Swannack has goals to achieve

LAMONT — Art Swannack is running for election to the state House of Representatives for the Ninth Legislative District, as member of the GOP, to achieve several goals.

“I decided to run for this position because of several factors,” he stated. “I saw the potential devastation, which climate change carbon tax legislation could level on our economy in January when New Zealand was reporting a study commissioned by their ag sector.”

Swannack explained Gov. Chris Gregoire possessed a bill identical to the New Zealand bill.

“I believe that bill would cause the same problems for us, which was by 2030 having farm profits drop by 50 percent if carbon credits cost $25 per ton and no farms or ranches operating if carbon credits cost $125 per ton,” he stated.

His experience as a school director and fire commissioner led him to deal with mandates and paperwork from the state.

“I wish to lessen the load on people,” Swannack explained. “I have three kids in school and want to work on keeping our small schools intact and funded well and also to keep college affordable for our middle income families.”

He stated he does not want the state to fund programs that aren’t affordable with the current budget.

“I want to bring an attitude of discernment between wants and needs to government,” he explained.

His experience as a hay, wheat and sheep farmer will help him with the position.

“I understand many of the potential impacts to agriculture, which bills from Olympia can have,” Swannack stated. “Some of the issues I have been involved with include water rights, ecology and the environment, labor and immigration rules, taxes and regulations and endangered species law. Having to fill out paperwork myself, I will work hard to keep down the number of reports and mandates which our state sends to its citizens.”

He stated he also understands budgeting.

“I am not an expert in government, but I will bring common sense to the table when addressing an issue,” Swannack stated. “I have also been involved as a 4-H leader for 15 years which helps understand the needs of our children and communities.”

His goals for the position include finding funding for kindergarten through 12th grade and higher education, keeping agriculture viable by supporting changes to water relinquishment laws and helping farmers manage the results of current environmental laws, funding state retirement plans completely and funding childhood vaccinations through the state.

“The benefits of this program is reduced sickness and medical costs outweigh the cost to the state for the vaccine,” he explained.

Swannack stated the biggest challenge facing the position would be working as a minority influence.

“We don’t have control of any committees,” he stated. “I have worked on difficult issues before as one of the minority and the reason I was successful is people can trust my word. If I say I will do something or support it, I will.”

He explained convincing other lawmakers in Olympia to understand the economic downturn isn’t short term and will be difficult.

“I believe we are facing several years of slowdown due to high debt levels people hold,” Swannack stated. “This means revenues will be low for several years as people reduce credit card and home debt. It will just take time to get back on the right track.”

He stated people should vote for him because he is honest.

“I have a strong work ethic,” Swannack stated. “I try to always answer people in a respectful but straight forward manner and I have a broad background of experience to draw from. This makes it easier for me to understand the problem presented and come up with a good solution.”

He stated he will work to serve farmers and support agriculture in Adams County.

“I am a farmer just to the east of Adams County by about 20 miles,” he stated. “If you are put out of business, so am I.”

He shared his views on water and agriculture.

“Water is essential to livestock and farming in the west and especially so in our area with it’s low rainfall amounts,” Swannack stated. “If water rights are limited or decreased, you can’t produce the crop or water the herd. We need to fix the ‘use it or lose it’ provision in water law. I will also support retaining the livestock water exemption as currently understood by our attorney general. I would support more storage capacity if we can figure out the right place to put it and how to pay for it.”

He stated it is somewhat important to increase tourism in Adams County.

“We first need to make sure our farms and associated businesses are kept strong,” Swannack stated. “I support creating tourism which adds money to our economy and doesn’t hurt our farms or businesses. I want tourism to be additive to the economy, not a replacement for other lost jobs.”

He explained he had not yet formulated his stance on increasing natural gas pipeline capacity.

“I need more information about what we could do if more capacity is needed,” he stated.

Swannack stated his top priority for representing Adams County is to keep farms and businesses profitable and schools protected.