State Rep Taylor’s Endorsement of Candidate Shows Independent Streak

July 12, 2012 by Leave a comment

Washington 15th District State Representative David Taylor (R-Moxee), is showing an independent streak in making the announcement he is endorsing Shahram Hadian for the office of governor.  His district includes Sunnyside, and much of eastern Yakima County.  He made the announcement in a press release, with a handful of other state representatives.

In an interview with this blog, Mr. Taylor states he made the endorsement because many people kept asking him who he supports for governor.  He said, “I view primaries as an opportunity for individuals to look at candidates to see who most closely matches up with their beliefs.”

Taylor said once Washington’s top two primary is over, he will look at who is left and decide who to support then; adding that in his opinion, state agencies are out of control and need to be reigned in.

Told that Washington State Republican Party Chairman Kirby Wilbur has called Rob McKenna the “only credible” candidate for governor, Taylor was then asked why he is breaking ranks with many in state Party leadership to endorse Hadian. He said, “This is not the first time I have broken ranks with Kirby Wilbur, and other Republicans in the state.”  He went on to explain that he does not view statewide contests as being different from national ones.  Taylor pointed out that many Republicans have shown support for Ron Paul, and other candidates, not just to Mitt Romney, during the nomination process.

Taylor was then asked if he would support McKenna, if he is running against Jay Inslee in the general election.  His response: “There is no doubt I will support McKenna over Inslee if those are the choices in the general election.  I remember Jay Inslee when he was the Congressman for this area, and I would never cast a vote for Inslee.”

Editor’s note: Acting as an individual, I have officially endorsed Rob McKenna for Governor.  My endorsement can be found on McKenna’s website: http://www.robmckenna.org/blog/2012/04/experience-matters

Here is the text of Representative David Taylor’s endorsement:

July 11, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 9, 2012

Representatives Brad Klippert, David Taylor, Jason Overstreet and Matt Shea Endorse Shahram Hadian for Governor

“We are honored to give our support and endorsement to Shahram Hadian as he runs for Governor of Washington State. Without question, he is a man of integrity and character willing to take tough stands based on Republican principles.

Shahram is steadfastly pro-life, pro-marriage and will fight to stop the implementation of Obamacare in Washington State. Specifically, he has committed to sign the Healthcare Freedom Act (HB 1946), opting Washington out of Obamacare.

“‘The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government.’ When Patrick Henry made that statement he understood that an all-powerful central government was the enemy of freedom. Mr. Hadian is a staunch defender of property rights and someone who has the titanium backbone to push back against the onslaught of state and federal regulations that are strangling our economy. We need people now, more than ever, who will take government out of the way so small businesses can get Washington working again. This is how we will restore our Constitutional Republic at the State level. We firmly believe Shahram Hadian is the right person to help lead that fight.”

Please join us in supporting Shahram Hadian for Governor.

Brad Klippert (R) David Taylor (R)

State Rep., 8th L.D. State Rep., 15th L.D.

Jason Overstreet (R) Matt Shea (R)

State Rep., 42nd L.D. State Rep., 4th L.D.

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Shooting, Stabbing Incidents Plague Residents On South 1st St


					

						

							March 15, 2011
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Crime Issues Continue While Council Considers Budget Amendment


This past Friday night residents of South 1st Street in Sunnyside were victims of a drive-by shooting.  Monday afternoon, the same house was the scene of a fight and stabbing.  The stabbing victim was in the words of one police official: “superficially wounded”.  However, his wounds bloodied him up enough that he was placed in an ambulance for a ride to the hospital.  He was released from the hospital later in the evening.


The house in question has many broken windows, as well as gang graffiti on its backside.


The area around this house on South 1st Street has been the scene of multiple police responses since last Friday night.


The house pictured here is listed on the Yakima County GIS website as 1111 South 1st Street.  The owners of record on the website are Jose and Jessieca Navarro.  Records indicate that they purchased the home in 2004.  See the picture of the same house as recorded in Yakima County property records:


Photo from Yakima County GIS


Unfortunately for this young man, he had to receive medical treatment:


This injured young man received treatment from City of Sunnyside emergency personnel.


This latest incident occurred while there were reportedly 40 youngsters playing basketball at the Community Center nearby.  It proves that we need a multi-pronged approach to solving crime in our community. A strong suppression effort from law enforcement when fights, stabbings, and shootings occur is a must.  In addition, the youth in the community need positive activities they can engage in.  More importantly, they need adult role models to guide them in making responsible decisions in their lives.


The city council pulled the budget amendment from their agenda Monday night that would have addressed funding for the Community Center, as well as a crime analyst and Gang Task Force for the police department.  The council will discuss the budget items in more detail at an upcoming special meeting.


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How Yakima County Deputies Can Give Sunnyside Police A Powerup


					

						

							January 26, 2011
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In the wake of a large number of Lower Valley shootings, I offered some suggestions to a city official on actions that could be taken to crack down on the gangs suspected of being responsible.  After each suggestion, I received the response: “We don’t have the manpower for that.”  I then offered a suggestion to solve the manpower issue that was so politically unpalatable that I did not get a response to that one.  It does not change my views on the actions I think the city should be taking, but I have some more ideas that are less drastic in nature to propose.


Sunnyside Police already have authority from City Council to hire and fill additional police officer positions, but have not filled all the vacant positions.  Meanwhile, Yakima County has severe budget problems that are prompting them to layoff deputies.  We are desperately short on law enforcement (in relation to our problem), and can not afford to lose deputies at this time.  After having coffee last week with some concerned citizens, an idea came to mind that I will share here:


This Yakima County Sheriff car was spotted in Sunnyside this past weekend.


The City of Sunnyside should buy a deputy.  Well, to put it in better terms, the city should enter into immediate negotiations with Yakima County to hire a deputy (or two) on a contract basis.  The precedents for this have already been set in a number of jurisdictions, where county deputies work under contract to do municipal police work.  Another example of contract law enforcement is how our own police department receives revenue from the Sunnyside School District for its School Resource Officers.


My proposal is to hire the county deputies, under contract, to work for the City of Sunnyside.  They will be based in Sunnyside, and answer to our Police Chief as an intermediate supervisor during the contract period.  Yakima County can provide the patrol car (which they have already purchased).  This will make it a financially attractive deal for the city as well.  The deputies will have job security, and can continue to accrue seniority and benefits under the County’s personnel system.


Another reason to do this is that new recruits take months to train, even after the significant time they spend in the Academy.  The deputies are already trained, have equipment they can bring to do the job, and can be put to immediate use in helping us fight crime in the Lower Valley.  As it stands now, there are typically only two deputies stationed east of Union Gap.  With this proposal, we can get two deputies just for our city!  The assistance to our local police (already using mandatory overtime at an alarming rate) would be invaluable.


The situation is spinning out of control, and a change in our municipal mindset is necessary.  The gangs are emboldened by the fact that they can run up and down valley roads committing drive-by shootings without being stopped.  We need to change tactics big time.  Just getting more manpower on station can at least offer some flexibility in our police patrols that is sorely lacking.  Let’s make it happen.


Let’s fill our vacant police positions NOW!


 


Let's get more cars out of the parking lot, and out on the roads.


 


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Grandview Voter Instructions For PCO Race


					

						

							July 28, 2010
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Attention voters in Grandview, Precinct #306:


To ensure that your ballot is counted in the August 17 primary, make sure that you follow these simple instructions.


1.  Use a black ink pen to fill in the box next to your choice.


2.  Refer to the picture below, and make sure that you have filled it in EXACTLY like this example:


How to mark your ballot in the Grandview PCO race for Precinct #306.


3.  Mail it in!


In all seriousness, both men on the ballot are outstanding candidates.  Either one is capable of doing a great job representing Grandview as a PCO.  However, I am endorsing Diego Trejo for the position.  Some reasons for this are included in my letter to the editor, published today, by The Grandview Herald.


The text of my letter is as follows:


To the Editor:


Grandview is blessed with two outstanding candidates running for the


office of Republican Precinct Committee Officer (PCO) in Precinct


#306.  They are Diego Trejo and Ronald Sexton.  Both men are capable


of representing Grandview voters well, in what is one of the most


grassroots positions available in the 2010 primary election.  However,


in considering these candidates, it is my view that Diego Trejo has


shown some attributes that would make him the best choice for PCO.


Mr. Trejo represented Grandview as an elected delegate from Yakima


County, at the 2010 Washington State Republican Party Convention.  He


impressed many people, from all across the state, with his energy, and


passion for conservative values.  He is an advocate for free markets,


and has a pro-business outlook for the Lower Valley.  Mr. Trejo is a


life-long resident of Grandview, and represents the traditional view


of family values that the city is known for.  He also is a supporter


of our 2nd Amendment right to keep, and bear arms.


With experience as the 2009 Campaign Manager for 15th Legislative


District State Representative David Taylor (R-Moxee), he has shown


skill at helping to elect people to office who will work for the


benefit of the working families of our area.  For local businesses to


grow, and create jobs, it is critical that they have low levels of


taxation, and predictable, stable regulation by the government.  Mr.


Trejo understands this, and supports candidates for office that will


work to make it happen in Grandview.


As a member of the Yakima County Republican Party Central Committee,


it is my pleasure to endorse and recommend that you also support Diego


Trejo for PCO.  Having seen him interact with various elected


officials and candidates for office at local and state levels, I am


confident that the voters in Precinct #306 will be well represented by


Mr. Trejo.


Jason R. Raines


Republican PCO #1706


Sunnyside

		


				


				

					

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Judicial Candidate Touts Career Prosecutor Experience


					

						

							July 26, 2010
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Bronson Faul, candidate for Yakima County District Court Judge Position 4, sat down for an interview at the Sunny Spot Restaurant in Sunnyside, Washington.  Among the reasons he gave for voters to consider him for the position, is his history as a career prosecutor.


Bronson Faul For Yakima County District Judge Position 4


“Of the three candidates for this position, I am the only one that is actively prosecuting crime in court on a daily basis.” said Bronson.


He said that in this valley, this is very important.  Last year, 78% of voters renewed a one-cent sales tax dedicated to law and justice in Yakima County.  Bronson said “This tells me that the community is sick and tired of gangs, and crime in general.”


Bronson is currently serving with the City of Yakima, prosecuting crime there.  Formerly, he was with the Yakima County Prosecutor’s Office.  His experience as a prosecutor has helped to shape his views of the law.  Examples he gave of this, are training law enforcement officers, and also conducting ride-a-longs with officers.  He said this experience has helped him to understand their perspective when they bring cases to the court for prosecution.


Another benefit of his experience as a prosecutor is that “I always get to do the right thing for the community.” said Bronson.  He pointed out that defense attorneys and representatives for corporations sometimes have to represent the interests of their clients, instead of the community at large.


Because of legal restrictions on judicial candidates, Bronson would not say how he would rule on gang crime cases.  However, he did reiterate that he has past experience being tough on gang crime, and is very aware of the gang war going on in the valley.  One trend that is particularly troubling to him, is older gang members encouraging and forcing younger kids to carry guns, and commit crimes with them.


He said the reason they do this is because they believe that the young ones will not get severe sentences for crimes because they do not have a long criminal history.  In response, the office where he currently works has taken a tougher stance when it comes to sentencing, asking for maximum punishments even for first offenses involving guns.  Bronson said this is helping to reduce crime.


Two areas that Bronson feels he could make an impact after being elected are in reducing crime, and also in making the court more efficient.  He described to me how smarter sentencing of the small percentage of troublemakers causing a disproportionate amount of crime can actually reduce the overrall crime rate in the community.  In addition, he sees several promising areas where new uses of technology can streamline court operations, and save taxpayers money.


Bronson has collected a number of endorsements from elected officials in Yakima County as he seeks the District Judge Position 4.  15th District State Senator Jim Honeyford (R-Sunnyside), as well as 15th District State Representatives Bruce Chandler (R-Granger), and David Taylor (R-Moxee) are endorsing him.  Yakima Mayor Micah Cawley, Zillah Mayor Clark, and a number of others are supporting his election effort as well.

		


				


				

					

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Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, Sunnyside and Grandview Police Combine Forces On Wed Night


					

						

							May 21, 2010
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    Assault Rifles Used In Forced Entry on Midvale Rd
    



A combined team of Yakima County Sheriff’s Office personnel, with Sunnyside and Grandview police officers assisting, brought out their AR-15′s (the civilian version of a military issue M-16 rifle), in their effort to resolve a domestic violence call on Wednesday night, just outside the city limits of Sunnyside.


The Sunnyside Police Department dispatch received the call at 10:38PM on Wednesday, 5/19/2010.  Sunnyside police were the closest to the scene, and responded first.  Grandview police responded to assist as well.


The mobile home behind these cars was the scene of a domestic violence call that required a response from multiple law enforcement agencies.


A male at the residence had reportedly been drinking, and hitting a female in the head and face.  Officers were told that he was inside the home, and that children were inside as well.  The suspect did not respond to officers’ attempts to communicate.  He did not come to the door when they knocked, and he did not answer a telephone that was inside.  It was unknown if weapons were inside the home.


Officers attempted to talk to the suspect by approaching a window of the room where they believed he was located.  Again, there was no response or communication from inside.


An ad hoc team of deputies and police officers quickly decided to force their way into the home after the woman expressed concern for the safety of the children inside.  The officers picked out who would be in the lead, and stacked up on each other in a similar formation to what soldiers might use in urban combat.  They established who would be supporting each other, and forced their way into the home.


Fortunately, the suspect was apprehended inside without any further problems.  He did not resist the officers as they took him outside, and the children were found to be safe in another room of the home.


The name of the suspect was not made public on Thursday, as charges have not yet been filed.


Lieutenant Max James of the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office was contacted regarding this incident.  I asked him why the AR-15′s were necessary in this situation.  He explained that it is a higher precision weapon than the shotguns that officers carried in years past.  If it had been required for officers to use their weapons, they would be more likely to hit their intended target, without having others in the home being hit as well.


For a former soldier, it was disconcerting to witness the use of long guns by local police.  I have nothing but the highest respect for local law enforcement officers, and respect their desire to outfit their cars with such weaponry.  Lt. James’ explanation doves-tails with what officers of the Sunnyside Police Department have told me in private conversations about why they prefer to have the AR-15′s in their cars as well.


It was fascinating to watch the officers come together and handle the situation as they did.  It would be unlikely to have the same team members respond every time, due to rotation of shifts, and the different agencies involved.  All of us are fortunate that the local law enforcement agencies provide effective mutual support and aid in protecting the public in the Lower Valley.  Their effective teamwork keeps all of us safer.


    

  • The incident number with the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office is 10-08425
    • 

  • Thanks to Sunnyside Police Department Spokesperson Charlotte Hinderlider, and Lt. Max James of the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office for answering questions, and providing additional information on this incident.
    • 


		


				


				

					

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Yakima County Gang Commission Discussed In Sunnyside


					

						

							March 23, 2010
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“We can not arrest our way out of the problem.” –County Commissioner Kevin Bouchey on gangs in Yakima County




Yakima County is proposing a county-level gang commission, and wants maximum participation from cities before proceeding.  This is what the Sunnyside City Council heard from County Commissioner Kevin Bouchey at Monday’s meeting.


The Sunnyside City Council did not seem to have any reservations about being part of such a group.  In fact, they even discussed who to appoint as representatives to the gang commission, despite the fact that the county has yet to form it!


After kicking the notion around some, the Sunnyside Council decided to wait until Yakima County takes the formal steps to create the commission, and then appoint its representatives.  This should happen in April or May, with the commission holding its first monthly meeting in either June or July.


Mr. Bouchey said the vision is to have monthly meetings, with each community having a seat at the table.  The commission already has funding for a full-time coordinator to work with Mayors, Councils, City Managers, and others county-wide.


The commission would be a non-regulatory body according to Bouchey.  He said the idea is to allow elected officials to share ideas that are working in their communities with others.  ”We need to go broader than law enforcement in this; not just duplicate what law enforcement is doing”, said Bouchey.


Sunnyside Police Chief Ed Radder said that the police chiefs in Yakima County already hold monthly meetings, and that there was a group consensus among police chiefs that it would be good for elected officials and others to join in the proposed gang commission meetings.


When asked where the gang commission would hold its meetings, Mr. Bouchey told me he would like to have about half of the meetings in the Yakima area, and about half in the Lower Valley, in order to get the most participation from the entire county.


It is my belief that the Sunnyside Community Center would be a good locale for meetings of this nature.  Sunnyside’s Promise will be running some gang interdiction and prevention programs out of that building in the near future.  This proposed gang commission would fit right in.


Sunnyside Mayor Jim Restucci said he had not discussed possible meeting locations for the gang commission with Mr. Bouchey, but that the Yakima Valley Conference of Governments rotates its meeting location to each member of its consortium.


With the idea of a county gang commission being so new, it is clear that some details have yet to be worked out.  It is also clear that the Sunnyside City Council is chomping at the bit to get on board with the county to address this ongoing issue.


The ball is now in the Yakima County Commissioners’ court to get the proposed commission started.

		


				


				

					

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Coming Soon: More News, More Commentary, More Authors


					

						

							January 5, 2010
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New Author Coming To BLOGSUNNYSIDE


Contributor’s Identity To Be Revealed Soon


BLOGSUNNYSIDE is growing.  More readers are sending me story ideas.  The number of readers is steadily increasing, with December 2009 showing the highest rate of increase in the history of this blog.


Several dedicated fans are contributing their own time and money to conducting research, and are offering some interesting ideas to expand readership even further.


However, the biggest change of all is coming soon.  Since its inception, BLOGSUNNYSIDE has been a one man band, with yours truly providing all of the commentary.  Those days are now numbered.


Soon, you will be able to read posts from another area citizen, who is just as interested in politics as I am.  At this point, I need to mention that even though this new author is a friend of mine, we will not always agree.  It will only be safe to assume that the opinions expressed on a post are those of the author, and not necessarily those of all the contributors on the blog.


Having said that, you will find that we, as authors on this blog, will be in agreement more times than not.  2010 promises to be a wild and fun time for all.


The new author’s identity will not be revealed yet.  However, I will share that he lives in the Lower Yakima Valley, just not in Sunnyside.  He has had letters to the editor published in the Daily Sun News, and the Yakima Herald in the last year.  In addition, his contacts with local elected officials, and political causes, should yield some interesting posts.


Oh let’s go, let’s strike a light


We’re gonna blow like dynamite


I don’t care if it takes all night


Gonna set this town alight, come on…


-From Def Leppard, “Rock of Ages”




BLOGSUNNYSIDE is giving you more of what you want.  Still rollin’, rock n’ rollin’…

		


				


				

					

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A Little Bit Of Common Sense In Yakima County


					

						

							January 2, 2010
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The Yakima Herald is reporting that Democrat County Auditor Corky Mattingly is joining with Republican County Commissioner Kevin Bouchey in donating her 2010 pay raise to charity.


Kudos to both of them!  Yakima County is laying off employees due to budget woes this year.  The auditor’s office is cutting one position, and cutting hours for others to avoid more layoffs.


The pay raises that certain Yakima County officials are receiving this year was approved in 2006.  The increases keep coming, without the need for the County Commissioners to vote on them.


In these tough economic times, this does not seem like good policy.  Kevin Bouchey and Corky Mattingly deserve a pat on the back for taking a symbolic stand against these automatic raises.


It is encouraging to see a little bit of common sense in Yakima County.


Reference:


Yakima Herald: Mattingly joins Bouchey in donating the county pay raise

		


				


				

					

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Mike Farmer A Strong Leader In Sunnyside District 2 Primary


					

						

							August 18, 2009
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Sunnyside City Council candidate Mike Farmer is leading very strongly in the District 2 Primary.  Initial results posted by the Yakima County Auditor have him leading by more than double the votes received by the incumbent Jesse Hernandez, Jr.


Mike Farmer has 270 votes, or 57.32%.  Incumbent Jesse Hernandez, Jr. has 130 votes or 27.60%.  Political newcomer Thomas Warren received 69 votes, or 14.65%.


These are the initial results, and will be updated by the Yakima County Auditor on a daily basis as the final ballots arrive through the U.S. Mail.  Yakima County is showing a little over 25% turnout of registered voters countywide so far in the primary results.


15th District Representative David Taylor will face off against Democratic challenger John Gotts in the general election.  Interestingly, John Gotts publicly withdrew from the campaign, as he is reportedly moving out of the state to pursue a job opportunity in California.  His name will still be on the ballot, however, because he withdrew after the time allowed to have his name taken off the ballot.


David Taylor received over 65% of the vote in the first day of reporting.  John Gotts received 19%.  The other Democrat challenger, Donicio Marichalar received 15%.




				


				

					

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