In the Marines, if you were digging a fighting hole without a plan, someone stopped you fast. In Olympia they just keep digging, deeper into your paycheck, deeper into your family budget, deeper into the pockets of working families. I’m a retired Marine Colonel, Mayor of Washougal, and State Representative. I voted against a state income tax because families have had enough.
Leadership means discipline, accountability, and knowing when to stop digging. It’s time to tell Olympia to put down the shovel.
Dave in Olympia
As your State Representative, I went to Olympia with a simple mission: fight for Southwest Washington families and bring some common sense back to state government.
During my first term, I focused on the issues that matter most to our communities: public safety, transportation, emergency response, and government accountability. I sponsored legislation to strengthen search and rescue operations, improve transparency in homelessness programs, support local fire districts, improve transportation infrastructure, and make our roads safer.
I also stood up against higher taxes and reckless spending. When Olympia pushed policies that would make it harder for working families to get ahead, I voted no. Families are already dealing with rising costs, they don’t need politicians reaching deeper into their wallets.
My experience as a Marine Colonel taught me that leadership means setting priorities, demanding accountability, and solving problems. That’s the approach I’ve brought to Olympia: mission first, results over rhetoric, and always putting the people of Southwest Washington ahead of politics.
There’s still a lot of work to do. I’ll keep fighting for safe communities, strong local infrastructure, responsible budgeting, and a government that works for the people who pay the bills.