Paul Dean

Housing Through these conversations, I learned a great deal. For instance, while Stevens County struggles with a lack of affordable housing and good jobs, Okanogan County faces the opposite issue: they have jobs and housing but lack people to fill them. Water rights are also a significant concern in Okanogan County, particularly as family orchards are increasingly bought by large corporations. Government Reform While everyone has the right to their political preferences, excessive partisanship prevents effective collaboration. I believe in working across the aisle to create solutions that truly benefit our constituents. In Olympia, I plan to put party differences aside and focus on cooperation and compromise. Defense / Veterans As a veteran, I am fortunate to have access to Mann-Grandstaff VA Hospital, just an hour away. However, veterans in places like Oroville and Metaline Falls face long drives for short appointments. This is unacceptable. I aim to work with the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish satellite clinics and increase telehealth options. Government Reform Our small towns face significant challenges in meeting basic needs. Aging infrastructure often needs emergency repairs, which can devastate well-planned budgets. I propose creating a centralized hub where organizations can list available grants. Categorized by keyword, this hub would make it easier for towns to find and apply for funding, with state assistance in grant writing. Education Washington state does not fully fund any school, forcing them to rely on levies that require a 60% approval rate. Even when levies pass, they only cover basic educational needs, leaving no room for shop classes, music, arts, or capital improvements. Our schools are doing the best they can with what they have, but it isn't enough. I want to change that.