Guest Commentary by Sue Forde
Gov. Jay Inslee entered into a “Western States Pact” with California and Oregon – an “agreement on a ‘shared vision’ for reopening their economies and controlling COVID-19 into the future…agreed to work together on a shared approach for reopening our economies – one that identifies clear indicators for communities to restart public life and business.” He should be talking to the State Legislators, who represent the people across our own State – not to other States where we have no voice!
Why would we listen to California and Oregon about how to restart our economy – when it’s common sense to work locally, not “regionally”?? Let our economy start back up by opening up construction, fishing, and other businesses that have been shut down that can easily follow safe distancing practices, and should not have been closed in the first place, especially in our rural areas where we have relatively few cases of COVID-19 – and in our District 24, zero deaths (except possibly the ‘deaths’ of some small businesses!).
It’s not a “one-size-fits-all”; we are not Seattle – but the governor doesn’t see beyond the big city to consider our smaller counties.
Inslee has exceeded his 30 days emergency powers as passed by initiative into law (RCW-43.06.220), which requires consultation and consent of legislative leaders to any extension of time. He’s been using that power, in my opinion, to favor certain interests and harming others. (For instance, the Key Arena construction continues, public (taxpayer-funded) housing construction continues, while small business people who work alone or the small teams of people who build much of the affordable housing are shut down. Follow the money – see which have funded his campaigns in the past, and it might give a more clear picture.
Urge the governor to look after our State, not California and Oregon, and use some common sense and caring for the small businesses and people who work in them, for a change, and to follow the law. His phone # is 360-902-4111.
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Sue Forde is a candidate for State Representative, LD 24, Pos 1 (R) covering Jefferson, Clallam and Grays Harbor Counties. This commentary was published in her blog at www.electsueforde.com.
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