Plain's Zach Miller wants to be Chelan County Commissioner

As part of our continuing interview series with candidates for county, state and federal office, NCW Media, parent company of the Leavenworth Echo, Cashmere Valley Record and Lake Chelan Mirror, sat down with Chelan County Commission candidate and Plain native Zach Miller and asked him a variety of questions. His answers are presented below:

NCW Media: Why do you want to run for Chelan County Commissioner?

Zach Miller: With gratitude for all that this community has given me, I want to give back through public service. When I look at my daughter and think about the kids in our community, I want to ensure that they are afforded the same opportunities for work and housing when they grow up. We live in a special place, and it will take a lot of hard work and dedication to maintain our way of life in an ever changing world.

NCW Media: Do you have any organizational, NGO or private sector experience?

Miller: Throughout my time at Hopesource (a Community Action Council), and now Tall Timber (as the Assistant Director), my two primary responsibilities have been people management and problem solving. When managing people, my focus is providing each employee with the training, resources and support they need to most effectively carry out their job. I also strive to make every position sustainable, creating an environment where employees are retained and enjoy being part of a team. Both of these jobs also had constant moving targets, requiring that I am on-call all the time and respond quickly to the needs of clients or guests. The work of Chelan County is never finished. As a commissioner it would be my full time job, with that same 24 hour a day dedication, to solve problems alongside Commissioners England and Overbay, and the county staff.

NCW Media: What is Chelan County's most pressing issue?

Miller: Affordable housing is our number one problem. With so little private land, a growing number of second homes, and zoning that leaves little room for high density housing outside of the towns, we simply don’t have enough homes for the families and workers in Chelan County. Property taxes are on the rise, and it is getting more expensive to live in the homes we have. But there are real solutions, and I am hopeful that through a combination of rezoning for higher density housing, and more public and private partnerships, we can find collaborative ways to solve this issue with a regional focus instead of putting off as a problem for our cities and towns to solve. Every day I talk to people that have creative ideas, and I truly believe we can solve this problem together.

NCW Media: How will you help the two most vital cogs of the county 1) Tourism 2) Agriculture?

Miller: Tourism is thriving in our towns, but we still have so many untapped opportunities in ecotourism. For example, if you look at Plain, and how nordic skiing has drawn more tourists into a rural community, you realize that this land still has a lot of untapped potential. I will draw attention to these opportunities, while also focusing on improving the roads through strong maintenance programs, to help our citizens and visitors get to the tourist destinations. For Agriculture, first and foremost we have to call out what an important and unique industry this is. Water will be an ongoing issue, and we need to make sure that our orchardist get the resources they need to keep their crops healthy. I will also call on our young adults to realize the opportunities available, and consider joining these important industries.

NCW Media: How do you feel about the cannabis industry being chased out of the county by the current commissioners and will you keep their policies?

Miller: While there are tensions between cannabis growers and the county, the simple truth is that growers haven’t been chased out. If the commissioners didn’t want any growing they would have placed a permanent moratorium on growing and shut it down. Commissioners have the constant challenge of balancing multiple sides of every issue, and I believe they are trying to honor the many voices they have heard. I will always be open to reviewing policies and trying to find common ground, because I don’t want anyone to feel they are being chased out of a community.

NCW Media: As an ordained pastor, will you be able to keep your religious beliefs from crossing over into county business?

Miller: With any faith based organization, just as within politics, there are differing views on almost every topic. Conservative and liberal, traditional and progressive, left and right. I have done my best to stay neutral and honor all voices wherever I have worked, supporting people for who they are while looking for ways to help everyone work together in harmony. The most foundational part of my beliefs are that every person, regardless of any categorization is of equal value, dignity, and worth. I will always stand for everyone, because a commissioner’s job is to represent the people, not their own special interest. I want to serve, and I don’t have any religious agenda going into local politics other than honoring the amazing people of Chelan County.

NCW Media: Do you feel city, county, state and federal government has too many regulations that inhibit growth?

Miller: The question of regulation is not about how many regulations, but having the right regulations. We need good codes and standards by which we can live together that don’t infringe upon individual liberties and rights. Talking to business owners, you almost always hear about a frustrating regulation that doesn’t make sense for a rural county. But there are also numerous good regulations that keep us safe and preserve our infrastructure. As a commissioner, I will fight for common sense, taking in all opinions and facts so that we can maximize our growth while adequately planning for our future with the right regulations.

NCW Media: How will you join Republicans and Democrats divergent points of view if elected, and why are you running as an independent?

Miller: The truth is that I'm for both parties. I want to see Republicans and Democrats operate as the best versions of themselves. Iron sharpens iron, and we need two parties with diverse opinions and approaches engaged in respectful dialogue. My working life has shown me the benefits of equally valuing everyone in the room, and I want to carry that into local politics. Within our county, I want to be a voice for diplomacy. We are all in this life together, and the divergent views we have can help us see more innovative solutions to the problems we face. I am running as an independent to stand for both parties equally. I care more about people than party lines, and will do everything I can to ensure that every voice is heard.

NCW Media: Tell the readers about yourself, family, hobbies, etc.

Miller: I grew up in Plain, and met my wife Cassie, as a freshman at Cascade High School. We have now been together for 18 years. Our daughter Melanie turned 4 this summer. The two most important things to Melanie in Chelan County are finding water to swim in and unrestricted public dancing. I love my family, and am so thankful for their support. My wife has spent more than half my life with me, and knows my heart is fully dedicated to the people around me, which is why she supports me running for office. I am thankful for the opportunity to show my daughter it is more rewarding to serve than receive. It is with deep gratitude and thankfulness that I am seeking public office, because the communities of Chelan County have given me and my family so much.