The state District 26 House of Representatives race addresses issues not only relatable to Kitsap County but to the state as a whole, too.
Local economy, job growth, education and public safety are concerns incumbment Michelle Caldier-R and challenger Tiffiny Mitchell-D hear from their constituents constantly.
On the local economy and job growth, Caldier said: “My role is to be on the defense to stop bad policies that are continuing to hurt businesses and people’s ability to make a living.” She emphasized the burdens on businesses, noting, “A lot of regulatory burdens have been placed on businesses, especially small businesses, which is why we have seen them close one by one due to tax burdens and crime issues.”
In contrast, Mitchell said, “One of the big things I think is important is ensuring we have a prepared workforce.” She added that “employers like to come to places where they have a ready workforce.” Mitchell also stressed the necessity of fully funding education to provide multiple pathways for students, including vocational training and apprenticeships.
Caldier criticized the regulatory environment, stating, “If you are a restaurant in downtown Seattle, your patrons aren’t going to want to show up if they’re worried about entering and exiting the door.”
Mitchell proposed examining tax incentives, saying, “We need to look into what is attractive in terms of taxes for small businesses to encourage them to relocate and ensure they can sustain their presence here.”
Regarding education, Caldier remarked, “There are aspects of education that we have not fully funded, including special education and transportation costs.” She pointed out that declining enrollment has impacted school districts, stating, “School districts are facing financial problems as parents withdraw their children due to perceived deficiencies in education or curriculum disagreements.”
Mitchell said: “We have not fully funded education, so there are many initiatives I would like to pursue to ensure that happens.” She proposed a constitutional amendment to reduce the threshold for passing school bonds, stating, “This would be incredibly helpful in getting a new school built.”
On public safety, Caldier expressed concern about how law enforcement is treated, stating, “Law enforcement has been heavily criticized in the public eye. If police officers don’t feel safe on the job, financial incentives won’t resolve the issue.” She emphasized the need for support and accountability, saying, “We need to support our officers and establish a disciplinary system for those not following protocols.”
Mitchell, drawing from her personal background, said, “As the stepdaughter of a police officer, I understand how vital law enforcement is to our community.” She emphasized the need for funding, stating, “Fully funding our police officers and first responders is crucial.” She also highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of crime. “My goal is to focus on these issues to make it easier for police to do their jobs.”
When discussing their long-term visions, Caldier said, that “involves fixing the bad policies that have been enacted. We need to change some of the legislation that has negatively impacted families.” She noted the “Keeping Families Together Act,” saying, “Legislators were misinformed about the impact of fentanyl addiction on child safety, which resulted in policy changes that need revisiting.”
Mitchell said: “I want to create a community where people can live without worrying about government interference. My goal is to represent them effectively and improve their lives.”
In addressing current issues, Caldier highlighted her efforts to secure funding for capital budget projects, stating, “We have received more funding in the 26th District than in other areas.” She emphasized collaboration, saying, “We work well with others, setting aside our differences.”
Mitchell provided a personal anecdote from her canvassing efforts: “I had a conversation with a young lady about the things she cares about… her biggest issue was the cost of living and especially rent and housing cost. Her boyfriend is serving in the military, and if it weren’t for him she explained she would most likely be living back home with her parents.”
Mitchell also discussed Senate Bill 608, a policy she worked on in Oregon aimed at stabilizing rent costs. The bill caps rent increases at 7% plus inflation annually, protecting renters from sudden spikes while maintaining balance in the real estate market.
” The bill created in Oregon made sure we didn’t hurt the real estate market… but we also want to protect our renters,” Mitchell noted. The legislation also limits no-cause evictions after the first year of tenancy, offering additional security to tenants.
