over 13 years andhave been in the same line of business for 25.My strong points are managing budgets andjobs.

What do you see as the biggestchallenge for the state?

Keeping our taxes in line and NO moreincreases, we just need to manage with whatwe have.

Do you think the Legislature shouldhalt funding for state agencies’ landacquisitions? Why or why not?

I believe all land should be private andnot ran or owned by the state or federaloffices. I would vote no to any landpurchases to the state or federal government.

What are your thoughts aboutwolves and the state’s role in theirrecovery vs. protection of livestock,pets and human life?

We are now ready to take this to the officeand start a hunting season and take back andmanage the wolves locally and also givefarmers and ranchers a chance to protectthere livestock and property.

Brian Dansel

Party: RepublicanAge: 31Town: RepublicFamily: My wife Carrie

Dansel and my 19-month-old son, Gavin Dansel.

Background: I am alife-long resident of the 7thLegislative District(Republic) with a morerecent background as your

state senator. With numerous friends,neighbors and family members employed byKinross at the Buckhorn Mine site, I am alltoo aware of the burdensome regulatory andpermitting processes in Washington state.As vice chairman of the Natural ResourcesCommittee in the Senate, I was proud to voteon a budget with no funding for state landacquisitions throughout the entire state. Thiswas the first time in 70 years that the statehasn’t been approved to acquire land.

What do you see as the biggestchallenge for the state?

The biggest challenge will be to create abusiness-friendly climate by reducing orremoving regulations that prevent our smallbusinesses from surviving and energizingour economy. They are the backbone of ourlocal economies, and if we remove some redtape, there will be more opportunities, bothfor employers and employees. That alongwith the same common sense your readerswould use to balance their personalcheckbooks, will allow for soundmanagement of their tax dollars.

Do you think the Legislature shouldhalt funding for state agencies’ landacquisitions? Why or why not?

Yes. As I stated previously, this year wasthe first year since the World War II era thatwe didn’t approve funding for a single acre ofland acquisitions. As it is already, the stateinstituted the Discovery Pass, yet we are toldthat still doesn’t pay for the state landsalready taken out of private ownership. Whythen, would we acquire more lands, when wecan’t take care of what we already have? Iwill continue to oppose land acquisitions.

What are your thoughts aboutwolves and the state’s role in theirrecovery vs. protection of livestock,pets and human life?

First and foremost, the wolf should beregionally de-listed from the EndangeredSpecies Act list. As apparent by recenthappenings in Stevens County and FerryCounty, we certainly aren’t hurting for morewolves. I believe that every individual has theright to protect ourselves, our families, pets,livestock and property.

Given the time of year, it would seemappropriate to also mention that wolves willnegatively impact our hunting possibilitiesmoving forward.

House from 6

7th District Senate

Booth

Dansel

Some candidatesare unopposed

The Chronicle

OKANOGAN – Severalpositions in Okanogan andFerry counties — and somelegislative seats andstatewide races — drew asingle candidate.

Unopposed candidatesinclude:

Okanogan County –Laurie Thomas,Republican, auditor;Charleen Groomes,Republican, county clerk;Leah McCormack,Republican, treasurer; JimDeTro, Republican, countycommissioner District No. 3; Heidi Smith,District Court judge, position No. 1; CharlesD. Short, District Court judge, position No.2; Karl F. Sloan, Democrat, prosecutingattorney; Frank Rogers, Republican, sheriff.

Ferry County – Rachel D. Siracuse,Republican, assessor; Dianna Galvan,Republican, auditor; Jean Bremner Booher,Democrat, clerk; Douglas R. Aubertin, non-

partisan, Public Utility Districtcommissioner, District No. 3.

Legislative District No. 12 – CaryCondotta, Republican, position No. 1; BradHawkins, Republican, position No. 2.

State – Kevin M. Corsmo, non-partisan,Court of Appeals, division 2, district 1,position 2; Mary Yu, Supreme Court justice,position 1; Mary E. Fairhurst, Supreme Courtjustice, position 3.

program to deal with the end user. As sheriff, what would you do to

better enforce restricted access tostreet drugs?

I would use a multi-pronged approachincluding, public education ads and outreachprograms to reduce first-time drug use; crosstrain deputies in narcotic investigations;work with the prosecutor to ensure thesecrimes are properly charged andinvestigations completed; retain the workingagreement with the North CentralWashington Narcotics Task Force (providingadditional detective when necessary). I willuse existing law to seize property used inthese crimes, to communicate that we areserious about reclaiming our communityfrom dealers and that their actions will costthem more than jail time. Those monies

would be used for further narcoticinvestigations.

How will you bridge the gapbetween the community and Sheriff’sOffice to ensure public trust andsafety?

Outreach programs will be started andwhat voters will see is more transparencyand teamwork between the Sheriff’s Officeand the citizens through developing goodworking relationships in which moreinformation will be shared. This will result inmore crimes being solved and more drugstaken off the streets. I will operate in theoffice and in the community answeringresponse calls as needed. I will seek honest,unvarnished feedback from businesses andcitizens. I will always put citizens first andwork to improve public safety in ourcommunity; making changes whenevernecessary.

Sheriff from 5

Roger Harnack/The Chronicle

Signs for candidates in contested races are planted along theOld Riverside Highway in north Omak.

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4th District U.S. House 5th District U.S. HouseClint Didier

Party: RepublicanAge: 55Town: EltopiaFamily: Wife Kristi;

four children, daughterBrandie, and sons Travis,Justin and Zachary

Background: ClintDidier grew up on a farmnear Eltopia, Wash. Aftergraduating from ConnellHigh School, Clintattended Columbia BasinJunior College for two years, and two more atPortland State University, where he playedfootball. After graduation, Clint was draftedin the 12th round by the WashingtonRedskins. This led to a seven-year careerwith the Redskins, including participation inthree Super Bowls, followed by two moreyears with the Green Bay Packers. Afterretiring from the NFL in 1990, he moved hisfamily to farming near the original familyfarm. Clint also owns and operates anexcavation company.

North-Central Washingtonresidents are signing in droves onto aproposal for federal lands to bereturned to local ownership andmanagement. Do you support theproposal? Why or why not?

Being a strong believer in state’s rights,and since the federal government has noconstitutional authority to own any landbeyond that for postal, roads and military, Iwill work tirelessly to see that federal landsare returned to state control. For many years,we have witnessed the feds taking our moneyand our land and holding it hostage for anagenda of whoever is in control at the time. Ifwe are to maintain our individual liberty, thisabject power-grab must cease.

The federal government debtcontinues to grow on the backs oftaxpayers. What would you do tocurtail federal spending?

A balanced budget amendment soundsnice, but in some ways it’s a Trojan Horse. Ifyou don’t stop tax increases, and even reducethem along with spending, then a balancedbudget amendment will do nothing. I havesigned a written pledge to 4th Districtcitizens that I will not vote for new orincreases in existing taxes, nor will I supportany measure that increases the size, scope orbudgets of the federal government by asmuch as one dollar. Therefore, aconstitutional amendment is unneeded, andwhy our founders didn’t add it to theConstitution in the first place.

Since you and your opponent areboth Republicans with an agriculturalbackground, tell voters whatdistinguishes you from youropponent.

I’m the grassroots, no-nonsenseconstitutional conservative — he is theestablishment candidate parading as aconservative, but making no firmcommitments to anything. He says “I wouldlike.” I say “I will.” He says I’m extreme, I sayhe’s weak. If voters want more of the same,he’s your guy. If you think it’s time we gosomewhere new, vote for me. Thanks.

Dan Newhouse

Party: RepublicanAge: 59Town: SunnysideFamily: Carol, wife;

Devon and HaleyNewhouse, son anddaughter-in-law; Jensena,daughter.

Background: Dan waselected four times to theWashington state House ofRepresentatives and servedfrom 2003 to 2009. In theLegislature, he was known as a pro-jobsconservative problem solver.

Recognized by the National Federation ofIndependent Businesses and the Associationof Washington Business for his commitmentto pro-growth policies, Dan will bring thesame set of values with him to Congress.

From 2009 to 2013, Dan served asdirector of Washington state’s Department ofAgriculture helping promote the state’sabundant agricultural resources andencouraging the next generation of familyfarms.

North-Central Washingtonresidents are signing in droves onto aproposal for federal lands to bereturned to local ownership andmanagement. Do you support theproposal? Why or why not?

I agree that public land-use decisionsshould be made locally and not by federalbureaucrats.

Given the current political makeup inWashington, D.C., I don’t think a full-scalesale of all federal lands is possible, but we cando everything we can to make sure that thepeople closest to the land are the onesdeciding how best to use it.

The federal government debtcontinues to grow on the backs oftaxpayers. What would you do tocurtail federal spending?

First, enact a constitutional balancedbudget amendment. The politicalestablishment has proven it can’t be trustedto balance the budget on its own, so this is anecessary step. Second, we need to look atentitlement reform.

I differ from my opponent in that I don’tsupport doing away with Social Security andMedicare. However, I do believe somereforms may be necessary to make sure thoseprograms remain stable and solvent.

Since you and your opponent areboth Republicans with an agriculturalbackground, tell voters whatdistinguishes you from youropponent.

I’m going to Congress to solve problemsfor Central Washington, not to add to thegridlock.

We’re all Americans — I don’t believe in“us vs. them” — and if we’re ever going tomake progress on real issues like improvingthe economy, balancing the budget, securingour borders, reforming our immigrationsystem and making sure we have an adequatewater supply, we’re all going to have to worktogether in good faith.

I will be a problem-solver, not a bombthrower.

Cathy McMorris Rodgers

Party: RepublicanAge: 45Town: SpokaneFamily: Husband

Brian Rodgers; threechildren, Cole, Grace andBrynn

Background:Highest-rankingRepublican woman inCongress, first elected toCongress in 2004; first inher family to graduatefrom college, later earnedan executive master of businessadministration from the University ofWashington; served five terms in the stateHouse and served as minority leader; workedat her family’s fruit stand near Kettle Falls.

McMorris Rodgers did not respond toChronicle election questions.

Joseph “Joe” Pakootas

Age: 57Town: IncheliumFamily: Wife Cheryl;

four children; sixgrandchildren

Background: Grew upin Inchelium, has amaster’s in businessadministration from theUniversity of Washington,former member (16 years)and chairman of theColville Business Council,CEO of Colville Tribal Federal Corp., thetribe’s business arm.

He and his wife own and operateInchelium Short Stop gas station andconvenience store; former constructionworker, volunteer youth sports coach.

Pakootas did not respond to Chronicle

election questions.

PakootasMcMorrisRodgers

Didier Newhouse

OKANOGAN — Voters can choose“none of the above” in any race by writingin a name.

Each ballot has a place for write-incandidates.

Anyone who wants to be a write-incandidate can file a declaration of

candidacy with the county auditor’s officeup to election day. Declarations ofcandacy for write-in candidates must beaccompanied by the filing fee required ofother candidates for the office.

—The Chronicle

Write-in choices are allowed

The Chronicle

WINTHROP – The town’s fire trucks areshoehorned into the station so tightly thatthere’s barely enough room for a person towalk around them.

That creates a dangerous situation, whichFire District No. 6 commissioners are askingvoters to address during the Nov. 4 election.

Voters will be asked to decide on a 20-year levy lid lift to build a new station. Themeasure would cost property owners 17.5cents per $1,000 of assessed propertyvaluation, or about $35 per year for theowner of property assessed at $200,000. Itwould be in addition to the regular firedistrict levy of 61.5 cents per $1,000 ofassessed valuation.

State officials have said the building posesa threat to firefighter safety. They found sixareas in the station where clearance betweenengines and personnel is too close and posesunsafe operating conditions that endangerfirefighters.

“Firefighters changing into gear for a callhave 12 inches or less between them and amoving, 50,000-pound fire engine,” thedistrict said. The closeness makes it“impossible for engine drivers to see wherevolunteers may be as they head out for acall.”

Those unsafe operating conditions couldresult in volunteers being injured or killed,

the district said, adding tight conditions“leave little margin for error with movingengines and volunteers rushing to respond.”

The tight conditions have affectedrecruiting, with the Winthrop station downto 10 volunteers when it should have around25, the district said.

Even if more volunteers turned out, thecramped quarters mean there’s no place forthem to hang or change into their gear andsafety conditions would be worse withadditional crowding, district officials said.

Besides their own calls, Winthropfirefighters respond to all emergency calls inTwisp and Mazama, and 60 percent ofCarlton’s calls. All four areas are within FireDistrict No. 6, which stretches from GoldCreek to the Lost River area north ofMazama.

Fire District No. 6 leases the building, at223 Englar St., from the town of Winthrop.The site is too small for renovations to

accommodate the needed safety changes, thedistrict said.

The new station, proposed for Horizon FlatsRoad west of the downtown area, would cost anestimated $2.4 million. Along with parking andstaging space, it would include training spaceand decontamination facilities so firefighterscan wash smoke and other hazardoussubstances from their gear, sleeping quarters, akitchen, community meeting rooms and offices.

Fire District No. 6 already owns theproperty for the proposed station, and has paidfor architectural and engineering work for itsdesign.

A public meeting is planned for 7-8 p.m.Oct. 28 at the fire station.

The meetings will include tours of thecurrent fire station, Chief Don Waller said.

At 350 square miles, Fire District No. 6 isthe largest in the county, geographically. Itoperates out of four stations.

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Fire district wants new Winthrop hallVoters asked to lift levy lid

to pay for new, $2.4 million

facility at edge of town

“Firefighters changing into gear for a call have 12

inches or less between them and a moving,

50,000-pound fire engine.Fire District No. 6

”

Fire District No. 6

Drawing shows proposed Winthrop Fire Hall. Voters are being asked to approve a 20-year levy lid lift to pay for the new facility.

Mid-Valley Hospital seeksbond issue for spruce-ups

The Chronicle

OMAK – Voters will be askedNov. 4 to consider a bond issue topay forimprovements tothe aging Mid-Valley Hospitalbuilding.

The mainportion of thehospital, 810Jasmine St., wasbuilt about 50years ago and isshowing its age,AdministratorMike Billing said.

Its water and sewer systems areleaky and the roof needs attention.In addition, the heating, ventilatingand air conditioning system alsoneeds upgrading.

Hospital officials say the $3.8million bond issue would cost the

“average homeowner” $5 permonth for the issue’s 15-yearduration.

The estimated levy rate is about36 cents per $1,000 of assessedvaluation, or about $72 per year forthe owner of property valued at$200,000.

Okanogan County Chief DeputyAuditor Dee Wood said noestimated levy rate is availablefrom her office.

The hospital district proposes:• Renovating the kitchen to

include a new walk-in freezer andcooler, and three patientbathrooms to accommodatehandicapped patients; $300,000.

• Upgrading and improvingplumbing, heating, ventilation andair conditioning systems; $2million.

• Upgrading the electronicmedical records system to increaseefficiency and comply with state

and federal standards; $1.2million.

• Doing minor remodeling,asphalt repair and seal coating asfunds permit; $300,000.

Mid-Valley already hasborrowed to its capacity with theOkanogan County Treasurer’sOffice through registered warrants,Billing said.

The bond issue “will help us getout of the crunch and take pressureoff operating cash,” he said.

Mid-Valley has trimmed itsstaff and made other budgetadjustments to try and savemoney. Its financial situationworsened this year, partly aspatients responded to uncertaintysurrounding implementation ofthe federal Affordable Care Act,also known as Obamacare, Billingsaid.

Finances are starting to lookbetter now that people areadjusting to new insurancecoverage or changes in theirpolicies, he said.

Mid-Valley added a newemergency room wing a few yearsago.

Billing

Administrator: Aging building’s climate-

control, water and sewer systems all need

attention, as do roof and patient bathrooms

Tonasket seeks voter OKfor sales tax increase

The Chronicle

TONASKET – The city isasking voters to considerincreasing the sales tax by 0.1percent.

One-third of the revenuewould be used for criminal justiceor fire protection.

City Clerk Alice Attwood saidsales tax revenue fluctuates fromyear to year, so she doesn’t have

an estimate of how much wouldbe raised.

The total tax would go from 8.1percent to 8.2 percent, or from 81cents on a $10 purchase to 82 cents.

If approved, the increase wouldgo into effect April 1, 2015.

An identical measure failed inNovember 2012, with 191 voterssaying yes and 193 saying no, for a49.74 percent to 50.26 percentdifference.

EMS measure on ballotThe Chronicle

TONASKET – Voters in theTonasket Emergency MedicalService District, which includesthe city, are being asked tocontinue the property tax levy tosupport the ambulance service.

The district is seeking 40 cents

per $1,000 of assessed valuationfor 10 years, starting in 2015.

The measure would cost theowner of property valued at$200,000 an estimated $80 peryear.

District officials could not bereached for comment on theproposal.

Ferry, Okanogan have ballot drop locationsOKANOGAN — Ballot drop-off

sites are at the Okanogan CountyAuditor’s Office, 149 N. Third Ave.,Okanogan; Ferry County Auditor’sOffice, 350 E. Delaware Ave.,

Republic; 987 S. Clark Ave.,Republic; 8 N. Ash St., Omak; 180Pateros Mall, Pateros, and 209. S.Whitcomb Ave., Tonasket.

–The Chronicle

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