KMAS' Jeff Slakey speaks with Representatives Dan Griffey and Travis Couture of the 35th District about key issues shaping Washington State. They tackle the $10 billion budget deficit, the need for rural infrastructure investment, and the challenges facing law enforcement. Hear their perspectives on how bipartisan leadership and prioritizing public safety, education, and affordability can make a difference for their constituents.

From budget challenges to rural economy advocacy, learn about his plans for the 35th District. Discover how he’s addressing critical issues like law enforcement recruitment and updating outdated policies. Drew MacEwen-State Senator
Key Highlights:
1. State Senator Drew MacEwen discusses legislative priorities, including budget challenges and rural economy support.
2. Budget concerns: Record revenue growth but an $8-$12 billion state deficit due to overspending and misuse of one-time money.
3. Law enforcement recruitment struggles: Vilification of the profession is a barrier, not just funding.
4. Impact of Growth Management Act: Population doubled since the law was passed; updates needed for modern challenges.
5. Building relationships across the aisle to foster understanding and collaboration, especially post-COVID.
Quotes from the Senator
• "We can't continue to vilify law enforcement and expect people to want to join the profession." - Sen. Drew MacEwen
• "Our state's population has doubled since the Growth Management Act was passed. It's time to reevaluate." - Sen. Drew MacEwen
• "In Mason County, we love the rural lifestyle, but we need smarter policies to support growth and community well-being." - Sen. Drew MacEwen
Do you have questions or thoughts:
1. What are the most pressing issues you’d like Senator Drew MacEwen to address this session?
2. Do you agree with the need to update the Growth Management Act to reflect modern challenges?
3. How do you think rural and urban areas can better collaborate on statewide policies

Superintendent Jessee talks with Jeff Slakey about the budget and a variety of issues

1. Budget Challenges and Rising Costs (0:00 - 7:16)
I sat down with Shelton Schools Superintendent Wyeth Jessee and the first topic was the financial pressures the Shelton School District is facing. Operating costs, like utilities, payroll, and maintenance, have increased significantly, but state funding hasn’t kept pace. He broke down how the district is dealing with deficits in areas like special education, transportation, and substitute teachers. Inflation has only made these gaps wider, and it’s not just a Shelton problem—districts across the state are feeling the same strain. Wyeth emphasized that the district has tried to get ahead by making cuts early, but the challenges are still overwhelming.

2. Advocacy and Unfunded Mandates (7:17 - 13:01)
We also talked about the mandates that come from the state and federal government. Wyeth explained how districts are required to meet specific expectations, like offering mental health services or supporting students with disabilities, but the funding doesn’t cover the costs. It’s a tough spot because these services are important, but districts end up scrambling to fill the gaps. Wyeth pointed out that while lawmakers talk about supporting education, the budgets don’t always reflect those priorities. He stressed the need for advocacy at every level to make sure schools get what they need.

3. Levy Limitations and Community Contributions (13:01 - 15:15)
Wyeth and I spent some time discussing local levies and how they’re a key part of funding schools. He explained the challenges with levy caps and how communities like Shelton can’t raise as much money as wealthier areas. Even though the district is allowed to ask for a higher rate, Wyeth said they have to balance what the community can afford. He shared how this creates tough decisions for districts like Shelton, where the assessed property values just don’t generate enough revenue compared to other areas.

4. Staffing and Strategic Adjustments (15:15 - 17:31)
Another big topic was the staffing and budget cuts the district is making to balance the books. Wyeth shared how they’ve already scaled back on substitute teachers, travel, and even heating costs. But, despite these cuts, they’re working to preserve key services like mental health support and safety personnel. He talked about the challenges of reducing staff while still meeting the district’s goals around literacy and social-emotional support for students.

5. Oversight and Accountability (17:31 - 20:29)
I asked about oversight and how the district ensures its financial practices are solid. Wyeth explained that they work closely with auditors, the state’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and regional education support teams. He also talked about how inflation and multi-year contracts have added to the financial pressures, making it even harder to plan budgets. It’s clear they’re doing everything they can to stay accountable while dealing with these challenges.

6. Shelton Promise: Tuition-Free College Opportunity (20:29 - 27:45)
One of the most exciting things we talked about was the Shelton Promise. This initiative allows graduates of Shelton School District in 2024 and 2025 to attend Evergreen State College tuition-free. Wyeth explained how this partnership came about and how it’s designed to give local students more access to higher education, especially those who might not think college is affordable. On top of tuition, there’s a sliding scale for housing and other costs, making this a huge opportunity for families. It’s a great example of how the district is working to create more opportunities for students.

7. Community Engagement and Future Plans (27:45 - 28:17)
As we wrapped up, Wyeth encouraged the community to stay involved and ask questions. He reminded folks that school board meetings are a chance to voice concerns, even if there isn’t a lot of back-and-forth during the meetings. He also welcomed questions to be sent his way, so the district can continue to address the issues that matter most to the community.

Introduction and Context (0:00–2:00)
In my recent conversation with Dr. Lance Gibbon at the Hood Canal School District, we revisited their ongoing efforts to improve the district through bond and levy measures. Reflecting on past challenges, Dr. Gibbon introduced two upcoming proposals for the February 11th ballot: an EP&O levy and a Capital Projects Levy, both aimed at addressing pressing school needs.

Two New Proposals: EP&O Levy and Capital Projects Levy (2:01–8:00)
Dr. Gibbon detailed the two ballot measures. The EP&O levy funds vital programs like athletics and specialized staffing, while the Capital Projects Levy targets facility and technology upgrades. By scaling back costs and listening to community input, the district presents a more affordable and impactful plan for voters.

Cost-Saving and Strategic Planning (8:01–12:12)
We explored the benefits of short-term levies over long-term bonds, particularly in reducing taxpayer costs and enhancing planning flexibility. Dr. Gibbon used comparisons to mortgage structures, emphasizing how shorter commitments save interest and allow for more responsive project funding.

Details of the Levies (12:13–16:50)
Dr. Gibbon explained how the $19 million Capital Projects Levy, significantly reduced from previous proposals, will fund targeted improvements, including relocating bus facilities and expanding classroom spaces. This careful reimagining offers taxpayers better value while meeting critical needs.

Community Engagement and Value Proposition (16:51–19:54)
Through community meetings, the district has demonstrated how these levies address local priorities. Dr. Gibbon illustrated how strategic investments, like parking improvements and reduced interest costs, provide long-term benefits for students and families.

Current Achievements and Future Vision (19:55–22:10)
Dr. Gibbon celebrated recent milestones, such as surpassing state test score averages and launching an Algebra 1 class for eighth graders. These levies are presented as key to sustaining and building on this momentum, promising a bright future for the district.

1. Introduction and Historical Context of the Sheriff’s Office (0:00 - 2:28)
When I sat down with Sheriff Ryan Spurling for this Sheriff’s Sit-Down, we kicked things off by reflecting on the history of the Mason County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Spurling shared some fascinating details about his predecessors, like Sheriff Salisbury, who served for 16 years—the longest tenure in the county’s history. It was incredible to hear how the leadership over the years has built such a strong and positive culture, one that Sheriff Spurling is committed to continuing.

2. Accessibility and Community Engagement (2:28 - 4:18)
One thing that always impresses me about Sheriff Spurling is how accessible he is—not just as a leader but as a part of this community. He pointed out that Mason County’s smaller size allows the Sheriff’s Office to have a direct connection with the people it serves. We also talked about the Belfair satellite office and how it has really improved efficiency and made law enforcement more visible in the northern part of the county. It’s clear that staying connected with citizens is a priority for him and his team.

3. Proactive Policing and Crime Prevention (4:18 - 6:48)
During our conversation, Sheriff Spurling emphasized the importance of proactive policing and being visible in the community. He brought up some concerns about a state-level push to centralize sheriff appointments, which would take away local control from residents. Ryan made a compelling case for keeping the power in the hands of the people—after all, who knows a community better than the folks who live there?

4. Community Policing and Reporting Tools (7:59 - 16:29)
We also dove into the topic of community policing and the new tools that help people report crimes. Sheriff Spurling explained how online reporting has been a game-changer, making it easier to track crime trends and educate residents. He shared how these tools allow the office to identify patterns and work with neighborhoods to prevent crimes before they happen. It was inspiring to see how data and technology are being used to make Mason County safer.

5. Scams and Public Awareness (16:29 - 18:59)
Now, this is an important one—scam calls. Sheriff Spurling gave some great advice on how to handle those sketchy calls from people pretending to be law enforcement. He reminded us all to verify anything suspicious by calling the non-emergency line. It’s great to hear this kind of practical guidance because these scams can catch anyone off guard, especially when they use urgency to pressure you into acting.

6. Future Plans for the Sheriff’s Office (18:59 - 21:00)
Looking ahead to 2025, Sheriff Spurling shared some exciting plans. They’re putting together a proactive enforcement team to tackle specific issues like traffic safety, burglaries, and even environmental concerns. He explained how this team will collaborate with other departments, like code enforcement and health services, to take on challenges that require a combined effort. It’s clear that he’s passionate about making a real difference in the community.

7. Community Events and Engagement (24:20 - 26:24)
Finally, we talked about one of my favorite topics—community events. The Polar Plunge is coming up in February, and it’s always a blast. Sheriff Spurling highlighted how this event supports local emergency services and brings everyone together for a good cause. I could see how much pride he takes in events like this, which really show off the unique spirit of Mason County. If you’ve never been, it’s worth checking out, even if you’re just there to cheer folks on!

#MasonCountySheriffsOffice #LawEnforcement #CommunityPolicing #CrimePrevention #PublicSafety #LocalGovernment #PolarPlunge2025 #CommunityStrong #SupportFirstResponders #LocalEvents #MasonCountyEvents #PacificNorthwest #masoncountywa #ScamAwareness #FraudPrevention #AskTheSheriff

Dave Windom, Director of Mason County Public Health, talked with KMAS’ Jeff Slakey about the upcoming bike rodeo at Olympic Middle School. The event aims to teach kids about bike safety, including road rules and helmet fittings, with help from the Boy Scouts, Shelton police, and the Mason County Sheriff's office. Various organizations have donated helmets and bikes, and the event will feature activities like bike maintenance and safety sessions, ending with ice cream. This is the first bike rodeo in Mason County, scheduled for this Saturday from 1 to 4 PM.

Jeff Slakey talks with the President of the Mason County Amateur Radio Club, Ben Hicks, who is preparing for an event that serves both as a gathering for enthusiasts and a practical test of equipment for emergencies. Ham Radio is important in emergencies, particularly when other communication systems fail. The upcoming 24-hour event at Sanderson Field aims to educate the public, demonstrate radio operations, and encourage new members to get licensed.
https://mc-arc.org/

Kevin Shutty, currently serving as a Mason County Commissioner, has chosen not to run for another term, instead taking a job as the new Executive Director of the Mason County Economic Development Council (EDC), starting May 1st. On his first day, Jeff Slakey and Kevin talk about his decision to apply for the EDC job and his experience in community and economic development. Kevin talks about the significance of infrastructure for economic growth and emphasizes the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors. Jeff and Kevin talk about the historical economic roots of Mason County and the importance of adapting to economic trends while preserving traditional industries like timber and shellfish. Jeff and Kevin discuss the importance of presenting a unified vision and message to attract opportunities to Mason County. They highlighted the county's assets like available land, recreational opportunities, and proximity to areas like Olympic National Park and Puget Sound.