Local State Reps Attend Candidate Forum

Approximately a dozen residents attended the Republican candidate forum at Deer Park High School, hosted by the Spokane County GOP. Although all running Republican candidates were invited to participate, only legislators Hunter Abell, R-Inchelium, and Andrew Engell, R-Colville, and State Senator Shelly Short, R-Addy, attended.

“It was a chance for the precinct committee officers to come out and interact with the candidates and ask them questions,” Abell said. “I was honored to be there.” Engell said, “There were lots of questions on taxes, a fair bit about the initiatives that are out there. Obviously, you got the income tax initiative, but also there's the requirement to be a citizen to vote initiative and the transgender sports initiative.”

Abell added that other topics included “the growth management act, housing shortages, and really everything in between. We also touched on public safety and public schools. I thought the questions were really thoughtful and well-prepared.” Short commented, “The list of topics was actually quite broad,” and that, along with the issues mentioned by Engell and Abell, wildfire risk was also discussed.

She added, “It was lightly attended, but you know what? Our job is to make sure we're available to people. I think anytime you have a forum, it's good to attend those and to visit with people.” Incumbents Engell and Abell are running unopposed in the 7th District Legislature race. Incumbent Short is running against three opponents: Ronald McCoy, I-Chewelah; Brandon Ray Medina, R-Brewster; and David Swoap, R-Tonasket.