CHAMBERS, E COUNTY CO
The Shelton-Mason County and North Mason Chambers, along with the Economic Development Council of Mason County, collectively serve as the voice of the business community and we make it a point to be at the heart of important issues like workforce development, quality of life, and civic engagement
That said, we are not political action committees and do not endorse candidates; we are independent organizations led by the private sector The Chambers and EDC provide nonpartisan information and host community education and outreach opportunities because we believe people have a right to know what candidates for public office believe about issues that affect our community
It is our goal to give every citizen the ability to learn more about policy making candidates and encourage you to get out and vote The Chambers & EDC will not host a candidate forum for the August 6 Primary; there will be an in-person event hosted prior to the General Election
For the primary, each candidate was invited to answer four questions: 1) What do you believe to be the role of a County Commissioner and what makes you an ideal candidate? 2) The County continues to face financial realities and tough decisions need to be made What increases to revenue or reductions to expenses might you propose? 3) What are your top policy proposals aimed at mitigating and preventing homelessness; and 4) If the County received $5 million in funding to be used for any purpose, what would you do with it and why?
There are six people running for two seats on the Mason County Commission; five replied. We hope these responses shine a light on their values and perspectives so you may begin to understand their viewpoints and make informed voting choices
Below we have printed the responses to the final question To read answers from the candidates for the other three questions, please visit masonchamber com /commissioner Candidate statements are published as they are as submitted to our office We do not make corrections of any kind or verify statements for truth or fact
When posed the question, “If the County received $5 million in funding to be used for any purpose, what would you do with it and why?” the candidates replied as follows:
William “Will” Harris
I would use $5 million to improve public safety and county services to citizens with two initiatives The first initiative is to use $3 2 million to hire, equip, and train eight (8) Sheriff Deputies This will provide added security and safety to all Mason County citizens by increasing the on-duty deputies from six (6) to eight (8) across the county 24/7 The $3 2 million will fund the deputies for two years
The second initiative is to use $1 8 million to identify and implement process efficiencies and information technology upgrades. The upgrades would be used to decrease the time in obtaining permits and licenses for citizens combined with internal county efficiency.
The objective of the second initiative is to realize a $1 6 million per year savings to permanently fund the increase in Sheriff Deputies.
Randy Neatherlin
I would either use it to pay down debt or invest in our smaller governments entities and nonprofits like we did with APRA and Cares act funding Some good examples include Fire District 4 where we gave $67,000 to put 5 new 10,000-gallon supply tanks around the areas where no major water source is available for forest and residential fire We spent money for areas to get Wi-Fi access, pumps for public water companies, electric infrastructure, and the list goes on and on We did this with the monies that came to us through these programs and found it to worked like seed money for better communities.
Richard Beckman
If Mason County were to receive $5 million in funding, I would propose the following strategic allocations, designed to maximize the impact on the community’s well-being and economic development:
1. Infrastructure Advancement: Channel funds into the modernization and expansion of essential infrastructure, targeting water, sewer, roads, and bridges to bolster connectivity so we can create more housing Creating this infrastructure will generate a return of investment as well the ability to reinvestment of those funds.
2. Housing Accessibility: Direct resources to the creation of affordable housing projects, addressing the critical shortage.
3. Business Growth: Inject capital into the local economy by offering financial support to small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures, thereby catalyzing job creation and economic vitality.
4. Health and Safety Enhancement: Upgrade public health facilities and enhance emergency response services, with a special focus on law enforcement and fire safety
5. Community Enrichment: Invest in the enrichment of public spaces such as parks, libraries, and community centers, which are cornerstones of civic life and cultural exchange.
6. Technological Progress: Dedicate funds to the advancement of technology within government operations, enhancing efficiency and accessibility for all residents.
This allocation strategy is designed to address immediate community needs while laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and development It reflects a commitment to improving residents’ quality of life, fostering a stable economy, and preserving the unique character of our county The emphasis on infrastructure, housing, and economic growth is in harmony with Mason County’s strategic vision and long-term goals, ensuring that the funds are utilized in alignment with the collective aspirations and priorities of our community.
Tom Beben
The issues at the forefront of the minds of nearly every person I’ve spoken with over the last 3 months have been mental health, drug abuse and homelessness Using that funding to build a facility away from the downtown corridor that not only offers housing, but access to mental healthcare and drug treatment would be revolutionary for Mason County Integrating educational opportunities through Olympic College and SPSCC can also help these folks to obtain the tools necessary to make the next positive steps in their lives Sometimes it only takes one assisted step forward to make a lifetime of difference. We need to stop the cycle of passing blame and work together by taking an approach that tackles all three problems at once.
Pat Tarzwell
I would love to see tax relief for the citizens, but we have a need that must be addressed and that is in the justice system Prosecuting attorneys and public defenders are an integral piece of our public safety Mason County often loses these attorneys to neighboring counties after significant training cost, thereby subsidizing our neighbors to our own detriment We must be more competitive in order to attract and keep attorneys if we are to maintain a constitutional justice system It is our duty to provide a fully functional public safety system for our citizens.
