Today, yours truly went to the Clallam County Commission meeting and took some snap shots of candidates running for both the County Commission seat vacated by Mike Chapman, who earlier this week announced his intention for the State Representative position that Rep. Kevin Van De Wege is vacating to run for State Senator Jim Hargrove's spot since he is retiring. I took my camera and took some pictures of the two leading contenders for Chapman's seat on the County Commission, Maggie Roth (R), and Ron Richards (D). I also had an little impromptu debate after the meeting with Roth, and Richards. More on that later...
Right now I want to focus on Chapman and the following press release he issued:
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| State Rep. Candidate Mike Chapman (D) Picture taken by Peter Ripley |
announced today his campaign for the 24th Legislative District House
of Representatives seat vacated by Kevin Van de Wege.
"I am running for the State House of Representatives to be a
passionate advocate for
those who need it most:
the disadvantaged, the poor, the sick, the unemployed, the veterans
who so bravely served our country, those struggling with mental
illness and substance addiction, and everyone else facing tough
times.
I grew up in a family devastated by alcoholism, drug addiction, and
poverty, raised by my single mother after my dad died. I grew up
dirt poor, struggling to become the first member of my family to go
to college. My wife and I have worked hard to provide better
opportunities for our kids than we had. Because of my background, I
know how hard life can be, so I'm basing my campaign around creating
more opportunities and support for the communities, families, and
businesses of the Olympic Peninsula", said Mike Chapman.
Mike will work hard to make sure that schools, teachers, students,
and parents will have the resources they need so that every child
can achieve their full potential in school. From early learning
programs to college, education is the key to building an economy
where everyone can achieve their full potential and find or create
living wage jobs on the Olympic Peninsula.
Mike will fight to ensure that tax dollars are used wisely to invest
in local infrastructure and transportation projects to create jobs
and help our economy to improve. He knows our local economy must
support good paying jobs with good benefits for everyone, not just a
privileged few.
The Olympic Peninsula is a special place with clear air and clean
water, and lots of open access to public lands. Mike will work hard
to keep it that way. He believes we need to envision and embrace the
many opportunities for recreation and industry afforded to us by our
natural resources. The Olympic Peninsula, as a carbon bank and prime
tree habitat, stands to benefit as we work to establish a state
carbon policy that will make our area a cutting edge leader in
reducing the harmful effects of climate change. Mike knows this will
also work to revive and grow our natural resource based economy.
A four term Clallam County Commissioner with previous service as a
local law enforcement officer and US Customs Inspector, including
apprehending terrorist Ahmed Ressam, Mike Chapman has the right
qualities and experience to represent the communities of Clallam,
Jefferson, and Grays Harbor counties. Mike and his wife of 27 years,
Bobbi, reside in Port Angeles. They have 2 sons Larsson a sophomore in
college and Anders a HS senior. Mike holds a AAS from Shoreline
College, a BA from Northwest College and a Master's Degree from
Duquesne University.
Speaking about Vets!
Both Commission candidates gave their views on fixing the old fire hall complex pictured here for a possible new vet center. As you recall Maggie, Roth husband Terry Roth wanted to convert the old fire hall into a new vet center. As you recall nothing came of the project because of the lack of funds.
I brought up the question of a new vet center because it was Roth's dream of having a vet center close to the memorial park for vets that sits right next to this building.
County Commissioner Candidate Maggie Roth
Picture taken by Peter Ripley
HINT: She still hopes to fulfill Terry's dream of converting the property to a vet center, cultural historical center....But, like her opponent the main issue is providing the best services for the vets.
Clallam County Candidate Ron Richards.
Picture taken by Peter Ripley
Richard said there are larger issues then new vet centers that needs to be addressed, like finding jobs for disabled vets, and other vets. Both candidates agreed that the larger issues of providing vets job opportunities and benefits are imperative. Both candidates mention the current Vet center next to the YMCA, and the improvements which were made to it, like for example more accessible to disabled vets.
Yes readers I got the two contenders to sit side by side for a little chat!
Roth said, Do we have to be enemies? (jesting)
The second question I asked was about the Carlsborg Sewer project. Both Richards, and Roth stated that the opportunity funds should be used for the project, provided if there is anything left of the fund, which the County Treasurer will go over during the meeting on Thursday at 9AM
Readers, as always I give candidates plenty of chances to voice their opinions on issues that matters most...
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