7th District lawmakers join in telephone town hall meeting from Olympia: Rep. Andrew Engell, right, Rep, Hunter Abell, center, Sen. Shelly Short, right.
Legislators from the 7th Legislative District recently held their annual telephone town hall, and they say it was was once again a wild success.
“We had terrific participation in this year’s telephone town hall meeting, just as we always do in the 7th Legislative District,” said Sen. Shelly Short, R-Addy. “Our district is so spread out that it takes a meeting of this type to give everyone a chance to participate. I don’t think it’s any surprise that the people of North-Central and Northeastern Washington are concerned about the budget, taxes and government overreach. But after spending a few months in Olympia, it’s refreshing to hear common sense from the folks back home.”
Telephone town halls work similar to a radio program where the lawmakers can give a quick update on the 2025 legislative session while taking questions from constituents.
“It’s widely known in Olympia that our legislative district has more involvement in telephone town halls than any other district,” said Rep. Andrew Engell, R-Colville. “We took questions about protecting the Second Amendment, housing concerns, wolf management, protecting natural gas, and more. The citizens in the 7th are well-informed, intelligent, and involved. Hearing their thoughts and concerns makes it even more evident that we have the best constituents in the state!”
At its peak, more than 3,000 people participated in the telephone town hall, with several hundred remaining on the line for the full hour-long presentation.
“The best way to represent our constituents is to communicate and hear from them as often as we can,” said Rep. Hunter Abell, R-Inchelium. “Fighting for our collective values and prioritizing their interests is what we were elected to do. We can do that best by working in a bipartisan manner when we can, while holding the line when and where we need to. And our constituents can hold us accountable at the same time.”
With state budgets still being finalized, a survey was offered on the Road Usage Charge (RUC) where drivers would be taxed on a per-mile basis. Nearly 82% of those taking the poll said they hated the idea. In further discussions about proposed tax increases, including a potential gas tax increase, property tax increase, and an increase in the state’s Business and Occupation (B&O) tax, a majority of those on the line were staunchly opposed.
“It’s very evident that our people want Olympia to live within its means, stop the overspending, and for sure stop coming back to them for more,” said Abell, who serves on the House Finance Committee. “State government has taken in record revenues over the past few years and taxpayer wallets are getting thin. We heard our constituents loud and clear. New and increased taxes are not something they’re interested in.”
“There are things we can compromise on and work with legislators on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers,” said Engell. “But not when it comes to tax increases. You can’t double the size of the state budget in ten years and expect citizens to give up more of their hard-earned money. At some point, the tax-and-spend ideology needs to run its course and we need to get back to responsible budgeting by prioritizing education, safer streets, and protecting the most vulnerable. State government can’t be all things to all people all of the time.”
The legislators said they are eager for the session to end on time on April 27 and they encourage the public to reach out to them with their questions and concerns.
Sen. Shelly Short’s office can be reached at (360) 786-7612. Rep. Hunter Abell’s office number is (360) 786-7988, and Rep. Andrew Engell’s office is (360) 786-7908.