Ballots are in the mail today. After serving as a Charter Review Commissioner last year and closely following Clallam County politics for the past three years, I’m sharing exactly how I’ll vote—if you’re curious. These choices prioritize spending restraint, parental rights, fairness, accountability, and constitutional governance over ideology or special interests. Please join the discussion in the comments and tell us how you will be voting.
Initiatives
IP26-645: Yes — Repeal the Income Tax
Former governors Gary Locke and Christine Gregoire put it succinctly: Washington doesn’t have a revenue problem; it has a spending problem. This unconstitutional income tax applies to every earner and currently includes a $1 million exemption that history shows will be lowered over time. Vote “yes” to repeal it and stop the income tax.
IL26-001: Yes — Restore Parental Rights in Education
The Sequim School District shows why we must restore parental rights. It has a long history of scandals and cover-ups, as detailed in this Olympic Herald article:
Jim Stoffer remains in a leadership position representing us on the Olympic Educational Service District. Leaders like him make the case for restoring parental rights.
IL26-638: Yes — Protect Fairness in Girls’ Sports
Our young women are losing scholarships and first-place trophies to biological males. Transgender students should be allowed to participate in the sport that matches their biological sex. It’s that simple.
U.S. Representative
Teresa Fox
This is a one-issue race for me. Emily Randall wants to transfer two of our national wildlife refuges to a for-profit commercial seafood harvesting corporation. Jamestown tribal members already own these refuges as Americans—we all own them, and they need to stay that way. Once we lose them, the refuges will be gone forever. I’ve seen too many “Tribal members only” signs to believe the wildlife refuges would be treated any differently. Teresa Fox will fight to keep our national wildlife refuges; Emily Randall will fight to give them away.
State Representative, Position 1
Eric Pratt
Incumbent Adam Bernbaum is pushing for more taxation without addressing out-of-control spending in Olympia. Two years ago he was a no-show for debates, and this year appears no different—he has not responded to an invitation to participate in this Thursday’s Calico Cat Club candidate conversation. It’s time for balance and representation. For me, that’s Eric Pratt.
State Representative, Position 2
Marcia Kelbon
I’m impressed by every stance Marcia takes. She’s a moderate driven by data and metrics—exactly what Olympia needs more of right now. Her opponent, Kaylee Kuehn, supports the Climate Commitment Act and calls it “something we need to continue to invest in.” That single act added a hidden gas tax to every gallon of fuel you buy and largely benefits special interests. In a remote portion of Washington, hours from the I-5 corridor, that means virtually everything transported by truck costs more—for negligible climate results. You cannot champion housing affordability and a lower cost of living while supporting the CCA. Marcia acknowledges it is a regressive tax and prefers effective approaches.
Supreme Court Justices
For all Supreme Court seats, I’m looking for a return to constitutional rulings rather than ideological ones. I’ve met Dave Larson once, heard him speak twice, and I’m impressed. These are my votes:
Scott Edwards
David Stevens
Dave Larson
Todd Bloom
Sean O’Donnell
Charter Amendments
Amendment 1: Approve
When the public uses the charter review process to mandate that commissioners hold town halls on a schedule, it directly reflects our current county commissioners' disengagement from residents. It is sad that engagement isn’t already baked into their character and that we must rewrite our county charter to force it—but these three commissioners clearly show why they should face the public every other month. Jim Stoffer’s opposition is another strong reason to approve it.
Amendment 2: Approve
A county with an ethics code but no way to enforce it is like highways with speed limits and no officers writing tickets. Commissioner Mark Ozias used his position to shut down a family-owned gravel pit across from his driveway because it would disrupt his sleep and raise his blood pressure—bypassing the hearing examiner process. It may not have been illegal, but it was unethical. Commissioner Mike French directed $118,000 to the Trinity United Methodist Church in Sequim for a three-space safe parking program, and the church then paid OlyCAP, the NGO on whose board he sits. Again, not illegal, but unethical. This county loses jobs, economic growth, and money because leaders behave unethically. It’s time to have someone writing tickets.
Amendment 3: Approve
I wasn’t sure during the Charter Review Process, but Charter Review Commissioner Ron Richards eventually explained it in a way that made sense: it gives Clallam County voters more information and transparency. That’s hard to argue with—though Jim Stoffer found a way to write the “oppose” statement anyway.
County Assessor
I greatly admire aspects of both Lee Hancock and Antonio Price. I’m conflicted. It comes down to experience in one of the few county departments that brings in revenue, versus a staunch believer in private property rights. Please join the conversation in the comments and tell us who you’re voting for and why.
County Auditor
Virginia Shogren
Two things about Virginia’s campaign stand out. First, she wants to create a Public Integrity Officer or department. Yes, there are upfront costs, but someone would start auditing the hundreds of thousands of dollars that flow through the county every week. Look at Health and Human Services: how much is spent weekly on Amazon trinkets and pizza? NGOs are absorbing taxpayer funds faster than we can refill the coffers. An upfront investment could deliver substantial savings immediately. Second, Shoona Riggs treats the League of Women Voters as a nonpartisan group allowed to participate in the election process. They are not nonpartisan; they are highly partisan and ideological, and they cannot be trusted—especially after their involvement in the Conservation District election that a judge threw out. Virginia recognizes the LWV for what they are, and I want them out of the election process until they prove they are what they claim.
County Commissioner
Jake Seegers
This recommendation comes from more than three years of watching Mike French. One of the many things that has impressed me about Jake Seegers is his ability and eagerness to sit down and engage in civil dialogue with people who may disagree with him—they almost always find substantial common ground. This was illustrated when Jesse Charles, one of Jake’s biggest critics, interviewed him. Who is Mike’s biggest critic? It might be me. He won’t sit down with me. He won’t answer emails. He’ll only shake my hand if I put it right in front of him. I’m tired of paying the salary of someone who only represents special interests. Jake Seegers is a leader, and it’s time for change.
District Court 1
Patrick Murphy
I heard Patrick speak once. He works in the prosecuting attorney’s office, and I got the sense he was frustrated. He works hard, builds cases, tries to prosecute, and then sees people get off easy. So many “Social Media Saturdays” articles document the revolving door of catch-and-release in District Court. Opponent Alex Schodowski has experience—she serves as judge pro tem when other judges aren’t available, and Patrick often appears before her. I don’t want someone to rule with an iron fist, but I do want more accountability in our court system. I want a risk-taker, not the status quo. I’m very frustrated with the broken cycle. I’ll be voting for Patrick. I’ve spoken with both Patrick and Alex; they are both very nice and approachable, and I’d encourage anyone to reach out to either of them without hesitation.
PUD District 1
Rick Paschall
At a recent PABA candidate conversation, Randy Brackett seemed too focused on climate change, removing the Snake River dams, implementing solar, and expanding social programs for low-income residents. That equates to higher and higher costs.
Stay Engaged Tomorrow
Thursday
The Calico Cat Club of Clallam County is hosting a Candidate Conversation for the 24th Legislative District (both positions):
Thursday, October 15, 2026
6:30–8:30 p.m.
Fairview Grange Hall, 161 Lake Farm Road, Port Angeles
Confirmed: Kaylee Kuehn, Marcia Kelbon, and Eric W. Pratt.
Incumbent Adam Bernbaum has been invited.
Each candidate will give a brief opening statement, followed by audience Q&A. Priority for questions goes to Calico Cat Club members, but the event is open. Questions go to the panel as a whole; discussion among candidates is encouraged. No “gotcha” questions.
This is much better than a voters’ pamphlet, show up.
