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Olympia, WA February 19, 2010 - Thurston County Republican Party Chairman Scott Roberts released the following statement today regarding the drug-related arrest of Olympia City Councilman Joe Hyer(D). Scott Roberts said, "As Republicans we believe in the judicial process and that you are innocent until proven guilty. However, Joe Hyer(D) cannot reasonably expect to spend the time necessary, and effectively function in his elected position(s). Joe Hyer(D), cannot adequately serve the public need, while working on defending himself against a series of drug-related charges and running his business. I call on Councilman Hyer to do the right thing and resign his seat on the Olympia City Council immediately. He should also be removed from consideration for the Thurston County Treasures' position that will soon be vacated by Robin Hunt (D). "The City of Olympia and Thurston County have real business to conduct, and need to be able to move forward in a positive way. Joe Hyer (D), in his current predicament, could only serve as a distraction. He should resign his position(s) and focus on his personal issues. "I wish Joe the best of luck navigating through these difficult times." ### |
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Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 15, 2010
Ballots Available and Ballot Drop Boxes Open for February 9, 2010 Special Election
OLYMPIA – Ballots will be available on Wednesday, January 20 at the Thurston County Auditor’s Office, 2000 Lakeridge Dr. SW, Building 1, Olympia, WA for the February 9, 2010 Special Election. Voters will begin receiving ballots on Friday, January 22. If you do not receive your ballot by Thursday, January 28, contact the Thurston County Auditor’s Office by phone at (360) 786-5408, or come to the Auditor’s Office to pick up a ballot. Additionally, the Auditor’s Office will open all 25 of their secure ballot drop boxes, including the newest drop box located at the North Olympia Fire Station at 5112 Boston Harbor Rd NE, on Tuesday, February 16. All drop box locations are listed in your ballot materials and on the Thurston County Auditor’s web page at www.ThurstonVotes.org. Boxes are open 24 hours a day and close promptly at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 9, Election Night. “The boxes allow voters an opportunity to return their ballot any time between now and 8:00 p.m. on Election Night at locations convenient to them without the need for postage,” explained Auditor Kim Wyman. “The boxes are safe, secure, and meet all U.S. Postal code requirements.” For more information visit our website at www.ThurstonVotes.org or call us at (360) 786-5408. ### |
Washington State House of Representatives
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 15, 2009
State Rep. Tom Campbell lays out agenda for 2010
OLYMPIA – Following a week during which legislators convened in Olympia to discuss priorities for 2010, State Rep. Tom Campbell (R – Roy) came ready with bills in hand, prepared to meet the tight deadlines of a short 60-day session.
His legislation ranges from a further crackdown on the chemical components of methamphetamines to property tax relief for disabled veterans.
After leading an effort in the state legislature to control the large sales of pseudoephedrine, used as an ingredient in the manufacture of methamphetamine, Campbell wants to reduce its accessibility even further. The previous legislation, which led to an 80 percent reduction in large meth labs around the state, needs new teeth to control the “backpack and pop bottle” labs that have replaced them, Campbell believes. He’s working with law enforcement officials to model his legislation on an Oregon law, which requires a prescription to purchase any amount of pseudoephedrine and better accounts for each consumer’s use via the prescription network used by pharmacies. “We have a great opportunity here to eradicate meth production in the state in a cost-effective way by utilizing a system that’s already in place.” (HB 2454)
Campbell also aims to crack down on domestic violence crime with a proposal that would require any alleged DV perpetrator to stand before a judge for arraignment prior to posting a release. This would allow for a “cooling down period,” as Campbell calls it, citing examples of offenders released soon after their arrest who return to terrorize their victims once again. “Right after a report of DV is not a good time to put someone back on the street, when emotions are running even higher and the threat of danger grows worse,” said Campbell. “It’s a sad fact, but one we have to face: By requiring this, we’ll reduce the rate of DV recidivism in Washington.”
After successfully passing new protections for patients in hospitals and health care clinics around the state, Rep. Campbell also hopes to reduce the climbing rate of dangerous infections contracted in nursing homes. Statistics show that thousands of deaths occur every year when patients contract the flesh-eating bacteria methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), called a “superbug” due to its drug-resistance. Up until now, nursing homes have not been required to report any infections. Campbell wants to change that. (HB 2453)
Other legislation Campbell plans to introduce in the 2010 legislative session includes property tax relief for people awarded disability income. Those disability payments are presently considered “income” by County Auditors in calculating eligibility for property tax deferments and exemptions. These same disability payments are not considered “income” or taxed by the Internal Revenue Service, just the County Auditors. (HB 1405)
A bill filed at the end of the 2009 session, HB 2387 “Humane Treatment of Dogs” is also under consideration. This bill would set uniform standards of care throughout our State in the availability of fresh water, food, exposure to cold, heat and other environmental elements.
The Environmental Health Committee of which Rep. Campbell serves as Chairman will address Bills that prevent exposure to toxic elements such as Mercury and Bis-Phenol A as well as furthering Food Safety in Washington State. A bill that has been pre filed HB 2459 “Updating Hazardous Waste Fee provisions” also sponsored by Rep. Campbell will reduce the Hazardous Waste Fees for small business in our State. “I look forward to passing this bill to assist small businesses by reducing the burden of excessive fees.”
Above all else, Campbell believes the state’s number one priority must be creating and protecting jobs. “In these tough budgetary times, don’t expect a lot of innovative new programs this year. We’re going to focus on the kitchen table issues that are going to help keep families employed and businesses running.” Campbell points to projects like the Bethel Skills Center, which provides training and retraining in vocational skills from robotic technology to criminal justice education. Last year Campbell championed a $10 million allotment for improvements at the school. “Schools like the Bethel Skills Center will help keep kids in school and provide a path to family wage jobs and a brighter future”.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 3, 2009
STATEMENT FROM DAVID CASTILLO, CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE, WA-3 ON PRESIDENT OBAMA’S DECISION TO COMMITT ADDITIONAL TROOPS TO AFGHANISTAN
OLYMPIA, Wash. – “I support President Obama’s decision to send an additional 30,000 plus troops into Afghanistan. It is a good sign that the President will finally provide General McChrystal with the troops that he requested three months ago. I do, however, have some concerns.
As a veteran of the armed forces, and a former official with the Department of Homeland Security, I recognize that any mission must be undertaken with a clear understanding of what success looks like. Any time that troops are put into harm's way, the objective must be victory.
Although I commend the President for his commitment, I am disappointed that he and other leading Democrats have not once mentioned the word victory when it comes to defining success in Afghanistan. Additionally, I have serious concerns about the 18 month deadline that has been put in place for this mission.
Finally, Victory in Afghanistan will take the resolve of members of Congress and the American people. Now that we are increasing the number of troops in Afghanistan, I am even more disappointed in Congressman’s Baird's vote against the Defense Authorization Bill that provides our troops with the resources, tools, and equipment they need to achieve victory.
The brave men and women who are conducting the War on Terror in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Horn of Africa, and throughout the world deserve our support, admiration, and respect. If the president remains committed to this crucial fight, the American people will stand with him.”
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