For families across Lewis County, affordability is not an abstract political debate.
It is the reality of filling up the gas tank, buying groceries, paying the electric bill, keeping a small business open and trying to save enough money to purchase a home.
From Centralia and Chehalis to Winlock, Toledo, Morton, White Pass and Pe Ell, families are asking a simple question: Why does it cost so much more to live in Washington?
The Lewis County Republican Party believes affordability must be the first priority of government, not an afterthought.
In Washington state:
• Gasoline is the third most expensive in the nation.
• Childcare is the fourth most expensive in the nation.
• Groceries are the seventh most expensive in the nation.
• Housing is the fifth most expensive in the nation.
Some will ignore the facts and say it is “Trump, Trump, Trump.”
If it was all “Trump, Trump, Trump,” then the costs of these important items and services would be right in the middle. Sadly for Lewis County seniors and families, they are not.
Washington families face substantial financial pressure from housing, fuel, utilities, childcare and other everyday necessities. While national economic conditions play a role, decisions made in Olympia also affect household budgets.
These challenges make the balance of power in the Washington Legislature especially important.
Gov. Bob Ferguson and Democratic legislators already control the executive branch and both chambers of the Legislature. Democrats have controlled the Washington state government for decades. And the results are not good for Lewis County.
The possibility of a Democratic supermajority raises additional questions about accountability, representation and the influence of rural communities.
A two-thirds majority in both chambers would allow Democrats to advance proposed constitutional amendments to the statewide ballot without Republican votes. It could also provide enough votes to override a governor's veto.
That distinction matters. Constitutional amendments would still require voter approval, and ordinary legislation generally does not require a supermajority. Nevertheless, a larger legislative majority could reduce the influence of Republicans and Lewis County voters. Policy would be driven solely by a majority from Seattle and King County.
For Lewis County, the concern is whether the priorities of rural Washington would receive adequate consideration in a Legislature with an even greater Democratic majority.
Energy policy is one example. Lewis County residents often travel significant distances for work, school, medical appointments and everyday necessities. Fuel costs are therefore particularly important.
Housing presents another challenge. Policies affecting land use, construction costs, permitting and infrastructure can influence whether young families can afford to purchase a home in the communities where they grew up.
Education funding, agricultural regulations, timber policy and small-business taxes also have particular significance in Southwest Washington. Rural schools are already feeling the cuts by Democrats to Local Effort Assistance (LEA) for rural schools to provide classroom services and smaller class sizes.
Lewis County is represented in the House by four Republican legislators: Jim Walsh and Joel McEntire in the 19th Legislative District, and Peter Abbarno and Ed Orcutt in the 20th Legislative District.
Each has emphasized issues relevant to affordability and rural communities.
Walsh has focused on limiting government spending and opposing tax increases. McEntire has emphasized education and preparing students for careers. Abbarno has worked on infrastructure, workforce development, public parks and recreation, childcare and early learning. Orcutt has focused on taxation, transportation, property rights, and rural economic issues.
They have all passed significant laws and made immense investments in our communities.
These legislators also serve as voices for communities whose needs may differ from those of the state's largest population centers. Their ability to shape legislation depends not only on their individual efforts but also on the willingness of legislative majorities to negotiate across party lines.
The same economic concerns extend to Washington's Third Congressional District, where state Sen. John Braun is running for Congress.
Braun's experience with state budgets, education and fiscal policy provides voters with a substantial record to examine. Federal decisions about spending, taxation, trade and energy production also influence the cost of living in Southwest Washington.
Families deserve to understand how candidates' proposals would affect their household expenses, employment opportunities, and local businesses.
Lewis County families need more than political slogans. They need practical answers about lowering housing costs, making energy affordable, supporting local employers, protecting essential services, and spending taxpayer dollars responsibly.
They also need meaningful representation in decisions that affect their communities.
The possibility of a Democratic supermajority makes those questions particularly important. Voters should carefully examine what additional legislative power would mean, how it might be used, and whether rural communities would retain an effective voice in Olympia.
Our community deserves a government that listens to its concerns, respects the diversity of Washington's regions, and measures success by whether families can afford to live, work, and thrive.
Don’t forget to return your ballot on or before Nov. 3 and vote Republican.
•••
Greg Rohr is chairman of the Lewis County Republican Party.
