Leadership Blog

In the News

AUDIO: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Senator Short Opposes Sheriff Oversight Bill

Published on February 13, 2026
Senator Shelly Short strongly criticized a bill allowing an unelected commission to determine if elected sheriffs are qualified. She argued this undermines constitutional principles and local representation, warning against bureaucratic overreach that could erode community trust and voter rights in law enforcement leadership.
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AUDIO: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Senator Wilson Warns of Local Control Loss

Published on February 13, 2026
Senator Jeff Wilson condemned Senate Bill 5974, which shifts authority over sheriffs from voters to an unelected board. He highlighted Pacific County as the first likely impacted, calling the measure an “ugly bill” that disregards the will of voters and threatens democratic accountability in policing.
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AUDIO: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Senator Braun Criticizes Sheriff Decertification Plan

Published on February 13, 2026
Senate Republican Leader John Braun opposes legislation enabling a governor-appointed commission to remove elected sheriffs. He emphasizes existing recall and election processes already safeguard accountability, arguing the proposal oversteps constitutional protections and undermines voters’ rights to choose their law enforcement leaders every four years.
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AUDIO: KPQ: Senator Keith Goehner on Key Issues

Published on February 12, 2026
On KPQ, Senator Keith Goehner says an income tax proposal has no guarantee that funds will go to education. He’s concerned over a bill that would let an unelected board remove elected sheriffs. He says expanded powers for the Attorney General raises questions about overreach and impacts on small businesses. He continues to work to...
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AUDIO: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Sen. Mark Schoesler: “Never” on State Income Tax

Published on February 12, 2026
Senator Mark Schoesler speaks out from Olympia as the proposed state income tax moves forward. He reaffirms his long-standing promise to oppose an income tax, explaining why he believes it misleads the public and fails to guarantee funding for health care, K-12 education, or higher education.
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