I am a candidate in the upcoming election for Centralia City Council District 2.
Safety: At a recent Centralia police town hall, I learned that from 2023 to 2024, violent crime is down about 40% while overall crime decreased about 10%. Good policing has been key. Infrastructure funds also helped. When prosperity increases, crime decreases. I will keep this in mind when doing my council work.
Transparency and accountability: Our neighbors deserve to be listened to and to have their questions answered by those that serve them. I will do my best to respectfully serve in this way.
Affordability: Housing and day care costs are too high. I will try to do something about this. Also, I will review city contracts that divert local money away from Centralia and try to find ways we can keep more of our tax dollars local.
Community support: I will ask if the city can help with getting our local VA office reopened.
Also: our senior centers need more secure funding. They provide meals and essential services and deserve more support. And I will work to find a way to limit tax increases on workers and seniors.
Environmental pollution, health, and safety concerns should be considered with every new development project.
Smart budgeting: I grew up poor. With help from neighbors, a lot of hard work and government programs like SNAP, I finally broke free from fear of poverty and learned the value of giving back to the community. I am paying for my own campaign, with no money from businesses or special interests.
Homelessness: It costs about $30,000 a year for incarceration and medical treatment. It’s about $10,000 a year for permanent supportive housing. We need more solutions and accountability in this area.
Sanctuary/non-sanctuary designation: The U.S. National Sheriff’s Association says these labels are bad for law enforcement. They’re also bad for business. I would ask how we can better support law enforcement and business and remove this incorrect label.
I’ve worked as a cabinet maker, a machinist, a fast food worker, a bus driver, a team manager at a furniture making shop and a home renovation general contractor. This has given me lots of experience in teamwork, budgeting, responsible spending and transparency, all good skills for a city councilor.
You’re invited to a meetup where you can ask me questions one on one. This will be at The Centerville Cafe meeting room Friday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. until noon.
And you’re invited to a town hall. You ask questions. I will try to answer them. It will be held at the Centralia Public Library meeting room Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10:30 until 11:30 a.m.
Ray Chapman-Wilson
Centralia
