The candidates for the 24th Legislative District state Senate position have differing opinions on the Climate Commitment Act, rent stabilization and more.

The candidates discussed a variety of political topics at the Port Angeles Business Association at Joshua’s Restaurant during a candidate forum on Sept. 24.

State Rep. Mike Chapman, D- Port Angeles, said he has a history of “34 years of uninterrupted public service.”

Marcia Kelbon, R-Quilcene, has worked as a chemical engineer, an attorney and a businesswoman.

“I have a skill set with this technical, legal and business background that I think can address some of the challenges we have,” she said.

The seat they are running for is currently held by Kevin Van De Wege, D-Lake Sutherland.

Climate Commitment Act

The candidates disagreed about the impacts of the Climate Commitment Act (CCA), which set a cap-and-trade program for carbon emissions, according to the state Department of Ecology.

Kelbon said the CCA is the No. 1 driver of inflation.

“The act needs to be neutered or amended,” Kelbon said.

She said she would support Initiative 2117, which aims to repeal the CCA on the Nov. 5 general election ballot.

Instead of the CCA, Kelbon said environmental issues should be addressed through investments in new technology.

Chapman said the CCA has established Washington as a leader in the clean energy market and is not the primary driver of inflation.

“The CCA is investing in future energy sources, and it’s working,” he said.

“This is not a bill we’re going to see repealed because Washington doesn’t go back,” he said. “We are a future-driven economy and we’re going to be a leader.”

For future local energy sources, Chapman said innovation will result in every property having individual battery storage capacity that can help provide energy needs.

Kelbon said small modular nuclear reactors could be a potential future energy source, if they prove to be safe.

“I don’t know of any energy source that doesn’t come with a cost,” she said.

Rent stabilization

Candidates disagreed about whether rent stabilization would be helpful or not.

Kelbon said she thinks rent stabilization would have unintended negative consequences that would drive landlords to sell their homes or turn them into short-term rentals. Instead, she said the government should focus on increasing the supply of available housing by limiting building regulations.

Chapman said rent stabilization would protect vulnerable individuals.

“Most of us [the people in the 24th district] are one paycheck away, one lost job away, from not being able to afford housing,” he said.

Capital gains

Candidates also differed in their support for Initiative 2109, which aims to repeal the capital gains tax.

The capital gains tax implements a 7% tax on the sale or exchange of long-term capital assets, excluding real estate sales, for amounts more than $262,000.

That would result in a tax of about $17,000 for a $500,000 transaction, Chapman said. Money garnered from this tax is then reinvested in childcare centers, schools and early learning.

He opposed Initiative 2109.

“It [the state capital gains tax] was a bill to capture revenue from the hedge funds who moved into Washington … and they are funding the proposed repeal,” he said.

Kelbon said she supports Initiative 2109 for two reasons: one, she said she was worried the state Legislature would lower the bar for how much is taxed and, two, she said the capital gains tax could result in investors leaving the state.

DNR lands, immigration

Candidates also discussed ways that the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) should manage its land, with both candidates agreeing that the DNR should protect local watersheds.

Chapman said the DNR should be able to sell carbon credits. If he wins the race, Chapman said that is one of the first bills he would bring to the Legislature.

Given Washington’s status as a sanctuary state, candidates also were asked about their viewpoints on immigration.

“I support the words on the base of the Statue of Liberty,” Chapman said. “I support everybody having a free and fair chance in this great country of ours.”

Kelbon also supported of immigration, although she said it needs to be controlled and lawful.

If elected, Kelbon said she would prioritize funding schools, infrastructure and public safety.

“Then see what’s left for spending on pet projects,” she said.

Because she is not a career politician, Kelbon said she’s not worried about being re-elected in the future.

“If people don’t want me after the first four years, I’m gone. Or they can keep me. I don’t care,” she said.

Chapman said he has a “tremendous track record of working together finding solutions.”

“Public service above self is what I’ve made my life,” he said. “I’m offering myself one more time.”