Elect Rob Welch
Patriots Not Politicians
Rob Welch declaring his candidacy for the
State Legislature
May 6, 2008
Good afternoon and thank you for joining me today at the Three Rivers Convention Center.
I have chosen this location because it is a great example of what cooperation between local government officials can achieve. Across the street is a new building to house the backbone of American business, the Chamber of Commerce, TRIDEC and the Tourism Bureau. Behind us the Justice Center and Sheriff’s Office where we expect the laws of our land to be upheld. All of these hardworking people and organizations have a common goal of improving our quality of life for our specific region as well as advancing our economy.
There are many others that play a part in these goals. I personally want to thank my family and friends, but especially all of the elected officials and community leaders that have come out today. I appreciate the sacrifices that you make each and every day for the benefit of our community.
However all of the work
done at our local level requires one thing in common, strong leadership at the
state level promoting our issues and bringing home resources to make positive
things happen.
That is why I have invited you all here today to announce that I will be running for the House of Representatives 8th District Position #2 as a Republican.
Six months ago I would not have imagined I would ask the citizens for an opportunity to represent them at any level. So many of you have convinced me that we are in desperate need of new leadership in Olympia and I believe that I have the experience, skills and the undeniable heartfelt desire to roll up my sleeves and get to work for our district.
People have asked me why I chose the position of Larry Haler rather than the potentially open seat held by Shirley Hankins. First there are good candidates prepared to serve in Mrs. Hankins position but more important I believe I give the voters a very clear and different option to Mr. Haler.
It is quite simple to
compare our records of elected service. We both served 4 years as Richland’s
Mayor. In my tenure Richland’s infrastructure was rebuilt, water lines replaced,
streets
repaired and the business community has flourished and grown like no
time before.
We were named the #1 city in Washington to do business in, while increasing property taxes by only 3% over 4 years (the lowest in Richland’s history.)
All because we developed a team approach, worked together, demanded integrity, and settled for nothing less than excellence.
While Mr. Haler was in office the city built the city shop facility against the wishes of the citizens and property taxes rose over 18% in the same time frame.
As an official in Olympia he has worked hard writing probably more bills than anyone in the house. Sounds like what we need, however I challenge you to come up with one important bill to the region or state that you can say was his creation. He points out that one bill almost passed this year but, I quote, “the majority party wouldn’t listen to it before the session ended.”
Mr. Haler tells us he is a fiscally responsible leader but since he was elected in 2004 the state operating budget has increased by $8.4 BILLION. Over 33%
In the last four years
he has voted on budgets 43 times and only 8 of those were no votes. Less than
18% of the time he protected the tax payers. He states “that the dramatic
increase in spending is not wise and could come back to hurt the state”. (From
His legislative flier in
April 2008) But he has failed to propose any savings or
reductions, in fact he also voted to increase the vehicle license fees recently reduced by
the voters of our state.
Hard work isn’t enough. We need leaders not excuses. We need people with ideas and communication skills capable of success despite party lines, regardless of special interest pressure and regardless of which side of the mountains you call home.
Today we received notice that Areva has chosen to build its new 2 billion dollar plant with over 500 well paying jobs in Idaho. I share Congressmen Doc Hastings sentiment that this is sadly due to the lack of leadership from Olympia. “What made the difference for Idaho was its State Leadership working hard to attract these high-paying jobs. Idaho welcomed them with open arms while Olympia’s response was luke-warm at best.”
The accountability for this does not simply rest on the shoulders of the Governor, but also Representative Haler. He is responsible for this district and simply failed in the battle for this company and the positive impacts to our region.
I intend to lead our state from a rating of 49th to the #1 state in the country to do business, while demanding governmental accountability and efficiency, maintaining a reasonable tax of our properties and the issue dear to my heart, developing safe neighborhoods for our children.
I believe that politics was never intended to be a hobby. Too many people have sacrificed and so much is at stake for the future.
We are at a crossroads in our country that requires good people to stand up against corruption in government, people willing to lead for the sake of the citizens rather than self interests and patriots that believe this nation, and its assets, were built for the advancement of America’s citizens and our future generations.
I ask that you put me in the State House of Representatives as well as guide and advise me for years to come.
We will show the country that the 8th district of Washington State will lead the way to a nation exceeding the expectations of the many heroes that sacrificed themselves to pass on the dream “that each future generation will live more successfully and free than the one before”.
Thank you ! 