Airline pilot will run for Liz Pike’s WA House seat

A Delta Airlines captain plans to run for Washington’s 18th District State Representative, Position 2, in the 2018 election.

Republican John Ley, of Camas, has announced his candidacy for the legislative seat currently held by Rep. Liz Pike (R-Camas). Pike will seek the Clark County Council Chair seat in 2018.

Ley’s concerns, mentioned in a press release, include halting Oregon’s plan to toll Interstates 5 and 205 at the Washington border.

“This plan will harm low-wage workers the most, and will deliver negligible improvements in regional transportation,” Ley said. “We must begin a new dialogue with all citizens on both sides of the Columbia River. All options must be on the table, including multiple ways to cross the river and upgrading the existing structures.”

The solution, he addeed, must reduce traffic congestion, improve freight mobility, be cost-effective, and not include tolls.

“Light rail is not a viable option at this time,” Ley said.

He also hopes, if elected, to create more jobs on the Washington side of the river and restructure the state’s business and occupation tax. Ley said there is a need for implementing a competitive industrial insurance program and reducing regulations.

With the legislature committing more than $6 billion in new taxpayer funds to K-12 education following the McCleary decision, Ley added, he hopes legislators will focus on improving the quality of children’s education.

“I believe local parents, school boards and administrators know what their children and schools need the most,” Ley said. “Getting the proper resources into their hands the most efficiently, with the least restrictions should be paramount.”

In 2014, Ley was a candidate for the District 18, Position 1 State Representative seat held by Brandon Vick. Ley did not advance beyond the August primary in that election.

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