Sessler focused on economy, national security, dams

MOSES LAKE — Jerrod Sessler said he considers himself "regular guy."

Sessler said he has a commitment to public service and the importance of representing the people's interests and his experiences as a father, husband and veteran have shaped his outlook on the pressing issues facing America.

During an event, Sessler said, he gave a speech saying he is not a politician and not to expect political responses from him. Afterward, Sessler and his daughter had a conversation in the car.

"My daughter told me I shouldn't say, 'I'm not a politician,’ or ‘I’ll never be a politician,’" he said. "I realize now that it’s a great honor to represent the people and to have that responsibility. It's just been messed up by a lot of people who don't really take the responsibility to heart, which they should, and to represent the people first and set aside your own interest.”

Sessler, a Republican from Prosser, is running against incumbent Dan Newhouse for the Fourth Congressional District seat. During the primary election, Sessler received 33.06% of the votes and Newhouse received 23.37% of the votes. The final result in November may be closer as some Republicans and Democrats who voted for other candidates decide whether to shift their votes to Sessler or Newhouse. 

Sessler identified three priorities he plans to tackle if elected: the economy, safety and security and environmental stewardship, including protecting the dams in Washington.

Sessler is deeply concerned over rising costs which are straining families and impeding their quality of life, he said. 

"We can't afford life in America anymore," he said.

He cited personal experiences with inflation, saying everyday expenses have become burdensome for many citizens.

“I feel poor now," he said. “I mean, it costs $250 to fill up my truck. You can’t hardly get out of the grocery store for less than 100 bucks. So, what do we need to do with the economy? We have to get our spending under control. We need an economy. It's not about raising taxes. Raising taxes kills the economy. We need to stop spending money on stupid things." 

Sessler said he would like to have individual spending initiatives separated out from major spending package bills so that each expenditure is more intentionally decided upon by Congress. 

Sessler said securing the border is crucial, alongside addressing the growing fentanyl crisis. 

“We do not feel as safe in this country as we did 10 years ago, 20 years ago, 30 years ago,” he said. “The reality is it just isn't as safe as we become more a part of this global economy, certainly with the open borders, with an influx of tens of millions of illegals from all over.” 

The first step to solving the fentanyl crisis is closing the borders, he said, then there needs to be better programs for the people struggling with addiction. He referenced “Seattle is Dying,” a 2019 series of reports by KOMO News about social issues in Washington’s largest city. 

“The last five minutes of (“Seattle is Dying”) is really kind of my position on all this. It basically says, ‘Look, it's there,’” Sessler said. “Addicts who were deep into their issue were put into a situation with guardrails and they're so thankful. They're married; they're having children; they have a normal life; they have a job; they have their life back. They would have been dead. So, you can't tell me that's not loving to put them in an environment with some guardrails. Maybe it's a couple of months, or however long it takes to get them to a place where they're safe and secure.” 

Finally, Sessler said, dams should be protected and energy production in the United States increased. He said his team is doing a study in Oregon and California, and found that dam removal has been a disaster and the water is muck now.

“We do have a plan to protect Washington dams. It's comprehensive. It’s an eight-point plan,” Sessler said. “There is zero chance that those dams will be breached if my plan is executed.”

Sessler said he is saving the details of that plan to be shared with Congress after he potentially takes office.

As the election draws near, Sessler said he urges every eligible voter to participate.

"Your vote matters," he said. "We need to vote with conviction for the values that reflect our communities."

Election Day is Nov. 5, and online and mail methods of registration will close after Oct. 28. However, people can register to vote in person until Nov. 5 according to VoteWa.gov.

Sessler is scheduled to be at a candidate forum tonight at Whaluke High School starting at 5 p.m. After, Sessler's next event will be at the Benton City Daze Parade on Sept 14.