Protecting Our Communities

The Threat to Local Control

Unelected transit agencies attempted to seize control over land use decisions that belong to our communities. These agencies sought to rewrite the rules of the Growth Management Act without any accountability to the people.

These agencies levied heavy taxes on our citizens. They provided very little benefit to the people who paid the bills. They operated like a shadow government, making decisions that impact our property rights and our future. By attempting to rewrite the GMA, they sought to override local zoning laws, ignoring the careful planning our cities and counties have already done.

I watched as these agencies claimed special status. I saw them attempt to bypass the democratic process. I knew we had to act to protect our neighbors. I stood on the floor of the legislature and asked the hard questions. I posed the question that every taxpayer deserves to hear:

"What size does an organization need to be to be able to rewrite the Growth Management Act? What size is it okay for an organization to say... all the rules that apply to the millions of landowners in Washington State don't apply to us?"

Defending Our Rights

I fought against these overreaches. I introduced amendments to ensure transparency. I defended the rights of every homeowner and every small business owner in this state. I demanded that we hold these agencies to the same standards as everyone else.

We cannot allow the expansion of power to go unchecked. We must protect the autonomy of our cities and our counties. The Growth Management Act was designed to give local communities a voice in their own development. Allowing a massive, unelected transit organization to simply bypass those rules sets a dangerous precedent.

A Vision for Accountability

We seek a Washington where decisions are made in the light of day. We seek a state where the people, not unelected bureaucrats, hold the power. We must continue to demand transparency and respect for the democratic process.

Join the Fight

The struggle for accountability is far from over. We need your voice to ensure that our local control remains intact. We must hold the line against organizations that believe they are too big for the rules. Stand with us. Protect our communities.