People not politics
Campaign Wrap Up
Mike Coverdale LD 19
meet mike
Working for the people of Southwest Washington
There is so much beauty and opportunity in our district but partisan politics has silenced our voices in Olympia. I have spent my life in service. First for our country and then in the community where I live. Our needs differ in many ways from people who live in urban areas and urban representatives have little understanding of the impacts legislation can have on our lives and livelihoods. We need someone in office who can communicate those differences in a respectful and collaborative way. I have spent 30 years helping people with differing goals reach agreements. I love living & working in SW Washington and would be honored to represent the people of the 19th District.
Life in Southwest Washington
Our district is a natural paradise and our resource based history and economy is a rich one but currently we have no representation on the Natural Resource Committee in Olympia! Regulations have both crippled our economy and failed to improve conditions that will insure sustainable resources and protect the environment.
For eight years we have had a "representative" that has cared more about his personal promotion and his party than he has the people of our communities. Where Jim Walsh excels at talking, I excel at listening and I would like to hear from you and to be your voice in Olympia. Thank you for considering my candidacy.
Serving The Community
Beginning with Scouting, then as an officer in the U.S. Army I have served my community and my country. Since moving home in 1991 I have devoted time to help the community on the Westport Planning Committee, President of the Westport Grayland Chamber of Commerce, Fire District 3 Board and am currently the chair of the Grays Harbor Board of Adjustments.
In addition to that I headed the Kiwanis Scholarship Program, Volunteered with the Boat Basin Salmon Rearing program and sponsored and ran various events and festivals. I moved home to raise my family around my parents and grandparents. I understand the advantages and disadvantages of rural education programs. For over 30 years I have run a small business and understand the challenges and rewards of living and working in our district.
I want to turn my attention to representing ALL of the 19th District to make our voices heard in Olympia and would appreciate your support.
Challenges & Opportunities
Healthcare
Rural Economy
Healthcare
The health of people in our communities is key to so many things and yet, our district has the lowest life expectancy in the state! The “for profit” model of health care coupled with the lack of investment and support from the state makes our rural areas subject to limited and expensive care. Our hospitals are overburdened & access to preventative care is only decreasing.
Our current “representative” has voted no on most legislation that would benefit our district to include voting NO to capping the cost of insulin at $35! We need a voice for the people in Olympia not partisan games. I will be that voice!
Education
Rural Economy
Healthcare
Our schools have suffered over the years with the burden of funding falling on our rural populations with limited help from Olympia. Efforts are underway to correct the funding imbalance between urban and rural school districts but our current “representative” has not been at the table for those discussions.
Jim Walsh has submitted a “voucher program” that had little public input that would gut our public school funding. I will work to increase state participation in funding and protect the rights and benefits of the educators and staff who work so hard for our children and at the same time work to bring alternative education options to our communities.
Rural Economy
Rural Economy
Natural Resources
Our district has the highest level of unemployment in the state despite the diverse natural resource based opportunities and despite the fact that there are 7 port districts within our borders. Many opportunities for infrastructure investment and job creation have been lost because as a district we lack actual representation.
Partisan politics has put a wall between us and the rest of the legislators in Olympia which has cost us dearly. I will work to repair the relationships that have been destroyed over the past 8 years and bring investment back to our rural communities.
Natural Resources
Money out of Politics
Natural Resources
Our district has bountiful resources which have been the economic base of our communities for many generations. Farming, fishing & timber management decisions impact our communities directly.
Over the past 8 years the state has funded research and development into Mass Timber production and construction. Cross Laminate Timber has the potential to revitalize our forest industry while reducing carbon emissions. Nothing has been done by Walsh to bring that investment to our forests or our ports!
For the past 8 years there has been little effort from the person elected to speak for us but It is time to take a stand in Olympia! I will strive to communicate our unique challenges, opportunities and solutions in a way that other representatives can understand and respect.
Affordable Housing
Money out of Politics
Money out of Politics
As a real estate broker I fully understand the issues related to housing availability and affordability. Not surprisingly, some of the challenges we face differ from those in King county so it becomes even more important that we have have a seat at the table in Olympia.
Innovative concepts need to be developed. For example, the state owns land throughout our district, some of which is located ideally for residential development. A public/private partnership to create housing where needed would be a boon to local communities.
Partisan politics from our current “representative” has removed us from the conversation about this and many other issues. Real solutions are needed & it will take communication & collaboration not insults and threats to finally gain ground on this and other crucial issues.
Money out of Politics
Money out of Politics
Money out of Politics
If someone asked me 10 years ago if bribery was legal I would have said no. It is now clear that the influx of seemingly unlimited money to influence legislation & legislators has polluted our ability to represent the people. No clearer example of that influence is the 7 million dollars contributed by one person to get 6 initiatives on the ballot.
Jim Walsh has lead the effort to repeal multiple laws that if overturned would financially hurt the people of district he is supposed to represent. For example, the capital gains tax on the ultra-wealthy funds education, early childhood development & supports day care programs.
That is not what our initiative process was meant to be. I pledge to not accept corporate and/or superpac donations.