Hailey runs for re-election

Wants to accomplish several goals

ADAMS COUNTY - Incumbent Steve Hailey is running for re-election to state representative position one in the Ninth Legislative District because he's got a lot he wants to accomplish still.

Hailey said he has several goals to accomplish including how to use water resources more effectively. Hailey is against the "use it or lose it" policy requiring water-right owners to use their rights within a five-year time period to avoid forfeiting it. He said the policy discourages people from water preservation and encourages wasteful behavior. As long as someone has a valid water right, it should remain in their possession, he said.

Hailey said his first term of service allowed him to gain relationships with other lawmakers in Olympia and he hopes to continue his progress to help the district. He said people often approach him with agriculture-related concerns and he wants to continue helping and continue open communication.

"The name of the game is building relationships," he said. "I think I can do it. I would encourage people to vote for me. I look forward to it in the next two years."

He said people should vote for him because, "I'm going to do the best job. I've got the experience and drive to get the job done."

He said the Ninth District is diverse. Education and balancing the budget are just a few issues he will continue to work on to serve all the people.

"It's been an absolute honor for me to represent the Ninth District constituents," Hailey said. "I enjoy the legislative process."

He said he will help attract jobs to the area by working on community diversification. He said agriculture is the biggest employer in the district. He recently gave a speech in Spokane concerning ground water management to help maintain agriculture. Hailey said if agriculture fails, jobs will leave the area.

He said it's also important to develop more railroad service because wheat and fertilizer can't always be transported on trucks. Once the railroad service is operating, it will serve as a transportation corridor for most agricultural needs.

He said there are not a lot of tourism opportunities in the district. Hailey said it's important for small communities to promote themselves. He said communities such as Palouse and Pullman have created a niche for themselves. He said it also has helped job diversification for those communities.

Hailey prefers the Grand Old Party (GOP).