Election 2022: Primary candidates for Kitsap County Commissioner, District 3
Five candidates are running in the Aug. 2 primary to fill the Kitsap County District 3 commissioner seat that will be vacated by current Commissioner Ed Wolfe at the end of the year.
The top two vote-getters in the primary election among voters in District 3, which encompasses Central Kitsap, will go on to face off in the general election on Nov. 8. In that election, all voters in Kitsap County will cast a vote in the race.
The Kitsap Sun asked the commissioner candidates to answer six questions. Their answers follow:
Josh Hinman
Age: 44
Current occupation: Executive director at newlife
Previous elected experience: First time seeking office
Party: Republican
Campaign contributions: $39,915
Q: What should the county do to address the growing number of people unable to afford shelter and living in county parks and on other public property?
A: Kitsap’s homeless population is growing rapidly, and the current strategy does not seem to be working. We need a revised plan with a renewed approach. Whether mental health, addiction, or lack of work, homelessness is the result of a myriad of reasons. National best practices, such as Housing First, have shown tremendous potential to make a difference. We must require people to access the help available. Let’s build a new strategy that addresses each core issue and ensures the safety of our community while respecting the dignity and struggle of those without homes.
The inadequate mental health services in Kitsap and lack of crisis response for mental health must change. The barrier to entry is too high for someone to be admitted. Quicker response times are needed when someone tries to access mental health services. Lastly, we must stay committed to accountability and transparency for our shared goals.
Q: Should the county take an active role in removing people without shelter from public spaces, particularly county parks and heritage parks?
A: Yes, the county has a responsibility to represent all citizens. Public parks need to be safe for individuals and families to enjoy – with no fear of harm. Parks are not the place for people to establish residency, as they are community assets.
The county must actively address homelessness by utilizing nationally recognized models, such as Housing First, that include transitional and permanent housing options alongside case management. We must also be willing to hold people accountable to accessing services. Enablement only exacerbates the problem.
As Kitsap’s Homeless Crisis Response and Housing Plan points out: “each year, Kitsap County residents’ tax dollars are spent caring for homeless people through our emergency services – including 911, emergency rooms and clinics, law enforcement, fire and rescue units, jails, detoxification programs, public health system, the judiciary system and more.”
Appropriate supportive services are proven to help many homeless individuals achieve self-sufficiency.
Q: What role should the county take in ensuring affordable housing is built in unincorporated Kitsap County, ranging from taking a hands-off approach to development to requiring developers to construct it?
A: We need housing that is affordable for the shipyard worker, nurses, first responders, and teachers. The everyday people of Kitsap cannot afford a home, which has to change. There are options for the county in providing affordable housing, especially by partnering with local developers, expanding the use of ADU’s, and introducing cottage housing. The county should not build the housing, but it can reduce fees to reduce developer costs and lower prices of homes.
Local builders are the backbone of the housing affordability. With more housing, prices will reduce. We lack 7,000 housing units today and Kitsap is still growing. We need homes for first time home buyers … apartments, condos, and townhomes. However, we also want to protect our environment and the beauty of the open spaces in Kitsap. A managed growth solution with vision for the future is required to balance this tension.
Q: What is your vision for parks and open space in Kitsap County, and how does that square with the resources available for the development of new parks and upkeep of the current ones?
A: Kitsap’s beautiful parks are one of the greatest assets in our community. They are a priority for many of us who call Kitsap home. They result in increased property values, tax revenues, tourism, and community pride. Investing in Kitsap parks will continue to pay dividends for decades to come.
Q: We have seen increasing attention to vehicle thefts and other crime issues. Do you support spending more on public safety to combat crime and, if so, where would the money come from?
A: Kitsap residents expect to be kept safe. They want to walk their neighborhoods, let their kids walk home from the bus stop without worry, and have their homes and cars protected. Although the commissioner doesn’t pass legislation, they are responsible to advocate on behalf of local law enforcement and citizens to make our community safe. Let’s bring additional training for law enforcement, advocacy to change poorly enacted laws by legislature, and investment into the right tools for officers to do their jobs. Law enforcement need to be supported in their work to protect and serve the public.
The county had a budget surplus last year. These funds could provide the training and resources needed. Combined with strong advocacy, our laws can change, crime reduced, and people kept safe.
Q: The lack of mental health treatment at all levels in society is burdening jails and stretching other county resources. In addition to supporting agencies and nonprofits through the county’s 1/10 of 1 percent sales tax, can anything else be done at the local level to ensure access to care?
Our community does not have the capacity currently to respond to the crisis we are facing.
Kitsap county doesn’t have the resources.
There aren’t beds for people who need monitoring.
Counselors and therapists have long wait lists.
Surgeon General named the mental health of teenagers a national crisis in America.
When providers don’t have time, resources, or staffing, the crisis only grows. The barrier to entry is high due to limited availability. As a foster parent and foster agency director, I repeatedly watched families fight to get help.
We need intentionality and a full community response. We must continue bringing together private partners and public entities as government cannot afford to solve this problem alone.
I’m thankful for the many professionals who care deeply about people in our community … from police officers and sheriff deputies, to case managers and mental health counselors, to community advocates.
Leiyomi Preciado
Age: 31
Current occupation: Certified Peer Counselor, Kitsap Mental Health
Previous elected experience: Board President, United Peers of Washington, 2018-22; first time seeking public office
Party: Democratic
Campaign contributions: $2,710.07
Q: What should the county do to address the growing number of people unable to afford shelter and living in county parks and on other public property?
A: I believe housing is a human right, and I trust the science that shows Housing First is the best policy to address the roots of the homelessness crisis. Kitsap should zone and incentivize affordable, multifamily units in existing urban areas to connect residents with services and amenities. A little opportunity goes a long way for our most-vulnerable neighbors - we must immediately utilize the existing supply of emergency and transitional housing, such as Port Orchard’s vacant tiny home village. I support partnerships with trade and technical schools to eliminate barriers to entry into the local workforce, and sustainable public-transportation and communications infrastructure to ensure access to stable jobs with salaries that support a high quality of life in Kitsap County.
Q: Should the county take an active role in removing people without shelter from public spaces, particularly county parks and heritage parks?
A: Encampment sweeps put our officers in dangerous situations, and permanently damage the relationship between law enforcement and marginalized communities. Housing insecurity is a terrible, stressful experience for anyone, and the housing affordability crisis must be met with compassion, not criminalization. The county should take an active role in securing emergency and transitional housing, including tiny home villages and partnerships to fill vacancies at local hotels, and we need to eliminate the barriers to those services that leave people with no other choice than to sleep in their cars or in county parks.
Q: What role should the county take in ensuring affordable housing is built in unincorporated Kitsap County, ranging from taking a hands-off approach to development to requiring developers to construct it?
A: We’ve tried a hands-off approach to affordable housing development for the past 30+ years, and time and time again, developers have opted for large single-family homes and luxury condos for high-wage workers who commute to Seattle. I’ll say it again - housing is a human right, and the county has a responsibility to ensure that the basic needs of Kitsap residents are being met. Kitsap leadership needs to get serious about comprehensive affordable housing solutions, including multifamily tax exemptions and upzoning in urban areas, permit priority for affordable developments, and equitable incentives for rental units that are kept below market rate. At the same time, we need to ensure that longtime homeowners aren’t being priced out of the county by inflated property values, and that tenants are protected against steep rent hikes.
Q: What is your vision for parks and open space in Kitsap County, and how does that square with the resources available for the development of new parks and upkeep of the current ones?
A: Our county’s parks and green spaces are what makes Kitsap County such an attractive place to live. Before we start expanding the county’s park inventory and stretching facility maintenance staff even thinner, there’s still work to be done toward maintaining and developing active-use areas in current parks while healing and replenishing the passive-use ecosystems we share with native species. Parks and open space are community treasures, so we need to get creative with community-oriented solutions to upkeep and stewardship, including partnerships with the county’s school districts to organize volunteer work parties and instill lifelong interest in conservation. We can also further support and partner with local colleges and universities to expand Kitsap Stewardship programs run by our Parks department.
Q: We have seen increasing attention to vehicle thefts and other crime issues. Do you support spending more on public safety to combat crime and, if so, where would the money come from?
A: I support funding our social service programs that can assist our community members in accessing appropriate services, resources, and support. By meeting the basic needs of our community, we can collaborate to decrease crimes due to experiences with poverty and divert people from entering the criminal system. We, as a county, must do better in advocating for and ensuring appropriate funding through programs and laws that disburse grants to tackle the root causes of crime. One example is tapping into funding through the McKinney-Vento act, which assists in creating housing solutions for our neighbors with children and youth who experience homelessness and barriers to education. When we incorporate different perspectives to address and mitigate the chance of crime being committed, we can better support our law enforcement officers. That allows our law enforcement agencies to reallocate resources to areas and situations that only they are equipped and capable of handling.
Q: The lack of mental health treatment at all levels in society is burdening jails and stretching other county resources. In addition to supporting agencies and nonprofits through the county’s 1/10 of 1 percent sales tax, can anything else be done at the local level to ensure access to care?
A: Absolutely! We can start by making informed, evidence-based budget decisions to adequately fund mental-health and social services in Kitsap County, and to deliver those services with equity and compassion. The best way to ensure access to care is by respecting self-sovereignty and giving folks the opportunity to make informed decisions about the services they receive, and the evidence shows that Housing First is the most-effective model for comprehensive care. If we want to make real progress on healthcare access in Kitsap County, then we have to elect leaders who have not just the professional experience to coordinate the support network, but the lived experience of navigating those systems to identify and eliminate barriers to access. I’m the only candidate with both.
Axel Strakeljahn
Age: 63
Occupation: Self-employed/ Commissioner at Port of Bremerton
Previous elected experience: Twice elected Commissioner at Port of Bremerton; Elected President at Central Puget Sound Economic development district at Puget Sound Regional Coordinating council; Elected President, several Non-profit organizations
Party: Republican
Campaign contributions: $22,228.00
Q: What should the county do to address the growing number of people unable to afford shelter and living in county parks and on other public property?
A: Kitsap County faces a homelessness epidemic due to a myriad of challenges, including limited affordable housing; inflation that is outpacing wages; mental health issues and chemical dependency. There are currently two Kitsap County outreach specialists who provide support for unhoused individuals and families, which is clearly inadequate. Instead, each commissioner district should have a designated lead who identifies individual needs and liaises with counseling, housing, workforce development and healthcare organizations in our smaller communities to create transition plans that are focused and measurable. Transportation is often an obstacle for economically disadvantaged individuals, so ensuring that services are easily accessed in our geographically dispersed county is critical. Providing incentives for developers to create workforce housing, such as at the 50+ units that I helped create through Port of Bemerton’s partnership with the Marina Square project in Bremerton, is another example of a proactive public-private solution to the problem.
Q: Should the county take an active role in removing people without shelter from public spaces, particularly county parks and heritage parks?
A: Yes. Our public spaces and parks are specially-designated, taxpayer-funded venues for community-wide enjoyment. When unhoused individuals take up residence, these community gems can turn to unsafe sore spots that are overcome with garbage, crime and substance abuse. Kitsap County has a fundamental responsibility to maintain public safety and equal access to our natural open spaces, especially for young families, the elderly, and physically disabled individuals. Please see above for my thoughts regarding the county’s role.
Q: What role should the county take in ensuring affordable housing is built in unincorporated Kitsap County, ranging from taking a hands-off approach to development to requiring developers to construct it?
A: The County should work toward pragmatic solutions. As a Port of Bremerton Commissioner, I was proud to support the Marina Square project that is creating over 50 units of affordable workforce housing in downtown Bremerton. These types of successful public-private partnerships need to become more common as the County supports developers in creating affordable housing. This includes incentivizing development of affordable housing by offering proven, successful programs like the Multifamily Tax Exemption. Another strategy utilizes HUD support to make construction and permanent financing for housing development more accessible, including through New Markets Tax Credits. The permitting process also needs to be streamlined and fixed. Timelines to obtain entitlement and permitting should take months -- not years. This adds insurmountable cost and risk given interminable delays to construction of housing at a time when we face a housing crisis. Government needs to provide solutions, not obstacles.
Q: What is your vision for parks and open space in Kitsap County, and how does that square with the resources available for the development of new parks and upkeep of the current ones?
While Kitsap’s parks add greatly to our quality of life, the Parks Department has historically struggled to provide adequate maintenance. Our parks land has increased by thousands of acres in the past decade with very little change in funding. Expanding without a long-range budget and operations plan is a poor fiscal decision, regardless of conservation objectives or recreational appeal. Poorly maintained parks become a magnet for homeless camps, drug use, garbage, graffiti and other undesirable activities. Kitsap County’s Open Space Plan is due for an update in two years. This collaborative process, which includes extensive public input, will help ensure that available funding resources are put to their highest and best use. Additionally, we have a nationally-recognized parks volunteer program, so continued engagement, training and recognition of these volunteers will provide a powerful return on investment as we pursue creative solutions to support parks and open spaces.
Q: We have seen increasing attention to vehicle thefts and other crime issues. Do you support spending more on public safety to combat crime and, if so, where would the money come from?
A: Crimes are occurring in broad daylight with alarmingly higher frequency in our shopping centers, parks, and neighborhoods. We cannot afford to look the other way while our peaceful community becomes another Seattle, forcing small businesses to shutter and young families to move away because they don’t feel safe. Washington has the lowest number of police officers per capita and Kitsap ranks among the top five lowest staffed counties. Statewide, crimes against persons and society are measured in minutes, rather than hours or days. It is time to put safety first and project a message that Kitsap is not the place to commit crime. Public safety must be a top budget priority that is funded with county reserve dollars. We must also work alongside state legislators to address unintended consequences of police reform laws that have allowed criminals to make law enforcement the “problem” while taking advantage of our community.
Q: The lack of mental health treatment at all levels in society is burdening jails and stretching other county resources. In addition to supporting agencies and nonprofits through the county’s 1/10 of 1 percent sales tax, can anything else be done at the local level to ensure access to care?
A: Kitsap’s mental health crisis overlaps significantly with drug use, since the latter often stems from trauma-related events. The recent decriminalization of illicit drugs has only fueled the crisis because we lack long-term treatment options. St. Michael Medical Center is not in the business of providing mental health services, so it’s a community failure to send individuals there for band-aid care. It takes many months or years before the brain remaps itself for a successful return to society. To break the cycle, youth outreach and mentorship opportunities are desperately needed. We must incentivize community partners who will help those with mental health and drug-related challenges gain employment, housing, and ways to support their kids so that they don’t return to the “easier” habit of selling drugs. We also need to provide for families who cannot care for loved ones with advanced mental health disorders through treatment programs and vocational studies.
Jeff Wallis
Age: 52
Current occupation: Current and last Kitsap County Coroner.
Previous elected experience: Kitsap County Coroner
Party: GOP
Campaign contributions: $350
Q: What should the county do to address the growing number of people unable to afford shelter and living in county parks and on other public property?
A: Everyone needs some place to stay. The lack of available housing has led to housing prices that many, if not most, cannot afford. This is a problem that has been years in the making, and it is going to take a concerted effort from all organizations in our county to address it. The county will need to help coordinate: developers, builders, non-profits, religious groups, community groups, and social services to ensure that there is an adequate amount of housing available, and that those who are experiencing homelessness have some place to stay, and also get the help and support that they need to move forward from whatever circumstances led to them being homeless into a stable situation for housing and life.
Q: Should the county take an active role in removing people without shelter from public spaces, particularly county parks and heritage parks?
A: Removing people from public spaces, without having someplace for them to go causes similar issues, just in a different place. Also, the ninth circuit court of appeals has affirmed that it is a violation of eighth amendment rights to prohibit people from camping in public places if there is no other place for them to go. In the short term, we need to have a few designated areas and/or shelters for people to go to where basic sanitation needs can be addressed, and those who stay there can access transportation and other services. This will again require coordination with religious groups, community groups, land owners, and social services, to provide a safe, and sanitary place for people to camp, at least transitionally, that is not in our parks or public areas.
Q: What role should the county take in ensuring affordable housing is built in unincorporated Kitsap County, ranging from taking a hands-off approach to development to requiring developers to construct it?
A: The county’s role in ensuring affordable housing is built in unincorporated Kitsap County, is to work in concert with realtors, developers, builders, and land owners to ensure that our urban growth areas are evaluated, and designated comprehensively, regularly, and realistically. Our builders and realtors are committed to building housing as affordably as possible. They need the raw land that is appropriately zoned, with reasonable permitting processes in place, in order to do that. The county also has areas of high value real estate that could be made available for development, or further development. These areas could be used for incentive for developers and builders to construct a variety of low income housing units in areas that are more easily accessible to services.
Q: What is your vision for parks and open space in Kitsap County, and how does that square with the resources available for the development of new parks and upkeep of the current ones?
A: As our county population continues to grow, it will be necessary to create more parks, and preserve designated open spaces. The development of new parks will need to be coordinated, and in conjunction with, new building. The general landscape in Kitsap County makes each area unique. The layout and size of new parks will need to be evaluated with developers in each area. The initial cost and work of developing new parks should be handled by the developers/builders for the area. Maintenance costs will be supported by property tax revenue from the developed area. Our open spaces need to be continually managed. This involves not only general maintenance, but also management of the resources on that land to ensure it remains healthy and safe. This management will also help to offset costs.
Q: We have seen increasing attention to vehicle thefts and other crime issues. Do you support spending more on public safety to combat crime and, if so, where would the money come from?
A: Thefts and crime in general are undeniably on the rise. There are many issues that have led to this including poorly executed legislation, very broad judicial decisions, and removal of personal accountability. Spending more money on public safety initially to provide more training and information on effectively navigating this new landscape I feel will be very beneficial, as most public safety providers are now uncertain of what the rules actually are and what they actually entail. I feel asking our state legislature for this funding would be very appropriate and the training and information could be handled effectively and efficiently through the state criminal justice training commission. I feel this would be a very reasonable ask also, in light of the state’s recent unforeseen increase in revenue.
Q: The lack of mental health treatment at all levels in society is burdening jails and stretching other county resources. In addition to supporting agencies and nonprofits through the county’s 1/10 of 1 percent sales tax, can anything else be done at the local level to ensure access to care?
A: The lack of mental health treatment is also an issue that has been a long time in the making. Mental health issues are also very cyclical, which further magnifies the issue when services are lacking. Traditionally those experiencing mental health crisis have been taken into custody, and mental health treatment, at least initially, was provided in the jail. While this is definitely not the best solution, it is what was available. With restrictions on who can be taken into custody for mental health evaluation and treatment, and an extreme lack of available mental health beds, people in crisis are left without resources. This is an area where the state legislature has the resources and the ability, coupled with the responsibility, to free up funding, along with the availability of that funding, to the local level. This will allow for more providers, and better care, especially in the out-patient scenarios.
Katie Walters
Age: 55
Current occupation: Executive Director Leadership Kitsap Foundation
Previous elected experience: First Time Candidate
Party: Democratic
Campaign contributions: $19,030
Q: What should the county do to address the growing number of people unable to afford shelter and living in county parks and on other public property?
A: Our neighbors experiencing homelessness and living in county parks and on other public property need the county’s immediate attention. The 2022 Point-in-Time Count estimated that there were 183 unsheltered and 393 individuals living in transitional housing or emergency shelters. To increase the number of sheltered individuals and to address those living outside in places not meant for human habitation, the county should invest in enhanced shelters and long-term housing solutions. Enhanced shelters would have low barrier entry, welcoming people with partners, pets, and possessions with wrap-around case management services. Long-term housing solutions such as the recently opened Pendleton Place would offer permanent supported housing to provide stability and increased opportunities for residents to engage in treatment, healthcare, and employment services. These are just a couple of things we can do until county, state, and federal partners can take steps to bring down the cost of housing to levels all can attain.
Q: Should the county take an active role in removing people without shelter from public spaces, particularly county parks and heritage parks?
A: It is the county’s obligation to compassionately address the needs of our community unhoused, offer shelter and services, and move them out of unsafe conditions. Under the Ninth Circuit ruling of Martin v. City of Boise, the court ruled that enforcement of ordinances that prohibit sleeping or camping on public property against homeless individuals is unconstitutional when those individuals do not have shelter space or a legal place to camp. The county should take an active role in sheltering individuals living in parks and public spaces. I support the county’s recently enacted action plan to leverage community partnerships and coordination with mental health, substance abuse, and employment services with the goal to support a system that makes homelessness rare, brief, and one-time. Kitsap County’s newly hired HEART (Homeless Encampment Action Response and Transitions) Coordinator is a good first step.
Q: What role should the county take in ensuring affordable housing is built in unincorporated Kitsap County, ranging from taking a hands-off approach to development to requiring developers to construct it?
A: As Kitsap plans for an additional 70K residents in the next 20 years, it is essential the county takes an active role in ensuring affordable housing is built in unincorporated Kitsap County to expand housing options for Kitsap families, our workforce, children, veterans, and seniors. Under the Growth Management Act, we are obligated to promote density in urban growth areas such as Silverdale and Bremerton and protect Kitsap’s rural spaces. Let’s look at our non-productive urban land for creative solutions to increase our housing inventory and opportunities for small businesses through private-public partnerships. The county should offer incentives for multi-family housing and up-zoning in areas near transit such as ferries and park & rides and encourage more “middle housing” or the development of accessory apartments or ADUs in single-family zones with tax incentives or front-of-line permitting.
Q: What is your vision for parks and open space in Kitsap County, and how does that square with the resources available for the development of new parks and upkeep of the current ones?
A: I support investing in, protecting, and expanding Kitsap’s valued natural, historical, and cultural resources. Our parks and open spaces support economic development, physical and mental well-being, as well as provide a sense of community and place. New parks can serve many purposes. In addition to recreation, parks can help to reduce flooding, prevent pollution, and restore fish habitats. Whispering Firs Stormwater Park in the Silverdale Ridgetop neighborhood is a great example of providing the community with a beautiful park and walking trail system while being designed to filter pollutants from over 100 acres of development upstream before reaching the Puget Sound. Kitsap is very fortunate to have hundreds of dedicated park stewards that annually save the county thousands of dollars in skilled labor. Volunteers help maintain, preserve, protect, restore, and improve over 6,000 acres of Kitsap County parkland. Kitsap has a thriving parks system thanks to these volunteers.
Q: We have seen increasing attention to vehicle thefts and other crime issues. Do you support spending more on public safety to combat crime and, if so, where would the money come from?
A: I support fully funding our sheriff’s office. I don’t believe it is a matter of spending more or finding more money. The sheriff’s office currently has 35 open positions. We need to recruit and retain officers to currently bring levels up to fully staff the department. I have been endorsed by both Sheriff Gese & retired Sheriff Simpson and maintain a great working relationship with our sheriff’s department. I serve on the Organizational Leadership & Resource Management Committee at Olympic College and am working with the office of workforce development to see if there is a way to bring a criminology program to Olympic College. The way to ensure public safety and combat crime is to fully staff the department by attracting more community members into the profession, training them locally, and being competitive with pay, benefits, and professional development opportunities to retain them to better protect and serve Kitsap.
Q: The lack of mental health treatment at all levels in society is burdening jails and stretching other county resources. In addition to supporting agencies and nonprofits through the county’s 1/10 of 1 percent sales tax, can anything else be done at the local level to ensure access to care?
A: Connecting at-risk individuals discharged from the hospital or jail immediately to services including access to housing, treatment, and employment would make a huge impact in reducing the burden on our jail and county resources. Those discharged without the support and a place to go end up back in encampments and unsafe living conditions and the cycle repeats itself. Employment is also tied to better mental health and housing stability. At the local level, we can also encourage employers to take an informed risk to hire second-chance employees. Mod Pizza is a great example of inclusive hiring practices proven not only to be good for the community but good for business.
This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Election 2022: Primary candidates for Kitsap County Commissioner, District 3
