Republican incumbent Rep. Michelle Cardier, who has served four terms in the House, will face Democratic challenger Matt McClin in the 26th District’s race for the second House seat.
Cardia, a dentist who won the seat in 2014 after defeating longtime Democratic incumbent Larry Sequist, will take on Macklin, a lawyer and nursing home administrator.
Kitsap Sun asked candidates to answer seven questions. Here’s their answer:
Michelle Cardia
Year: 46
Current Occupation: state representative
Previous elected experience: State Representative: 2015-Present
Party: Republican Party
Donate to the campaign: $128,205.58
Q: Inflation is a challenge for many. What should Congress do to help those struggling with rising gas and food prices?
A: It reverses recent policies (which I voted against) put in place to raise the cost of gas and energy. The cost of groceries is directly proportional to the cost of transporting and refrigerating goods, resulting in a significant increase in grocery bills.
Q: The Police Reform Act has increased barriers for law enforcement to engage in vehicle tracking of criminal suspects. Do you support this law as is, or do you think it should be changed?
A: We definitely need to change the vehicle tracking limits imposed on law enforcement. Criminals are very smart and know that if they step on gas in Washington State they will not be allowed to be pursued by the police. This is the direct cause of the crime we see in our neighborhoods.
Q: Should the state legislature make drug possession a felony like before the state Supreme Court ruled Washington’s law on simple possession unconstitutional?
A: Yes, but I think it needs to change to allow people to choose between therapy or prison, and to have support available so they don’t relapse after being released from therapy.
Q: Should access to abortion be included in the Washington State Constitution?
A: No, voters overwhelmingly support access to abortion services, and I don’t think that will change in Washington State.
Q: Washington state is struggling to provide beds for mentally ill patients, especially young people, and Western states have waiting lists for patients from the criminal court system. can you
A: We need to increase the workforce of mental health professionals and increase Medicaid reimbursement for staff and treatment. I demanded that Congress allocate more money to the budget to actually go to mental health workers, and passed laws that would not allow insurance companies to keep the money. In addition, people need more support and permanent housing available to individuals suffering from severe mental illness before they are in crisis.
Q: What can Congress do to address the growing homelessness in Washington’s cities?
A: We need to provide stable and permanent housing for people with severe mental illness and disabilities. We need to provide readily available treatment services and post-treatment support for people struggling with substance abuse. Our state should also have temporary vouchers and work programs available to families who are unable to earn a living and can no longer afford a roof over their heads. In the meantime, we need to allow builders to build more homes to make them available. This reduces the overall cost of rent and housing.
Q: What can Congress do to make ferry services reliable again for communities that rely on ferries?
A: Ferry workers who recently quit their jobs should be asked to return to work to re-establish the workforce and actively recruit and train new ferry workers. Additionally, you must be held accountable for mistakes within the ferry system, such as the recent crash at the Fauntleroy terminal.
Matt Macklin
Year: 37
Current Occupation: Business and Health Law Attorney, Nursing Home Administrator
Previous elected experience: none
Party: Democratic Party
Donate to the campaign: $46,648.57
Q: Inflation is a challenge for many. What should Congress do to help those struggling with rising gas and food prices?
A: We need to make sure our economy works for everyone. Inflation is now affecting every corner of our lives. Congress cannot fix inflation, but it can support working families by addressing underlying economic conditions that make survival difficult. Create incentives to increase the supply of affordable housing in communities where people already live. Affordable, accessible and comprehensive medical care, especially prescription drugs. Investment in the education system. It’s time to give our children an education that will benefit their future. Four-year college is not the only way to enjoy a life of dignity.
Q: The Police Reform Act has increased barriers for law enforcement to engage in vehicle tracking of criminal suspects. Do you support this law as is, or do you think it should be changed?
A: We need a well-resourced, well-trained and accountable public security system. Our community and our leaders have struggled with police reform for some time. I didn’t reach my goal in points. You need the right people around the table to roll out an effective policy from the start. We need legal expertise and proven leadership that has brought people to the negotiating table to focus on delivering effective solutions. We cannot afford to fail with policies that deeply affect our communities. As we move forward, our solutions must support law enforcement and apply the appropriate degree of accountability while allowing them to keep themselves and their communities safe. .
Q: Should the state legislature make drug possession a felony like before the state Supreme Court ruled Washington’s law on simple possession unconstitutional?
A: Our community faces an ongoing drug epidemic and public health crisis. Too many families have lost loved ones to drug use. It is important to treat addiction first as a medical need and then the criminal behavior that can result from addiction. We need to invest in accessibility to addiction treatment options and other mental health services to support those struggling with addiction. We also need to ensure that communities are safe and that those who don’t seek help are held accountable. Current approach is not working.
Q: Should access to abortion be included in the Washington State Constitution?
A: absolutely. Women’s right to privacy and self-determination are fundamental human rights. Some states are attacking this right. By amending the state constitution, we provide the greatest protections we can as a state.
Q: Washington state is struggling to provide beds for mentally ill patients, especially young people, and Western states have waiting lists for patients from the criminal court system. can you
A: As a healthcare professional and health law attorney, I understand the economic and complex regulatory barriers. A major contributor to inadequate beds and facilities is understaffing. We need to develop our mental health workforce by providing them with the support they need to feel able to handle the high demands of their jobs. The second barrier is due to current federal regulations that limit facility size. I will work with industry stakeholders to drive sustainable statewide fixes to inpatient and outpatient care shortfalls.
Q: What can Congress do to address the growing homelessness in Washington’s cities?
A: Increases housing supply by allowing mixed and multifamily housing options statewide. We are fortunate to live in a state that attracts a lot of industry and people, but the supply of housing is not keeping up with our needs. Much can be done if the government tries to stimulate private industry to solve the problem.
Q: What can Congress do to support ferry services to ferry dependent communities?
A: A recently passed transport package adds a few more ferries to our region. We desperately needed more ships as frequent disruptions and delays severely hampered daily commutes and the entire ferry system needed more to keep up with the growing population. We are pleased that Congress has recognized this need and taken action to increase ferry capacity. Public transport could become an important provider of employment to the region if it offered generous benefits, work-life balance, union-led apprenticeships, and more job functions that would sustain a qualified workforce. can beOur community needs a table place to discuss route and frequency needs
