INDEPENDENCE AND FEDERAL OVERREACH

My time working in D.C. taught me that a federal government can often feel out of touch, or even outright hostile, to the specific needs of our corner of the map. But I’ve also seen what happens when we stop waiting for a rescue. I watched the Lummi Nation lead a pandemic response that was more effective and compassionate than anything coming from the state or federal level. I’ve seen the Birchwood neighborhood step up to fight against the food desert created when a corporate grocery giant shut their doors and blocked others from moving in.

Whatcom County shouldn’t have to wait for permission to be prosperous or safe. In an era of national uncertainty, we need to put our community on a stronger, more independent footing. We must be ready to stand up for our values and protect our resources from federal overreach. I will advocate for a Resilience First approach in Olympia. This means strengthening our local food systems by supporting groups like the Birchwood Food Desert Fighters so no corporation can dictate our access to food. It means fiercely protecting local reproductive healthcare as a non-negotiable right and insulating our district’s resources from federal hostilities to ensure Whatcom County remains a safe haven for our families.