Issues
There are so many big issues facing our community.
Housing, homelessness, and building a resilient community are some of the priorities that Mike is seeking to address.
Photo of houses in Port Angeles with the mountains in the background.
Housing
All of our neighbors deserve quality housing options that work for them. We’re experiencing many challenges as a community including a lack of rental housing and rising home prices, coupled with an inability to recruit skilled workers due to a housing shortage and many elders who are unable to successfully age in place. I will ensure that the County take a more active leadership role in addressing the housing crisis for all residents.
Image of the four people walking down the street at night. Mike French is on the lefthand side of the photo.
Homelessness
The homeless crisis in Clallam County is increasing. The recent passage of the 0.01% sales tax will help address this crisis through providing much needed funding for permanent supportive housing options to help folks transition into a place of their own. Commissioner Peach was absent for this vote, and as your next County Commissioner, I’ll make sure to show up and advocate for policies which make a meaningful difference in addressing homelessness.
Image of a bard in a field of brown grass
Climate RESILIENCy
Addressing the climate crisis needs to be a priority for all levels of government. I was proud of the Port Angeles City Council’s decision to devote significant resources to plan for institutional climate resiliency, and I would like to see partnerships between our cities and the County expand these efforts. We currently have one County Commissioner, Mark Ozias, who is a strong leader on climate resiliency planning, let’s add another to support him!
Image of the Olympic Mountains at sunrise
Shared vision
Our County needs a cohesive vision with all departments working towards clear and attainable goals. I am excited to collaborate with Commissioners Johnson and Ozias and other countywide leaders to engage the public and develop a vision that highlights our region’s opportunities and takes on our shared challenges.
Image of the Clallam County Courthouse.
Good Governance
At the City Council level, I have focused on ensuring Port Angeles operates with principles of good governance and will bring these same principles to the County Commissioner’s office. Clallam County deserves:
Effective public services
Transparency and communication
Practical fiscal management
Metrics to measure success against our goals