Special election report: Candidate Q & A

This year, candidates from across the state are running for federal and state public office. Primary elections on Aug. 17 will advance the top placing candidates for vacant positions in the 25th and 31st legislative districts, as well as the Pierce County Council District 1 seat. These positions represent the residents of Fife, Milton and Edgewood at the state and county levels.

• Christopher Hurst - State Representative, Position 2 
• Nicola McDonald - Candidate for Pierce County Council, District 1
• Dan Roach - Candidate for Pierce County Council, District 1

l) What do you feel you can bring to this position?

CH: As a veteran 25-year police detective, husband of a small business owner and father of a soldier injured in Iraq, I understand our concerns and priorities. As our independent voice in Olympia, I voted against suspending voter approved I-960 and against raising taxes, made wise investments in education and imposed tough sentences for sex and violent offenders. I am working to stimulate our economy; maintain a stable and responsible balanced budget; create jobs; protect citizens from criminals; and fight to see our tax dollars spent wisely. I am an independent voice for citizens wanting solutions, not partisan politics.

NM: I am dedicated to open, honest government that is accountable with the people’s tax dollars. I come from a law enforcement family and have a clear understanding of government’s first priority, the safety of its citizens. I will work to strengthen our criminal justice system so that we are safe in our homes, our schools and in our neighborhoods.

DR: I bring 10 years of elected experience at a state level (current 31st district state representative). I bring a 10-year track record of opposing tax increases, working for more efficient, smaller and more accountable government. I led our Pierce County delegation as the ranking minority member of the House Transportation Committee, where I fought to keep our tax dollars in Pierce County to fund important infrastructure projects, including Highway 161. I have always been a strong advocate for public safety and have received numerous endorsements from law enforcement and firefighter associations. I have consistently worked well with the entire Pierce County delegation (Republicans and Democrats), on issues that affect Pierce County. I have shown that I can work in a bipartisan manner, yet still hold strong to my core convictions of a smaller, more accountable government, and controlled spending.

2) As a leader, what are some of your strengths and weaknesses?

CH: I was chosen by the Legislature to be the chairman of the Public Safety Committee in the House of Representatives and have worked hard to build consensus on common-sense approaches and laws that are smart on crime. I use my 25 years in law enforcement to craft laws that actually work on the street and in the courtroom to keep our communities safer. I come from a moderate district that believes we need to use fiscal restraint and that taxes should not be raised during a recession. I have worked and will continue to work to see the principles of the citizens in this district represented in Olympia.

NM: I support common-sense government that is accountable to the people it serves. I have strong organizational and communication skills and know how to work within a budget. I believe it is important to lead rather than leave the decisions up to others. My top priorities are keeping our communities safe, ensuring that government lives within its means, just like you and I have to do every day, and creating sustainable jobs for Pierce County’s families. I’m always ready to listen to the advice and counsel of others, especially the citizens who live and work in Pierce County.

DR: I can say no. When auto dealers came to me as ranking minority on the Transportation Committee and asked to raise document fees $100, I said “no,” even though 96 of 98 representatives said “yes.” In 2009 I received the Anchor Award from the Washington State Credit Union League. An hour later, I was the lone “no” vote on their most important piece of legislation of the year. I vote according to facts and principle, not because of special interests. I have also shown leadership in providing strong alternatives to legislative proposals, not by just saying “no.” (My alternative to the Alaskan Way viaduct is an example of this). My weakness is probably my biggest strength. Whether it’s helping my wife to compete at the Olympic Games, running for office or running our business, I’m always “all in.” I am a risk taker and have little fear of failure.

3) Over the past two years, the economy has taken a toll on people in Fife, Milton, Edgewood and throughout Pierce County. What are some strategies you might recommend to reverse the economic problems facing these constituents?

CH: Simply put, state spending must reflect decreases in revenue. Period. Raising taxes in a recession will delay our economic recovery. It is true that many of the cuts necessary will be painful, but there is no other choice. We must prioritize needs and begin to make government spending reflect the realities of the times in which we live. We can’t tax our way out of a recession. It has never worked in the past and will not work now.

NM: Good, family-wage jobs close to home are crucial to maintain our quality of life. Creating sustainable jobs and a healthy economy for Pierce County’s families will continue to be one of my top priorities. I will work to reduce traffic congestion, use common-sense planning for future growth and protect the county road fund from being raided by other programs. When there are good-paying jobs in our own communities, it keeps us off congested freeways. As a small business owner, I truly understand how much government policies can adversely affect local businesses. I will hold the line on taxes, so that our businesses and working families will have more disposable income to spend. I will continue the work of consolidating Pierce County’s Code so that it is simpler and more efficient for residents and businesses. Excessive government regulations take up precious time and resources. Government continues to raise taxes on families and businesses and elected officials seem to lack an understanding of how this actually destroys economic growth. We must require the government to operate more efficiently.  

DR: My wife and I own Roach Gymnastics, Inc., in Sumner. I see firsthand how the economy has taken its toll on families and businesses. I understand that facilitating job growth is the only thing that is going to reverse our problems. First of all, we need to create policies that give confidence to investors and small businesses. There is money out there, but no one in their right mind dares to invest it when the policies being pushed only create uncertainty and fear. Second, we need to make a commitment to not raise taxes. Raising taxes will only prolong our economic problems and more than likely will push us into a double-dip recession. Finally, government on all levels must rein in spending. The inability to control spending now will keep us mired in a budget nightmare for decades.

4) What leadership experience will you bring to this position?

CH: I have spent most of my adult life serving the public in one way or another. When I was a young man, I worked in the woods as a logger, and I know what a hard day’s work is. When I was growing up, Enumclaw was primarily a logging and farming community. I know and understand the values and history of this area. After spending 25 years as a police detective and investigative commander, I know what works and what does not when it comes to public safety. My wife, April, is a small business owner in Enumclaw. We raised our children here and my son, Andrew, served three tours of combat duty in Iraq and Afghanistan as an Airborne infantry soldier. All of these experiences have shaped who I am and what I to have to offer.

NM: Currently I am an Orting City Council member and serve as chair of the Government Affairs Committee and co-chair of the Community and Economic Develop-ment Committee. I own a small business and know what it takes to create jobs and balance a budget. I am a member of Main Street Association and the Chamber of Commerce and have also coached youth sports.  

DR: As a small business owner, I have developed leadership skills that will serve me well on the council. I make executive decisions on a daily basis, meet payroll for 27 employees, pay taxes, support my community, and much more. When I am making decisions on a county level, I will be able to rely on personal experience, not a staff briefing. As a state representative, I also have years of experience in bringing people together, working towards solutions and always leaving my door open to receive input from all sides of an issue.

5) What sets you apart from your fellow candidates?

CH: I am dedicated to the principles of our system of self-government, and know the responsibilities that go along with being an American. One of the biggest contrasts between one of my opponents, Patrick Reed, and me is that I vote in elections. Mr. Reed seldom bothers to vote, yet works and makes his living from the taxpayers in the Secretary of State’s Office. He has never even bothered to vote in a primary election and doesn’t vote in local elections or many general elections. He has missed 18 of the last 27 elections that he was eligible to vote in. That would be the biggest thing that sets us apart.

NM: I graduated “cum laude” from Northwest University with a bachelor of arts degree in business and organizational management. As a business owner, I truly understand how much governmental policies affect local businesses. As a current city council member, I realize the importance of elected officials making budgetary decisions without raising taxes. With my city council experience, I will bring a unique perspective to the Pierce County Council as the only candidate who knows how small cities and towns in my district are affected by county policy decisions.  

DR: One thing that sets me apart from my fellow candidates is my community involvement within the 1st council district. I take great pride in being involved locally. I am a Beautify Bonney Lake board member, and a charter member of the Bonney Lake Lions Club. I am a long-time member of the Sumner Rotary and am currently raising funds for the local YMCA. For the last 10 years I have been a member of the Lake Tapps Task Force. I serve on an ad hoc committee to save Rainier School in Buckley. I am an Eagle Scout and continue to participate locally as a den leader and merit badge counselor. I am active in my local church and serve as the employment specialist. I volunteer with autism organizations (my son has autism).

6) Why are you interested in running for public office?

CH: For all of the reasons above and to see that citizens have a clear and consistent independent voice in Olympia.

NM: The people in Pierce County have an opportunity to secure a bright future for our children and grandchildren. Raising my family and serving our local community has given me the opportunity to improve our quality of life. My family and I enjoy and appreciate the Foothills Trail and the beautiful outdoor activities and amenities that Pierce County has to offer. It will be an honor to represent the people of Edgewood, Milton and Sumner on the Pierce County Council. I know that together we can make Pierce County a great place to live, work and raise our children.

DR: I was taught by example the importance of contributing to my community. Over the years I have developed a passion for making my community better, and I feel that I can do more as an elected official.

Important election dates

• Primary election voter registration deadline – July 19
• Primary elections – Aug. 17
• General election voter registration deadline – Oct. 4
• General election – Nov. 2

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