Republican candidates make homelessness a statewide issue

SEATTLE — A homeless encampment has sprung up on a little triangle of concrete at Denny and Broad in Seattle. That's what drew Mark Miloscia, Republican candidate for state auditor.

“We will immediately prohibit, and this will be July first next year -- all camping on sidewalks, right-of-ways, schools grounds and highway overpasses,” Miloscia said.

Camps under highway overpasses can be found in Seattle.

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Republican candidate for governor Bill Bryant targeted such camps in a speech today before the Association for Washington Cities.

"I'm going to announce a zero tolerance for people living in boxes and tents on state land and give local law enforcement the jurisdiction to remove these camps," Bryant said.

But this issue is traditionally tackled on the local level. And the state auditor is not traditionally involved in writing social policy.

“I have emphasized homelessness as an issue my entire political career,” said Miloscia when asked why he was emphasizing the issue.

Bryant explained, “It is one of the biggest issues I see facing cities today. It encompasses the issues of affordable housing drug addiction, mental health and education.”

Both Republicans are critical of the current situation, but neither is offering a complete, concrete solution. Both want to collaborate with localities to work out a plan.

Donna Nelson is homeless.

“Hopefully the government don't move us but this is where we have to go right now,” she said.

Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee's campaign points to a list of programs and money he's secured to fight homelessness.

And Democratic State Auditor candidate Pat McCarthy said in a statement that it is "disingenuous to think a performance audit alone can solve this crisis."

Cox Media Group