What truly matters to you in Lewis County? The Lewis County Democrats are seeking your direct input through a new survey designed to uncover the community’s most pressing issues. From housing to healthcare, your voice can shape local priorities and advocacy. Have your concerns been heard effectively in the past?

The Lewis County Democratic Central Committee has initiated a comprehensive Community Priorities Survey, aiming to deeply understand the most pressing issues and concerns faced by families and residents across the county. This proactive approach marks a significant effort to foster direct engagement and ensure local voices are heard in shaping future political advocacy.

This crucial survey, readily accessible online, delves into a broad spectrum of topics that residents identify as critical to Lewis County’s future. Participants are invited to share their perspectives on vital areas such as environmental protection, the availability of job opportunities, the rising costs of housing, the state of local infrastructure, education quality, access to essential health care, and the overarching concern of public safety within their communities.

Beyond identifying key challenges, the survey also seeks to understand how residents prefer to actively participate in their community and their primary sources for information regarding both local and national issues. This dual focus provides valuable insights not only into community needs but also into effective channels for communication and mobilization.

Zac Eckstein, chair of the Lewis County Democratic Central Committee, emphasized the distinct local identity of the party. “The Democrats here in Lewis County aren’t the Democrats in Olympia or D.C.,” Eckstein stated, highlighting a commitment to local concerns over broader state or national political narratives. This distinction aims to reassure residents that the committee’s focus remains firmly on local matters that directly impact their daily lives.

Eckstein further clarified the committee’s mission, explaining, “Democrats here are interested in listening and advocating for things that matter to us and our neighbors.” This statement underscores a foundational belief in community-driven solutions, moving away from imposed policies and towards responsive governance informed by direct resident feedback.

Importantly, the Community Priorities Survey is designed to be inclusive, welcoming participation from all Lewis County residents, irrespective of their political affiliation or personal views. This open invitation reinforces the committee’s dedication to gathering a wide range of perspectives, ensuring that the resulting data genuinely reflects the diverse concerns of the entire county population.

The insights garnered from these survey responses are slated to directly inform the committee’s advocacy priorities and community engagement strategies for 2025 and beyond. The findings, which will be shared publicly in the coming months, are anticipated to provide a clear roadmap for addressing the identified issues and building stronger, more resilient communities.

Acknowledging historical challenges, Eckstein remarked on a “trust issue with voters,” noting that “It’s been decades since Democrats actually engaged with the community here.” He reiterated the committee’s commitment to genuine dialogue: “We’re not looking to impose solutions from the outside; we’re way more interested in understanding what our neighbors are experiencing and building solutions from there.” This focus on authentic engagement aims to rebuild trust and foster collaborative problem-solving.