Janis Clark is running for Legislative District 30, State Representative Pos. 1.

Candidate’s name: Janis Clark

Age: 63

Occupation: Retired

1. Why are you running for the Legislature? (250 words or less) –

Too often residents’ voices and votes go unheard. I will bring my experience to Olympia to represent the will of the voters of the 30th LD, support accountable budgets and spending, vote for lower taxes and work to end homelessness and to protect our veterans, elderly and most vulnerable residents.

2. Will you pursue/support any state legislation for reforming police departments? (250 words or less).

I do not believe that all police departments should be based on the actions of a few bad apples in other departments. I believe in funding the police, which includes extensive training in dealings with hostile situations and using non-lethal force whenever possible. Body cameras are also a good way to evaluate occurrences for additional training and for accountability.

3. How do you plan to prioritize racial equity in Washington? (250 words or less).

The 30th LD is a diverse Legislative District, its residents representing many ethnicities and cultures, which is why I love our community. A major part of my plan is to listen to the voters, gather the facts, and obtain as much information from diverse groups in the district to ensure that the approach is holistic in nature and through an equity lens.

I believe that understanding definitions are important. Often equity and equality are used interchangeably or used in the wrong context. “Equality is typically defined as treating everyone the same and giving everyone access to the same opportunities. Meanwhile, equity refers to proportional representation (by race, class, gender, etc.) in those same opportunities”.

4. What will you do in the Legislature to address homelessness and affordable housing in your district? (250 words or less).

I will work to formulate private/public partnerships to provide housing and recovery services for our most vulnerable citizens seeking assistance, provide job training to help people get back on their feet. Homeowners are being taxed out of their homes, it is impacting rents and affecting all our residents. I will work to stop more taxes and provide tax relief. I am a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility and smaller government.

5. Where do you stand on Referendum 90 and Senate Bill 5395, and why? (A vote to approve Referendum 90 supports allowing Senate Bill 5395 to take effect, thereby requiring public schools to provide comprehensive sexual health education for all students and requiring students to be excused if requested by their parents.)

It has been said that “the Comprehensive Sexual Health Education (CSHE) is a pandemic, Referendum 90 stopped the spread of CSHE and I-1109 will destroy it.” An overwhelming 233,000 signatures gather for Referendum 90 from across this state spoke volumes.

Senate Bill 5395 was void of parents and caregiver’s participation. I believe “Parents are their children 1st Teachers”. It is the rights of parents to determine how best to raise their children, not the state.

I understand “the law requires schools to teach students about affirmative consent — meaning, all parties need to agree consciously, intentionally and voluntarily to engage in sexual activity”. In my humble opinion, it is never okay for a kindergarten to engage in sexual activity.