Candidates for 9th Legislative District meet at forum

PULLMAN - Candidates for the 9th Legislative District Representative position 2 discussed public questions related to the Snake River Dams, the homeless and the opioid crisis, taxes, and decreasing Palouse aquifers in a Monday, July 15 forum.

The forum hosted by the Pullman League of Women Voters brought two candidates in the August 6 primary election before attendees to answer questions

Candidates in attendance at the forum included incumbent Rep. Joe Schmick, (R-Colfax) and Pam Kohlmeier, (D-Spokane).

A third candidate slated to attend Arianna Arends (D-Spokane) was not in attendance.

League of Women Voters Services Coordinator Deb Olson introduced the candidates and explained that the forum would run by community members writing questions on cards to be collected and asked of the candidates by moderators.

Snake River Dams

The first question asked was what candidates positions were on the removal of the Snake River Dams.

First to answer was Rep. Joe Schmick stating that he is opposed to the removal of the dams. "I recognize the challenges," he said, "we have enjoyed inexpensive power to this region for a long time and it's brought a lot of jobs and development to this area."

Schmick stated that the biggest thing to be done is change the treaty, the law, "We claim currently 10 miles off the U.S. coast, as you know, non-fishing," he said, "We should extend that to fifty to give a buffer there for the fish to thrive."

Kolmeier answered second, stating that the question is a federal question, "We don't have the power to change whether or not we take down the dams." She added that she would suggest Washington be prepared for if that decision is made.

Kolmeier suggested that questions be asked concerning how water and transportation would be provided and available to farmers. "Also, it is important to have people collectively at the table to talk about that issue," she said, adding that farmers and tribes having the discussion would better prepare them for whatever the federal government does.

Opioid crisis and homelessness

The candidates were asked to speak on how they would deal with the opioid crisis.

Schmick stated that people are hurting and turn to drugs as an alternative. "We need to increase the reimbursement to Medicaid to all providers, so they can have more access to care in their communities," Schmick said, "There needs to be substance abuse counseling, locally, so they can get the help they need."

Kohlmeier agreed with Schmick that there needs to be improvement for reimbursement for medicaid.

Kohlmeier said that she learned teaching in public health that it takes figuring out the root of the problem and addressing it there. "Department of Health, we have local health officers," she said, "What we don't have is great coordination in the middle. We have regional officers who their role is supposed to be responding to crisis."

The topic of homelessness was mentioned and how they would address and fund the homelessness issue.

Schmick said that there needs to be housing, and people need incentives. "A lot of it is to incentivize good actions," he said, using the example of a program in Aberdeen called Coastal Community Action which, according to Schmick, immediately gets those who come in the door counseling.

"We need to make sure that money goes that way," he said, "we need to fund programs that work."

Kohlmeier said that people need to remember that those without homes are human beings first. "It's way more expensive to pay for someone's foot for amputation from frostbite, then it is to put them up in a tiny house and get them access to food," she said.

Both candidates did not think criminalizing homelessness was a necessary action, when asked.

Taxes

A question concerning citizens not wanting to pay taxes, but wanting updated roads was brought to the candidates.

"Making sure we're efficient with what we take in is important," Kohlmeier said, "that takes coordination, as a leader I tend to bring people together."

Kohlmeier said that talking and listening to local leaders then trying to help create answers and solutions. "It's important for us to make sure that we're very efficient without spending," she said, "that we're mindful of where we can cut back."

"It's about priorities and the priorities of your spending," Schmick said, "Certain things have a higher priority than others."

Schmick used health care as an example, stating that for him health care is a top priority but for someone else another issue could be.

"I do agree, we waste money and we are constantly looking for areas where we could cut back," he said, adding that is where communication comes in with colleagues across the aisle.

Decreasing Palouse Aquifers

When asked about their stance on Palouse Aquifers decreasing both candidates agreed that conserving water is important.

Schmick said that water is survival, so he would suggest more conservation. "We need to do what we can to preserve that water, so it's not only for ourselves but the future coming down the pathway."

"I agree with everything he just said," Kohlmeier said, noting that while she is not an expert on water rights or usage as physician and attorney she is used to looking at data. "Be mindful of what to do to protect our water supply and that involves listening to experts."

Pressing issue

The last question candidates were asked is what they see as the most pressing issue that District 9 faces.

"Mental health, substance abuse," Schmick said, "we have to get a handle and get started down this pathway."

"I would agree with the basic of that," Kohlmeier said, adding that it is stabilizing health care. "Stabilizing the health care system is number one and then break that down," she said, adding that would protecting rural health, and access where and when you need it.

Full forum

Candidates discussed several other questions on topics concerning diversity and inclusion (DEI) training, sexual education, controversial issues being taught in schools.

As well as no kill shelters, support police, decreasing carbon usage, legislative experience versus freshman legislators, abortion, and rails to trails projects.

The full forum can be found at the League of Women Voters Youtube channel through their website https://lwvpullman.org.

Another candidate forum will be held by the League of Women Voters for the Whitman County Superior Court Judge Candidate at 6 p.m. on Monday, July 22, at the Neill Public Library, 210 North Grand Avenue.

Candidates will include Jenna Brozik, Steve Martonick and Roger Sandberg.