Candidate Surveys — 16th District Representative Pos 1

The Mid-Columbia is growing, and we need to prepare for it instead of reacting to it. My priorities include increasing housing supply, expanding affordable childcare, strengthening infrastructure, supporting agriculture, and responsibly developing advanced energy. We have an opportunity to create good-paying jobs while protecting the quality of life that makes this region a great place to live.I believe elected officials should spend more time listening than arguing. My experience in local government taught me that durable solutions come from bringing people together, understanding the facts, and finding common ground. I will work with anyone, regardless of party, who is serious about improving our communities and delivering results for the people of the 16th District.Washington should be a place where families can afford to live, businesses can grow, and the next generation has the opportunity to build a future here. Government should be accountable for the results it delivers, not just the money it spends. Every public investment should have clear goals, measurable outcomes, and regular review so taxpayers know what is working and what needs to change. I believe we can support innovation, grow our economy, and be responsible stewards of public resources at the same time.

I am a third-generation Richland resident, husband, father, former Chair of the Richland Planning Commission, and a professional in the real estate industry. My work has given me firsthand insight into the housing, economic, and growth challenges facing communities throughout the Mid-Columbia. My background includes service with AmeriCorps, a degree in Social Sciences from Washington State University, graduate studies in real estate development at Portland State University, and years of community leadership. I am running for the Washington House because I believe government should focus less on partisan conflict and more on solving problems that improve people’s daily lives.

I am passionate about preparing for the future demand for reliable, affordable power. Data centers, advanced manufacturing, and growing communities will require far more energy in the years ahead. We should lead in developing and deploying advanced nuclear technology, including small modular reactors, to meet this demand with clean, safe, American-made energy. By planning ahead today, we can create good-paying jobs, strengthen our economy, and ensure Washington has the reliable energy needed for future generations.

Honestly, I ran because I didn’t want to see this seat go uncontested. But the more I got into it, the more I wanted to actually have these conversations. Politics has turned into a team sport. Everyone’s pushed toward the loudest, most extreme version of their side, and there’s no room left to just solve the problem in front of you. I want to focus on what’s actually solvable and make government useful again to people dealing with real stuff, not just win arguments.

1. Make it easier to build a life here. It shouldn’t be this hard to buy a home, raise a family, find childcare, or keep up with the bills. People feel this every month; that’s where I want to spend my energy. 2. Make sure growth actually benefits the people who live here. Data centers and big developments bring investment, but they also eat up power, water, land, infrastructure. We shouldn’t be handing over our resources for pennies on the dollar while families pay more for housing and utilities. If it’s coming here, our communities need a real seat at the table, and a clear benefit, not just a promise. 3. Make government work. I’m done with politics being about who yells loudest or who can block the other guy. Fix what’s broken, keep what works, move on.

I don’t think we’d all agree more. The difference is we’d stop treating it like your team versus my team. Right now, the goal is often just making sure the other side loses. I’d rather ask: Does this fix the problem? Does it make life better for the people who live here? We’d still disagree plenty. We’d just spend a lot more time solving things instead of scoring points. You can follow me on Instagram: @PalmerWa16th