Safe Communities Begin with Safe Neighborhoods
Every Washington family deserves to feel safe at home, at work, at school, and in their community.
Public safety is one of government's most fundamental responsibilities.
Families should feel comfortable walking through their neighborhoods and at bus stops. Children should be able to learn in safe schools. Businesses should not have to accept theft and vandalism as simply "the cost of doing business." Police officers should have the tools they need to protect our communities. And individuals struggling with addiction or mental illness should have access to treatment that helps them rebuild their lives.
These goals are not mutually exclusive.
A safer Washington requires accountability, compassion, and common sense working together.
As your State Representative, I will support policies that restore public confidence, strengthen our justice system, support law enforcement, and expand effective solutions that reduce crime over the long term.
The Challenge
Public Safety Affects Every Family
Across Washington, residents continue to express concerns about public safety.
Parents worry about violence in and around schools. Business owners invest thousands of dollars replacing broken windows, repairing vandalism, and preventing theft. Neighborhoods are experiencing increased concerns about drug activity, property crime, and repeat offenders. Law enforcement agencies face staffing shortages while responding to increasingly complex situations involving mental illness, addiction, and homelessness.
At the same time, many people struggling with addiction or behavioral health challenges are caught in a cycle of crisis that neither the criminal justice system nor existing treatment programs have fully addressed.
Washington families deserve better.
We must build a system that protects victims, holds offenders accountable, and provides meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation when appropriate.
My Philosophy
Justice Requires Both Accountability and Compassion
Public safety is not about choosing between enforcement and treatment. It requires both.
Some individuals repeatedly choose to victimize others. Others struggle because of addiction, untreated mental illness, trauma, or circumstances that require a different response. Government should recognize the difference. A one-size-fits-all approach serves no one well.
Our goal should be to reduce crime, improve public safety, and help as many people as possible become productive members of society.
It's not about being tougher. It's not about being softer. It's about being smarter.
My Priorities
Support Law Enforcement
Our police officers perform one of the most difficult jobs in public service.
They deserve the training, staffing, equipment, legal clarity, and community support necessary to protect our neighborhoods.
I support:
- Recruiting and retaining qualified law enforcement officers.
- Providing modern training and equipment.
- Strengthening cooperation between local, county, tribal, and state agencies.
- Giving officers clear laws and policies they can confidently enforce.
- Supporting community policing efforts that build trust between officers and residents.
Public safety begins with ensuring those responsible for protecting our communities have the tools they need to succeed.
Expand Mental Health and Addiction Treatment
Not every public safety challenge begins with criminal intent.
Many involve untreated addiction, mental illness, or unresolved trauma. For these individuals, treatment is often the most effective long-term public safety strategy.
I support expanding access to:
- Behavioral health services
- Drug treatment programs
- Recovery housing
- Crisis intervention services
- Peer support programs
- Job training
- Workforce placement
- Long-term recovery support
Treatment is not an alternative to accountability. It is often the path toward restoring personal responsibility.
Prevent Youth Crime Before It Starts
One of the most effective ways to reduce crime is to prevent it.
Young people who have positive mentors, safe activities, and meaningful opportunities are far less likely to enter the criminal justice system.
I support expanding partnerships with:
- Schools
- Community organizations
- Faith-based organizations
- Youth sports
- Mentoring programs
- After-school programs
- Career and technical education
- Apprenticeships
Young people need hope, purpose, and opportunity. Communities benefit when we invest in all three.
Support Victims of Crime
Too often, discussions about public safety focus only on offenders. Victims deserve equal attention.
I support improving access to:
- Victim advocacy services
- Domestic violence resources
- Trauma-informed care
- Restitution programs
- Emergency housing
- Legal assistance
Protecting victims is one of government's highest responsibilities.
Hold Repeat Violent Offenders Accountable
Most people deserve the opportunity to learn from mistakes.
However, individuals who repeatedly commit violent crimes or continually victimize others must face meaningful consequences.
Victims deserve justice. Communities deserve protection.
I support policies that improve communication between law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and correctional agencies so that repeat offenders are identified early and handled appropriately.
Accountability protects both current and future victims.
Smarter Government Through Better Information
Better Decisions Require Better Data
One lesson from both business and local government is that better information leads to better decisions.
Our justice system works best when decision-makers have accurate, timely information.
Within appropriate legal and privacy protections, I support improving coordination between agencies so judges, prosecutors, law enforcement, and treatment providers have the information necessary to make informed decisions about supervision, sentencing, treatment, and public safety.
Better data can help distinguish between those who pose an ongoing threat to the community and those who are most likely to succeed through treatment and structured support.
Smarter decisions create safer communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you support law enforcement?
Yes.
I believe law enforcement officers deserve the staffing, training, legal clarity, and community support necessary to perform their duties effectively while remaining accountable to the communities they serve.
Should treatment replace incarceration?
Not always.
Some individuals require incarceration to protect the public.
Others are more likely to reduce future criminal behavior through treatment, supervision, and support.
The goal should always be the approach most likely to improve public safety.
What about homelessness?
Homelessness is a complex issue involving housing, behavioral health, addiction, employment, and personal circumstances.
Solutions should address the underlying causes while maintaining safe and welcoming public spaces for everyone.
What role do communities play?
Government cannot create safe neighborhoods by itself.
Families, schools, nonprofits, businesses, faith organizations, and engaged citizens all play essential roles in preventing crime and supporting recovery.
Get Involved
Safer communities begin with engaged citizens.
Attend neighborhood meetings. Support youth mentoring. Volunteer with community organizations. Report criminal activity. Support first responders. Look out for your neighbors.
Together, we can create communities where every family feels safe.
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