PUBLIC SAFETY & JUSTICE

I believe in supporting law enforcement through smart investments in training, crisis response, and mental health services—while also strengthening transparency and safeguarding civil liberties. There is always a balance of safety and liberty in policy formation - but we must remain true to our American and enlightenment values. We will NOT see autocratic, repellent-to-American-values policies under my watch.

• Defend freedom against authoritarianism in all forms — Oppose the creep of surveillance-driven policies, “social credit” style systems, coordinated plots to increase control with high-tech, or any other authoritarian “big tech overseeing” governance that undermines liberty. Washington will not adopt policies that treat citizens like data points rather than free individuals.

• Sustainably fund local policing with accountability — Support HB  2015, which empowers cities and counties to levy an optional 0.1% local sales tax to fund hiring, de-escalation training, and trauma-informed policing, delivered through a Local Law Enforcement Grant Program

• Ensure fair pre-trial guidance — Advance HB 1252, which would require judges to provide written explanations for pre-trial release decisions, especially in cases involving violent offenses or flight risk.

• Improve jail oversight — Establish the Washington Jail Council to enhance transparency and independent oversight of county and regional jail conditions. Support HB 1424.

• Ban private prisons — No need to elaborate.

• Emulate the Illinois SAFE‑T Act model — Adopt co-responder models (pairing behavioral health professionals with police), mandate body cameras, and establish clearer standards for use of force—as Washington’s sister states have found effective.

• Federal red‑flag law framework — Explore an ERPO-style law, giving law enforcement or family members a path to petition courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals at high risk of harming themselves or others, as used in New York and others.