OLYMPIA — Voters in Legislative District 13 will have three candidates to consider for State Representative Position 2. To help readers compare their views on key issues, each candidate was sent the same set of questions and given the same deadline to respond. Republicans Deanna Martinez and Don Myers submitted responses by the deadline, while candidate Joshua Thompson did not respond. Because of the length of the answers received, the questionnaire will be presented in two installments. 

Primary ballots must be postmarked or returned by Aug. 4. 

Question: The economy of the 13th District depends heavily on irrigated agriculture and access to Columbia Basin Project water. What specific actions would you take in Olympia to protect water access for farmers, support ongoing infrastructure improvements and address future water demands? 

Myers: Water is the foundation of the 13th District's agricultural economy and protecting that supply will be one of my top priorities in Olympia. 

I will support continued investment in the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program and other infrastructure that expands access to Columbia Basin Project water where it makes sense. In my opinion, increasing access to reliable surface water is one of the best long-term investments we can make, while continuing to evaluate groundwater replacement and other solutions as we learn more about what works in different parts of the basin. 

Success will require strong partnerships. Water infrastructure involves the state, the Bureau of Reclamation, irrigation districts and local water systems. My role will be to help coordinate those partners, advocate for funding, reduce unnecessary delays and keep projects moving. 

We also need to plan for future demand. Reliable water supports agriculture, housing and economic growth throughout Central Washington. Our goal should be to protect the farms that feed our communities while ensuring future generations have the water needed to build homes, create jobs and strengthen our local economy. 

Water is too important for politics. It requires long-term planning, sound science and agencies working together to protect one of the most valuable resources. 

Martinez: As a (former) city council member, I’ve supported the additional development of the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program and will continue to support and advocate for further development as your state legislator.  

Working with state and federal agencies is paramount to continuing to find solutions for our farmers and our municipalities. Potential solutions include water storage and use of shallow water which would require treatment.  

Those projects cost money, but the initial hurdle is gaining legal access. I’ve established relationships with people in various agencies and organizations working together to solve today’s water issues and tomorrows. 

Question: Many residents in District 13 face challenges of accessing primary care, specialty care, and mental health services. What legislative solutions would you propose to improve healthcare access and workforce recruitment in rural Central Washington? 

Myers: We should continue investing in local education and training programs to grow our own workforce, but we also need to recognize that takes time. At the same time, Washington should make it easier for qualified healthcare professionals from other states to practice here by streamlining licensing and recognizing equivalent credentials while maintaining high standards for patient care. 

We also need to make Washington, especially rural Washington, a place where healthcare professionals want to build a career and raise a family. Improving affordability, reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens and supporting strong local communities all play a role in attracting and retaining the workforce we need. 

If we can remove barriers to entering the profession and make our communities more competitive, we'll improve access to primary care, specialty care and mental health services throughout Central Washington. 

Martinez: As a registered nurse with over 30 years' experience in our district, I see firsthand the challenges on our healthcare system and the challenges posed to those seeking and needing healthcare services.  

I have testified in Olympia in support of the RN compact license which could increase the number of nurses eligible to work in Washington. I support non-traditional nursing and physician programs that increase the workforce.  

The majority party chose to cut Medicaid funding while still adding more taxes. This cut in Medicaid funding has a disproportionately damaging effect on our rural hospitals and clinics because of the high percentage of Medicaid patients served in the 13th district. I would work on restoring state funding to the Medicaid program by redirecting state budget dollars while not adding additional taxes.  

Healthcare matters. A healthy community is a productive community. 

Question: Communities throughout the district are experiencing housing shortages for families, agricultural workers, teachers, healthcare workers and first responders. What policies would you support to increase housing availability while respecting local control and community character? 

Myers: Housing affordability starts with general affordability, itself. Over time, the state has added layer upon layer of regulations, permitting requirements and fees that have made building a home increasingly expensive, putting homeownership further out of reach for many first-time buyers. 

In much of the 13th District, water availability is another major challenge. Limited access to water can significantly increase the cost of developing land, making it more difficult to build the housing our communities need. We need to continue investing in water infrastructure and work with local, state and federal partners to support responsible growth. 

We also need to recognize that policies affecting energy and transportation costs increase the price of nearly every building material delivered to a job site. Those costs are ultimately passed on to families trying to buy a home. 

I believe the Legislature should focus on removing unnecessary barriers to housing while giving local communities the flexibility to decide what growth should look like. If we reduce unnecessary costs, invest in critical infrastructure and trust local leaders, we can build more housing that is attainable for all. 

Martinez: The majority party has taken local control out of addressing the housing shortage and growth of a community. I will work hard to return that control back to local governments and communities who know best how to address their housing needs.  

Additionally, I’ll work to repeal needless/unnecessary regulations that add to the cost of building a home. Shrub steppe policies and restrictions on the UGA also create barriers to building additional housing.  

I’ll work with my Republican house legislators to tackle unnecessary policy from state agencies that inhibit or prohibit the building of affordable housing.