Website:
Education:
Federal Way High School, Class of 1996
Attended Highline College
Business and Economic Issues
The Chamber's long-standing partnership with the District 30 Legislators has supported a range of economic development resources for business growth in the greater Federal Way region. Based on any of the Chamber studies, reports or programs, what opportunities do you see for continued collaboration with the Chamber and how would you work with the Chamber to explore the economic potential of our business community?
One area where I believe the Chamber and I could work together is strengthening the connection between the Greater Federal Way Chamber and the Small Business Development Center. Many entrepreneurs have good ideas but need help navigating financing, business planning, regulations, and the practical challenges of starting and growing a business. Connecting them with existing resources should be a priority.
I would also like to see the Chamber continue expanding its membership beyond traditional business-to-business services. Childcare providers, adult family homes, and other service businesses are important parts of our local economy. Bringing more of these businesses into the Chamber would strengthen their voice while creating new opportunities for collaboration.
Finally, Federal Way's diversity presents an economic opportunity that I believe deserves more attention. Many residents maintain business and cultural connections around the world. We should explore ways to help local entrepreneurs turn those relationships into legitimate import, export, distribution, and international trade opportunities.
As a legislator, I would regularly meet with Chamber members and local businesses to identify barriers to growth and determine where state policy can help rather than hinder their success.
As the Chamber works to support a sustainable economic base with new and expanding businesses, rising infrastructure and operational costs can be burdensome. Â As a legislator, how would you address infrastructure challenges such as energy, water, transportation, insurance, and others to keep infrastructure reliable and operating costs manageable for businesses?
My first priority would be reducing unnecessary costs government places on businesses while ensuring that essential infrastructure remains reliable.
I would support a comprehensive performance and financial audit of the Climate Commitment Act, including its impact on energy and fuel costs and how the revenue it generates is being spent. If government requires businesses and residents to pay more, taxpayers deserve measurable results and complete transparency about where that money goes.
I would also support temporary relief from a portion of Washington's state gasoline tax while working toward longer-term reforms that reduce transportation and operating costs.
Transportation infrastructure is another major concern. Businesses depend on reliable roads to move employees, customers, products, and services. State transportation spending should prioritize projects that address major bottlenecks and improve existing infrastructure, including important local projects that may require state assistance.
We also need better coordination of major construction projects. Poorly planned road projects can restrict access to businesses for months and cause significant financial losses. State and local agencies should coordinate schedules, communicate with affected businesses early, and consider the economic impact of construction decisions.
Reliable infrastructure is essential, but businesses should also expect accountability for every dollar government spends providing it.
The Chamber encourages the legislature to prioritize comprehensive reform of Washington’s regressive tax structure. Pressures such as the state-level B&O tax, professional services tax, estate tax, the excise tax, and others have a negative impact on our small businesses. How would you advocate for tax policy that supports small businesses, and ensures an equitable distribution of the tax burden across businesses and residents alike?
Washington needs a tax system that supports economic growth without continually increasing the burden on families and small businesses.
I oppose a state income tax and support Initiative 645, which would repeal Washington's new tax on individual income above $1 million and prohibit state and local governments from imposing taxes on individual income.
I would also work to repeal the expansion of the retail sales tax under ESSB 5814. Extending sales tax to services such as IT support, custom website development, advertising, temporary staffing, and custom software increases costs for businesses, which can ultimately increase prices for consumers.
The B&O tax also deserves comprehensive reform. Because it taxes gross receipts rather than profits, businesses can owe B&O tax even when operating on extremely thin margins. A family-owned restaurant, contractor, retailer, and technology company have very different cost structures and margins. Our tax system should recognize those differences.
I would also examine how repeatedly taxing used vehicles and equipment affects businesses and families, and I support repealing Washington's estate tax because of its potential impact on family-owned and multigenerational businesses.
My goal is straightforward: a simpler, fairer tax structure that allows businesses to grow, create jobs, and keep more money circulating in our communities.
Have you contracted with a firm or individual to manage your campaign? If so, please provide the name and address of the firm/ individual.
No
If you answered "No" above, what are your plans regarding the management of the campaign?
Group of local supporters.
