Tom Dent solid 2nd Amendment supporter

MOSES LAKE - The first thing 13th District House candidate would like voters to know is that he's "a solid 2nd amendment supporter."

He notes he is a NRA life endowment member, a Gun Owners of America life member and a life member of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms.

"And I have been endorsed by the Gun Owners Action League (GOAL)," he said.

Dent is running because he believes the Legislature needs members with real life experience. He says he understands the issues and has the experience to find solutions.

Dent has about 20 active volunteers on the committee completing tasks ranging from treasurer to sign placement. His own activities include attendance at all types of public events and personal contact by doorbelling and visiting with the voters. "I believe the holder of this office represents all the people regardless of political views. So I have made it a point to seek out all types of people and hear their concerns and viewpoints," he said.

Dent served as the Grant County Republican Chair for nine years. He said grass roots recruitment was always his priority.

Dent grew his party from 17 precinct committee officers to 62. He expanded the mailing list from 35 to over 3500.The volunteer list reached nearly 500 names.

"Lincoln Day dinners went from 80 average attendees to well over 200," he said.

Dent has been in business for more than 30 years, providing Aerial Application and Flight Instruction services to the farmers, ranchers and residents of the Columbia Basin.

"I moved with my family to Othello in 1955, the year the water came to Othello," he said. "I witnessed firsthand this country before water. I saw how the desert has truly bloomed with irrigation.

"As a hay grower and cattle rancher, I understand how we are dependent on this water. I am truly committed to protecting, securing and enhancing our water supplies.

Dent believes the state needs to move legislation to increase business activity, which in turn will create jobs and broaden the tax base. The state needs to build, support and maintain the necessary infrastructure for agriculture and business to grow and succeed in the 13th district.

"Our law enforcement personnel need our support and the necessary tools to do their duties," Dent said. "I will work to support their needs to protect the citizens of this state."

Dent said he's committed to increasing opportunities for youths to work and expanding educational opportunities.

Dent has been active in Farm Bureau, Cattle Producers of Washington, Association of Washington Aerial Applicators, Pacific Northwest Aerial Applicators Alliance and the Association of Washington Business.

Dent is serving as a commissioner for the Moses Lake Municipal Airport. He was the Chairman of the Moses Lake/DOE - total maximum daily load (TMDL) committee, which studied the phosphate levels in Moses Lake. He serves on the Association of Washington Business board and chairs the aviation committee.

"I have worked extensively in Olympia with agency directors and legislative committee chairpersons," Dent said. "I have given oral and written testimony to both the House of Representatives and the Senate, written Legislation and had it passed and signed. I understand the legislative process."