Election Issues
Government Accountability
Where are your tax dollars going? Recently we saw several hundred thousand go to Nigeria in an Employment Security Department scam. We saw millions go to the Governors security detail on his vanity run for president. Overruns and parties for Sound Transit (run by an un-elected board), lost Federal revenues for Western State Hospital, Toll roads to help traffic congestion deverted to the general fund instead. Where is the accountability to the people?
People voted in $30 car tabs and their vote was overturned. They said NO to a carbon tax and a similar gas tax by another name passed. They said NO to explicit sex ed mandated at a state level in K-12 classrooms, but passed in Olympia in the middle of the night. Tolls are not wanted by commuters and are punitive to Snohomish County residents.
Bert Johnson will fight for lower taxes, accountability to the taxpayer, uphold the vote and represent the will of the people of the 38th District in Olympia.
Vocational Education
It is critical that we build and establish a better system for education in our state and local communities, starting with Vocational Education. In this area we have one of the best Vocational training facilities around (Sno-Isle) to educate our high school students and help them move into the family-wage job market after graduation or pursue higher level training. Not all students are accepted into the program and that is not acceptable. In addition to the Sno-Isle program, Bert will work to bring (and in some instances bring back) vocational training into each high school programs for all students. Bert will prioritize training for our youth with the necessary skills to move into the job market right after graduation.
Working with public/private partnerships, we can provide incentives for trades to help train our youth and young adults, helping to educate them in the necessary skills to be competent and competitive in their area.
Not everyone wants or needs to go to a four year college and earn a degree. For those who wish to go to college, finding a way to make it affordable is a must.
Washington State resident students should have first choice at in-state schools and that education should have affordable pathways. After all residents are paying taxes to fund these colleges and Universities.
Homelessness and Drug Abuse
Our community has witnessed homelessness on our sidewalks, parks and downtown core. It is tragic to see people not reach their potential. As residents of our community, we want to see homelessness end and new beginnings blossom for these people. Bert Johnson will support and work for programs that give a hand up to those in need, not just a hand out.
Those suffering from Drug Abuse need the option of treatment, and I will support public/private partnerships to provide these services without adding costs to the taxpayers. Individuals who prefer to not seek help must be addresses by law enforcement, by enforcing existing laws and incarcerating criminal offenders.
Not all homeless are drug users and not all drug users are homeless. Each problem needs to be approached individually. Job training and employment opportunities will help those who need a new start to become self-sufficient and productive members of society. Educating residents about drug abuse early on is essential and can reduce many of the negative impacts of drug abuse.