Q&A with State Sen. Warnick

Incumbent State Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, is running unopposed for reelection. The Columbia Basin Herald posed three questions to her related to her goals for her next term and what challenges she feels the state is facing. Her answers are presented below and have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.

Q: What are your top three goals for your next term?

A: My first goal is to support legislation that will increase accountability within state government agencies, especially with issues of vulnerable children, the disabled and the mentally ill. Secondly, I’ll encourage more civility in the legislative processes. Several new legislators will be sworn in after the November elections. I’ll work to introduce myself to them in order to learn their perspectives and help minimize the divisiveness between the elected members of all parties. A final goal is to encourage more in-person meetings and committee hearings to increase participation of people who are affected by new bill proposals.

Q: What do you see as the most important issues to address?

A: The reduction of state taxes and fees imposed on people by Washington state. Revenue is at an all-time high and state spending has been out of control. I support rebuilding the Budget Stabilization Account, (rainy day fund), which has been depleted during the unprecedented spending of the last two state operating budgets.

Revisiting past legislation that has reduced public safety of law-abiding citizens is critical.

Q: What do you see as the longer-term challenges for the district and the state?

A: Sufficient water resources for agriculture, communities, fish and wildlife is a huge challenge. Protection of the dam infrastructure and encouragement of conservation is critical to keeping water available for all uses.