Rep. Joel Kretz's 7th District Survey: Views and voices from the other side of the state

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* 1. There are 19 confirmed wolf packs in Washington state with 16 of those residing within the 7th Legislative District. Do you think this is:

Plenty! We've met state and national goals and should limit future numbers.

Not enough. We need to let nature be nature and allow the wolves free room to roam, breed and live unfettered.

Too many for the current ecosystem, food base (deer, elk) and our rural economy. We need to decrease the numbers of wolf packs.

If you'd like to elaborate, please be specific.

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* 2. The federal government is now considering reintroducing grizzly bears to Washington state. What do you think of this effort?

I'm all for it.

I don't really care one way or another.

I do not support the reintroduction of grizzly bears to our state.

If you'd like to elaborate, please be specific:

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* 3. With record-setting wildfires the past few years, what do you think of the command structure used to fight the fires? From the people making the decisions of who goes where with what, and how those commands were relayed down to the “boots on the ground.”

The current command model is too bureaucratic and cumbersome and should be replaced with a model that emphasizes local input, flexibility and less red tape.

I was satisfied with the command structure and how the fires were managed in general.

The command structure was top notch and probably could not have done much better than they did.

I'm not sure because I don't have firsthand experience with this issue, but the sense I got from my community was one of dissatisfaction and frustration.

I'm not sure because I don't have firsthand experience with this issue, but the sense I got from my community was one of satisfaction and confidence.

If you'd like to elaborate, why do you feel this way? Be as specific as possible.

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* 4. What issues are most important to you? Please rank the following 1-10 with 1 being most important to you and 10 being least important:

Jobs and the economy

Responsible and sustainable state budget

Education

Public safety

Health care

Wildfires and forest management

Delisting wolves from ESA

State Supreme Court's Hirst decision and the uncertainty of water issues

Gun issues and the constant attack on our Second Amendment rights

Property rights and the continuous eroding of this fundamental right

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* 5. How do you feel about the economy where you work and live?

It's thriving and family-wage jobs are available.

Seems to be getting a little better and I'm cautiously optimistic.

If feels stagnant and I'm guessing it will probably be about the same for awhile.

Why did you answer the way you did? Be as specific as possible:

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* 6. What do you think about the regulatory climate in our state?

We need more regulations on our small businesses and employers to protect our environment, consumers and public safety.

It is manageable. Employers are able to cope and it's not a hindrance to job creation or economic growth.

It is one of many factors including B&O taxes, L&I issues and a high minimum wage that is preventing job creation and economic growth in my community.

Overburdening employers with unnecessary rules and regulations is the single biggest hurdle to economic growth in my community.

If you are an employer or small business owner and would like to elaborate, please do so:

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* 7. Gov. Jay Inslee issued an executive order temporarily suspending the death penalty in Washington state while he's in office. Now, legislation has been introduced to make this permanent. Do you support eliminating the death penalty?

Yes, the death penalty unfairly targets minorities, costs taxpayers money and should be permanently repealed.

No, the death penalty helps bring closure to victims and families, is proper justice for certain crimes and should remain a viable option for prosecutors when determining sentencing.

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* 8. What is the number one problem that you, or someone you know, are experiencing with Obamacare?

Not able to keep my health insurance plan

Not able to keep my doctor

Had to switch health plans and am now paying more

Not enough options to choose from to fit my needs and budget

Problems with access to or delays with the state Healthplanfinder website or phone number

I'm on Obamacare and have no problems whatsoever

Does not apply to me