Chehalis is at a turning point.
Over the past four years, our property taxes have gone up. Our utility rates have gone up. And yet, the city still managed to spend over $2.8 million more than it brought in. Meanwhile, major employers like Darigold are packing up and leaving for good.
This should be a major wakeup call for all of us.
My name is Elijah White. I’m a Christian, a husband, a proud father of two and a homeowner in Chehalis. Four generations of my family have called Chehalis home. I graduated from W.F. West, just like my grandfather, my father and now my son. I’m a Bearcat all the way through.
I’m running for Chehalis City Council because I believe we need to change course before it’s too late. This isn’t a stepping stone for me. It’s not a hobby. I’m doing this because I care deeply about what’s happening — for my family, for your family, for the grandparents on fixed incomes and for the small business owners, who provide jobs in Chehalis, that are just trying to stay afloat.
We need new leadership, with roots in this community, that care about how the city council’s decisions affect real people. Everyone I grew up with lives here. Everyone I love lives here. The choices our city makes don’t just show up on a spreadsheet. They show up in our mailboxes, in our utility bills and in the strength of our local economy.
We can fix this. But I need your help.
I am proud to have the trust and support of some of the strongest leaders in our community; like County Commissioner Sean Swope, Chehalis School Board Member Kelsi Hamilton, business owners like Jim Smith and Cassie Fuller, and I’m the recommended candidate of the Lewis County Republican Party. They know what I am fighting for: smart growth, real accountability and fiscal responsibility — the future of Chehalis.
It’s time for accountability. It’s time for Chehalis to get back to basics and stop shifting the burden onto the taxpayers.
If our voices aren’t heard before the annexation of the urban growth area — if this annexation doesn’t at least break even — we could end up in a hole that will be very difficult to dig out of.
This election matters. We need to change this city council seat. I need you to grab your ballots and vote for Elijah White for Chehalis City Council Position 1 At-Large.
I am from Chehalis. And I am for Chehalis.
And I want to represent you on the Chehalis City Council.
Elijah White
Candidate for Chehalis City Council
Editor’s note: In addition to being a political candidate, letter writer Elijah White is also an advertising representative for The Chronicle.
