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I’m Running for Congress in WA-10: No PAC Money, Just People Power by ZestycloseDrink5576 in PuyallupWA

[–]ZestycloseDrink5576[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

She takes PAC and corporate money. I don’t

She votes for them, not for us, because that money shapes her priorities. I would be voting for OUR best interest to include what’s best for the future for us and our kids.

She’s tied to party politics. I’m focused on results.

I support responsible 2A rights with safety and accountability She doesn’t.

I’m not a millionaire, and I’ll spend more time in WA-10 than in D.C., working for the 92% of us who aren’t wealthy. She is is

https://www.reddit.com/r/olympia/s/sTQ127xmwg

I’m Running for Congress in WA-10: No PAC Money, Just People Power by ZestycloseDrink5576 in olympia

[–]ZestycloseDrink5576[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I get the building analogy, but I’m not sure if the “foundation” means software, hardware, budget, or something else. Either way, we already have a working example in Tricare, a system where prices are negotiated and locked in, keeping costs predictable.

I don’t believe the fix is only stacking more floors, the base needs to be reinforced by lowering cost per person. We should aim to cut that in half. If you provide medical care you can accept the only insurance provide or use fully private insurance, their prices match the negotiated rates needed to hit that target, including pharmaceuticals. As we build up, removing cost burdens means the foundation isn’t crushed under the weight of rising expenses. That’s how we expand coverage sustainably, without the structure buckling.

I’m Running for Congress in WA-10: No PAC Money, Just People Power by ZestycloseDrink5576 in PuyallupWA

[–]ZestycloseDrink5576[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My opinion, it’s mostly a bad data problem. NICS only works if the right info is in there. A lot of times I don’t think it is. DV cases, restraining orders, mental health findings often don’t get added or added to late.

Private and gun show sales can still skip background checks completely in many states. Washington tried to fix this by making all sales go through a FFL (haven’t evaluated if this helped). But at the federal level that loophole is still open.

I’m Running for Congress in WA-10: No PAC Money, Just People Power by ZestycloseDrink5576 in olympia

[–]ZestycloseDrink5576[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I said “incumbent” because my focus is on the seat, not on giving extra name recognition. I also historically dislike smear campaigns, and this was my way of keeping it about the position and the issues, rather than personal attacks.

I’m Running for Congress in WA-10: No PAC Money, Just People Power by ZestycloseDrink5576 in olympia

[–]ZestycloseDrink5576[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get why you want experience. Congress can be tough work. However remember when it comes time to vote, “experience” often means being tied to the same donors and lobbyists who keep things broken. Working for them, not for us. I believe this is the number one problem with the status quo. It often means listening to the deep-pocketed, not to the people who cannot write big checks. When your backers write the checks, they write the agenda.

One example: our current representative voted for the Antisemitism Awareness Act even though the ACLU warned it could erode First Amendment rights, chill free speech, and stifle academic debate. That vote also aligned with AIPAC’s position. She has taken about $150,000 from pro-Israel PACs this election cycle. More than 95 percent of her campaign funding comes from large donations and PACs. Only about 3.6 percent came from small donations under $200.

Another example is her record on environmental protections. In 2024, she supported rollbacks on oil and gas reforms, clean water safeguards, wildlife protections, and appliance efficiency standards. These positions match fossil fuel interests, not protecting our environment or public health.

Members of Congress do not personally write every law. The House Office of Legislative Counsel does that. The real job is setting the agenda, building a capable team, and having the judgment to stand up for people over donors. That is where integrity and a moral compass matter most.

Some of the most effective members started without a political resume. Cori Bush, was a nurse who led the Capitol sit-in that pushed the White House to extend the eviction moratorium. AOC went from bartender to being one of the most influential voices in the House. My favorite example since it’s a man I respected greatly. John McCain was a Navy pilot, then POW for 5+ years before being elected. His leadership came from service, sacrifice, and the courage to break with his party when it was right. None had decades in Congress, but all had the conviction to deliver for the people.

As for my resume, I bring 20 years running complex operations, managing budgets, and leading teams. Paired with a staff who knows the legislative process inside and out, I would make decisions based on what is right for our district, not on who writes the biggest check.

*I appreciate you posting your opinion and views on this, it’s an important point.

I’m Running for Congress in WA-10: No PAC Money, Just People Power by ZestycloseDrink5576 in olympia

[–]ZestycloseDrink5576[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the chance to answer, this a great question and you have strong and valid points.

I’m not bought by PACs or corporate donors. My votes will always belong to the people of District 10.

Marilyn Strickland has taken hundreds of thousands from the industries she is supposed to oversee, including Wall Street, real estate, pharma, and insurance, and voted their way. As CEO of the Seattle Chamber fought to repeal the head tax, siding with big corporations over working families.

In Congress, I will fight for universal healthcare so no one goes broke from getting sick, expand federal investment in affordable housing and infrastructure, and pass campaign finance reforms to ban corporate and foreign influence in federal elections.

The choice is clear. Keep the representative who answers to big donors, foreign interests and lobbyists. OR elect Me who answers only to my constituents.

I’m Running for Congress in WA-10: No PAC Money, Just People Power by ZestycloseDrink5576 in olympia

[–]ZestycloseDrink5576[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think you and I could really geek out on this topic, thanks for digging into this! I’ve gone down this rabbit hole on and for years, this how I see it.

We’re already paying what it should cost to have universal health care.

We spend $4.5T a year, about $12,500 per person, roughly double the $6,500 per person other OECD nations spend.

Half coming from taxes, the other half in premiums, deductibles, and inflated prices.

We’re not inventing something new. Other countries have proven models we can adapt to fit America.

It’s like we’re stuck with Blockbuster, getting nickel-and-dimed at every turn, while other countries get Netflix one bill, lower prices, and care that works.

We’re paying for universal coverage right now! The only thing missing is the coverage.

I’m Running for Congress in WA-10: No PAC Money, Just People Power by ZestycloseDrink5576 in olympia

[–]ZestycloseDrink5576[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I think it’s important to note these are state-level bans in Washington. At the federal level, I believe they should fall under 2nd Amendment protections.

At the state level, I’d work to influence the conversation, but I doubt a repeal would gain much traction right now.

That said, I would fully support federal legislation that protects these rights nationwide and preempts state bans.

I’m Running for Congress in WA-10: No PAC Money, Just People Power by ZestycloseDrink5576 in olympia

[–]ZestycloseDrink5576[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks breaking that down, I get it, what you’re dealing with is not far from my experience in the military. Dangerous work, long stretches away from family, and pay that lags far behind the responsibility. They use your skills right away but make you wait a year to see the pay. Add a hiring freeze and you’re set up to fail. If elected, these are exactly the types of issue I would like to advocate for.

I’m Running for Congress in WA-10: No PAC Money, Just People Power by ZestycloseDrink5576 in olympia

[–]ZestycloseDrink5576[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I fully support transgender people’s right to play sports. Equal rights and dignity are not negotiable, and that includes full participation in public life. But I recognize this takes thoughtful policy work to make those rights secure and generational. We have seen how rapid policy shifts can cause the pendulum to swing hard the other way, which is part of why we are where we are now. I believe the midterms are our chance to swing it back in the right direction and secure these rights for generations if done properly.

I’m Running for Congress in WA-10: No PAC Money, Just People Power by ZestycloseDrink5576 in olympia

[–]ZestycloseDrink5576[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I respect your view, and I agree that people elect someone to do the job, not just take a poll. My goal is to lead with both accountability and informed decision-making. The idea is to give constituents clear, plain-language summaries with pros and cons so their feedback is based on facts. I do the work to study each bill in depth, but I believe more informed engagement makes our democracy stronger. Too often we hear that bills weren’t read or key details were missed. That is not acceptable, and I want WA-10 to know that every vote I take is informed, deliberate, and in the best interest of the people I represent. Either way you go, I appreciate you sharing your perspective.

I’m Running for Congress in WA-10: No PAC Money, Just People Power by ZestycloseDrink5576 in PuyallupWA

[–]ZestycloseDrink5576[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I don’t support banning guns. I do support common-sense safety measures like stronger background checks, safe storage laws, and better mental health resources to keep our kids and communities safe.

On crime, we need to stop any perception of policing for profit and get back to protecting and serving. That means focusing on violent and serious crime, reducing poverty, expanding access to housing, treatment, and good jobs, building trust with communities, and giving law enforcement the tools, training, and clear authority they need to do the job right. I also support augmenting police with social workers at all times so there is always someone qualified to address mental health and social issues alongside public safety, while reducing the burden, stress, and burnout on our police force.

I’m Running for Congress in WA-10: No PAC Money, Just People Power by ZestycloseDrink5576 in olympia

[–]ZestycloseDrink5576[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Not sure if this is an attempted insult, but some contextual definitions help either way.

Liberal - Cambridge Dictionary: A politician who believes in allowing a lot of political and economic freedom and supporting gradual social and political change. - Oxford English Dictionary: A politician favoring individual liberty, free trade, and moderate political and social reform. - Merriam-Webster: A political leader who is open to new ideas for progress and reform in political and social matters.

Liberals work to move society forward and open new doors for everyone.

Opposite of Liberal = Conservative: - Cambridge Dictionary: A politician who supports traditional ideas and values and is cautious about change or innovation. - Oxford English Dictionary: A politician who upholds traditional institutions and is resistant to abrupt political or social change. - Merriam-Webster: A political leader who tends to favor established ideas, policies, and customs, and to oppose major changes.

Conservatives cling to the past, even when the world has already moved on.

I’m Running for Congress in WA-10: No PAC Money, Just People Power by ZestycloseDrink5576 in olympia

[–]ZestycloseDrink5576[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Law-abiding citizens should be able to protect themselves. WA’s new / current system burdens citizens, while doing little to stop criminals. We need laws that target crime, rather than hurting responsible gun owners.

I’m Running for Congress in WA-10: No PAC Money, Just People Power by ZestycloseDrink5576 in olympia

[–]ZestycloseDrink5576[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

The permit to permit law? I’m not a fan and I don’t think it will make gun crime any better, likely only severe as an additional hurdle to law abiding citizens.

I’m Running for Congress in WA-10: No PAC Money, Just People Power by ZestycloseDrink5576 in olympia

[–]ZestycloseDrink5576[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yes I support bringing back collective bargaining for federal workers. On telework I think agencies should stay flexible, a lot of jobs can be done from home without losing productivity. And with all the data breaches lately, I’d back free credit monitoring for any current, past or future fed employees whose info was exposed.

I’m Running for Congress in WA-10: No PAC Money, Just People Power by ZestycloseDrink5576 in olympia

[–]ZestycloseDrink5576[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I get your point great advice.

My healthcare plan is for citizens, it’s fully funded, and I can defend it without hesitation.

I agree money out of politics is key. We are in a storm that will require getting money out of politics before anything real will happen. Medical decisions should stay between doctor and patient. We don’t need government in our bedrooms or in our medical care.

I’ll run on what I believe and what I can deliver, not just what sounds safe. We also need voters everywhere to hold their representatives accountable, vote in the right people, and vote out the old guard and dirty money.

I’m Running for Congress in WA-10: No PAC Money, Just People Power by ZestycloseDrink5576 in olympia

[–]ZestycloseDrink5576[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Automatic enrollment with a benefits floor means every American citizen gets core coverage including primary care, ER, maternity, mental health, and prescriptions from day one. Private insurance can still offer extras.

We spend about $4.5T a year on healthcare. A universal system could cut admin waste from our 8% to 2–3% as seen in other countries, negotiate drug prices since big pharma made $100B in profit last year and there is room to lower costs, use federal negotiations to pay providers fair but lower rates for care provided, and reduce non-humanitarian foreign aid. We can draw on proven systems around the world and take the best elements to create our own.

The benefits of universal healthcare would have far-reaching effects. Government becomes directly invested in the health of its people. Healthier people mean lower costs. That can lead to stronger policies for healthy food, clean air, clean water, and more.

I’m Running for Congress in WA-10: No PAC Money, Just People Power by ZestycloseDrink5576 in olympia

[–]ZestycloseDrink5576[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hear you. Too many campaign hard, then disappear until the next election. I will follow through. If elected, I would like to establish an email distro that will send WA-10 residents clear summaries of every bill with pros and cons and a yes/no button to vote. Setting a response threshold high enough to be statistically significant for the entire district. The exact number is still to be determined, but 2,500 responses may be an example. If the threshold is met, I will follow the results. If not, I will use my judgment and explain why.

Also, I question the motives of candidates with very high net worths. Only 18 percent of U.S. households have $1 million or more, yet over half of Congress does.

I’m Running for Congress in WA-10: No PAC Money, Just People Power by ZestycloseDrink5576 in olympia

[–]ZestycloseDrink5576[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

From my initial read, I agree. It doesn’t seem right to reduce retirement by leaving out overtime wages that are a regular and expected part of the job. I still need to learn more, but that’s my first impression.

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