Campaign Corner
Campaign Corner
For Other Published Responses to date:
The Highline Journal reached out to the 33rd Legislative District State Representative, Position 1, candidates for a “Question of the Week.” This race is for a 1-year unexpired term.
Question: Over the past years, King County has experimented with two competing philosophies regarding the homelessness and mental health crisis. One viewpoint is the Housing First model, as demonstrated by DESC. The other is the Treatment First model.
Please explain what model you support and why you believe it is the right solution.
Below is the question and non-edited response we received from the local candidate regarding homelessness in our district.
Kevin Schilling, Position 1:
“Thank you for the opportunity to answer this question. Washington State needs a complete overhaul in how we spend tax dollars to get people off the streets and into real shelter and services. King County continues to experience record-high rates of homelessness and overdose deaths, proof that the current approach is failing. This is one of the defining crises of our time, and out-of-touch politicians have only made it worse through inaction and ineffective spending.
We must take a treatment-first approach that prioritizes recovery and accountability. That means expanding involuntary treatment options where appropriate and building a state-run system that increases treatment beds, treatment staff, and long-term support. The current appointee to this position has spent over a decade in Seattle’s Human Services Department, yet homelessness and addiction have only worsened. It’s time to admit that the status quo isn’t working.
In Burien, we’ve shown that a balanced approach (combining treatment access with enforcement of existing laws) can deliver real results. Our efforts have helped hundreds of people move from the streets into treatment and services, while ensuring our public spaces remain safe and accessible for everyone.
There’s still more to do. The state legislature must hold service providers accountable and partner with city governments instead of creating bureaucratic roadblocks. We can’t keep repeating the same failed strategies and expect different results.
I’m proud to be endorsed by Congressman Adam Smith, Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, the Mayors of Kent/Des Moines/Normandy Park/Renton/Federal Way/Tukwila, 5 Law Enforcement agencies including the King County Sheriff’s Deputies and the Public Safety Manager’s Association, and the majority of local elected leaders and businesses who know we need to do things differently and effectively govern
So the choice is clear: do we want things to keep getting worse, or are we ready to try something that actually works? I’m running for the state legislature because I believe in doing things differently with compassion, accountability, and proven results.”
Kevin@electkevinschilling.com
https://www.electkevinschilling.com/
Edwin Obras, (Incumbent, Appointed in 2024), Position 1: No response received.
Info@edwinobras.org
For more up to date information about all elections and candidates visit: Elections at KingCounty.gov
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