Caleb Atkins for Franklin County Commissioner

11/11/2024

I spoke to Stephen Bauman earlier this week to congratulate him on his victory and campaign. To those of you who supported me through this entire process, I am greatly appreciative. Our Constitutional Democratic Republic relies in part on trusting the electoral decisions our neighbors make, even when we don’t always agree. I encourage everyone who may disagree with Mr. Bauman on policy and procedure to give him a fair shot at proving himself in this new term because, ultimately, the voters chose him to lead. Civility in reactions to elections is imperative in our great country. When mistakes are made in our view we can protest with our vote, pen, and voice through debate.

A special shout-out to Sheriff Jim Raymond, who endorsed and donated to my campaign; Michelle Andres, who deeply informed me about much of our county’s business; Lynne Greene; Paul Frenzel; my dear mother, who canvassed with me; my father, who encouraged me and held me accountable; my awesome friends for encouragement, advice, and canvassing; and former Commissioner Brad Peck, who imparted sound campaign strategy and offered his endorsement. I look forward to working with all of you in the future.

Last but definitely not least, LaWanda Hatch—a strong woman who helped me along the way with advice, advocacy, and fierce encouragement. She’s a fighter with strong convictions and has been deeply kind to me throughout this process.

I am not done. I am disappointed, though not sad. I learned so much throughout this process and met many interesting and admirable people. I will be considering my next steps and will soon be advocating for what I believe is a good and decent direction for our county.

My shout into the wind will not be silenced so easily. 🇺🇸

10/23/2024

If you support change in Franklin County government, please forward this to all your friends...!

A message from Caleb Atkins...

If you have been watching local news you know Franklin County is in turmoil. Commissioners are being investigated. Infighting among elected officials is common. They are so busy arguing it seems no one is looking out for you…!
Meanwhile, Franklin County commissioners are projecting record spending of your tax dollars in 2025 and many of our long-time employees are escaping Franklin County for less hostile work environments.

I'm Caleb Atkins and I want to be your next Franklin County Commissioner (Dist.1) to correct these problems. I will push hard to prioritize county-spending while restoring employee confidence in county leadership.

I’m proud to have the strong endorsements of the Franklin County leaders...
Sheriff Jim Raymond and Commissioner Brad Peck (2009-2024)

I have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and currently teach math at the high school level, with additional training in sociology and education. Franklin County desperately needs leaders with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. I offer both.

With your support I will prioritize public safety, road repairs, mental health resources, and responsible budgeting. I will actively pursue state/federal grants and new industries to reduce the financial burden on county taxpayers, small businesses, and family farms.

I humbly ask for your vote on November 5th!

Respectfully,

Caleb Atkins

09/30/2024

We need to facilitate measured growth throughout our county. Our county economy is heavily agriculture oriented, therefore it's important to weigh growth with impact on farmers and their business affiliates. We can do this through open dialog and inquisition to impacted or possibly impacted farmers. However, I believe that if farmers want to sell to developers they should be allowed to do so and when rezoning is required to build residential property, the neighboring farmers should have a say in whether or not the property ultimately gets rezoned or at least a say in the metrics of what will be placed within the newly zoned residential areas. The community that is in those areas already is priority, and I will spend my time communicating with them the goals of developers and collecting input in an attempt to satisfy their needs and concerns.

Send a message to learn more

09/03/2024

I will advocate to ensure that our county budget is prepared and approved openly with an emphasis on transparency and fiscal responsibility at the heart of the process. It’s important that you have a direct say in where YOUR tax dollars are being spent. To do this, I will attempt to educate and analyze the public opinion by utilizing online updates, online opinion polls about upcoming votes, letters to the editor of various papers, and open forum conversation and debate.

08/07/2024

Thanks to all the folks who supported me during the primary. We are not done—I am not done. As a new name candidate, I felt honored to receive the amount of votes and support from you.
I will continue to lay out and develop a vision for Franklin county with your input in mind and our principles at heart. Stay tuned.
I want to make us all proud.
On to the general—let’s win this!

08/02/2024

Capitalism is the most effective system in generating widespread prosperity and driving innovation. Through competition in the marketplace, capitalism encourages companies to produce the highest quality goods at the lowest cost—passing those savings and quality on to the consumers. Well-meaning folks sometimes box themselves into an idealistic trap when they start believing utopia is possible. When shaping public policy, we must focus on what is realistic and achievable as opposed to a vague idealistic "best" that is unattainable due to resource scarcity and other constraints. Each society has disparities in socioeconomic status, no doubt, but the difference is that in societies that adhere to [not totally unbridled] capitalistic policy folks have the ability and incentive to work hard and rise. Historical and empirical evidence shows that free economies—though imperfect—provide the best incentives, tools, and funding for addressing these challenges. As county commissioner, free economic philosophy will be an ideological pillar as I tackle challenges facing our community.

07/20/2024

I would love to chat with folks in the community about their challenges, perspectives, and most importantly, ideas.

07/13/2024

Individual rights enshrined in our Constitution—when properly and widely applied—have served as the best safeguard to the predations upon liberty that any majority may try to impose over any minority. As County Commissioner, it would be a great honor and highest responsibility to maintain and fight for the Constitutional rights of the people I serve.

07/07/2024

I believe it is time for the power to be placed back into the hands of the community. I seek to restore the proper Constitutional role of local governance and the power within. The people of this county must stand up against the gross and economically illiterate agenda of King County that has become the Washington state-level government.