News & Info

TAHC Active this Election Cycle

by OMB Staff

The members of the Olympia Master Builder's (OMB) political action committee, The Affordable Housing Council (TAHC) have been working hard to ensure that OMB members' interests are represented and heard this election cycle. The first test of the success of their efforts will be determined by the August 19th primary.  Because Washington State has a "top-two" primary system, the top two vote getters in each race, regardless of party affiliation, will advance to the general election.

"The number one priority race for our association is the Thurston County Commissioner, District 2 race," commented OMB President Karen McClennen.  "The TAHC has endorsed Jon Halverson and we have been working hard to educate the citizens of District 2 about Jon and his candidacy."

Earlier this year, the TAHC sent out questionnaires to every candidate within the five-county region that OMB covers.  The TAHC then hosted a forum of all the candidates for Thurston County Commissioner, District 2 on Thurston County Television before making an endorsement decision.  The TAHC has also conducted interviews as needed to assist in making candidate endorsements.  A complete list of the candidates the TAHC has endorsed is on page____.

The TAHC is also supporting the Friends of Oly Fire - Olympia's Proposition 1, which is to fund and staff a fourth fire station and fire training facility in Olympia. "The TAHC supports the Friends of Oly Fire's goal to finish out the fire master plan, which will increase public safety by shortening fire department response times and will ultimately result in a stronger and safer community," commented McClennen.

The TAHC has also made endorsements for state-wide races.  "In addition to the local races, our industry believes Dino Rossi will bring needed change on the state level as the next governor of Washington State.  For the first time in over 20 years our state could have a governor who understands what it means to run a business and how unnecessary government regulations and taxes hurt families in this state," McClennen noted.

"The ramifications of this election cycle could produce a great climate for the home building industry in this part of our state, or could be devastating to our industry. Because of this OMB's TAHC has taken seriously their duty to endorse candidates and campaigns that will provide an environment where members of our industry can continue to build strong communities, one home at a time," commented McClennen.