My statement given at the July 27, 2010 council meeting regarding a proposed ordinance to require E-Verify for all city contractors:
We have a huge illegal immigration problem in this country. Some 12 million illegals put a tremendous strain on job markets and cost taxpayers billions in government services. Not to mention their first act in entering this country was breaking our immigration laws.
I find it amazing that the Constitution gives the Federal government so few powers and responsibilities, but it spends most of its resources doing everything it shouldn't, while failing at the few things it should. Protecting our borders is a legitimate Federal function which is completely neglected. It's an issue of respect for the rule of law and economic and national security significance.
I don't mind jurisdictions stepping in when the Federal government fails. I support the Arizona law, for instance. But I believe it's important we maintain focus on treating the problem, not the symptoms, and that we make sure the cure isn't worse than the disease.
I believe our immigration trouble has three main facets: lack of border enforcement, liberal welfare programs that draw people across the border and make them dependent, and minimum wage controls which increase American unemployment and encourage black market jobs. Until key root issues are addressed, illegal immigration will continue to be a problem.
I respect that some good people support E-Verify. However, from a liberty and constitutional conservative standpoint, I don't believe I can.
I do concede that E-Verify may provide some relief in the short term. But I believe it may take us places we don't want to go in the long term, and the damage will be difficult to undo.
First, I believe more government is rarely the solution to anything. The Federal government needs to fulfill their original responsibilities rather than create costly new programs. E-Verify is not free, as often suggested. The Congressional Budget Office estimates its cost at over $100 billion Federal dollars every year.
Second, employment is highly regulated as it is. Certainly violators of the law must be punished. But I believe that preemptively requiring employers to ask permission to hire from the Federal government is unsupported by constitutional authority and the principles of free society.
Third, E-Verify, while accurate at correctly identifying legal workers, wrongly clears illegal workers about 54% of the time.
Fourth, most of the suggested ways to improve the accuracy of E-Verify, such as biometrics and national ID cards, make something that is already a privacy concern downright scary. It's a slippery slope.
Fifth, although some of what I already mentioned may be less of a concern for a local government requiring E-Verify of their contractors, again, it's a slippery slope. A few states already require E-Verify of private employers statewide. Some want it nationwide. I don't want to bring us closer to that kind of freedom-squelching reality.
So while I very much appreciate and share the passion I've seen on the illegal immigration issue, I respectfully submit that we must focus on solutions to the root causes of the problem, and be very sure we don't create any monsters in the process that we'll regret later. I'll be voting against this item.
(Measure passed 5-1.)
Matthew Trent Endorses Harry Green for Auditor
I'm pleased to announce my endorsement of Harry Green for Lewis County Auditor. As someone who knows Harry, and as a Lewis County employee myself, I'm excited about his campaign.
Though Harry and I may not agree on every point of political philosophy, he is a man of solid moral character and conservative values. His education, experience, hard-working attitude, and dedication to both internal and external customer service make him a perfect fit for the Auditor position.
Whether in the marketplace or politics, competition leads to quality. I applaud Harry for his willingness to challenge an established incumbent.
Please take a moment to learn more about Harry Green at http://ElectHarryGreen.com/.
Though Harry and I may not agree on every point of political philosophy, he is a man of solid moral character and conservative values. His education, experience, hard-working attitude, and dedication to both internal and external customer service make him a perfect fit for the Auditor position.
Whether in the marketplace or politics, competition leads to quality. I applaud Harry for his willingness to challenge an established incumbent.
Please take a moment to learn more about Harry Green at http://ElectHarryGreen.com/.
WSRP 2010 Convention: Hedrick and Didier Shine
Jenny and I just returned from Vancouver after serving in the Lewis County delegation to the 2010 Washington State Republican Convention. This was our second convention, and we had a great time. It's notably easier when you "know the ropes" after floundering through your first convention.
The two highlights of the event for me were 3rd Congressional District candidate David Hedrick and U.S. Senate candidate Clint Didier.
I was already a supporter of local tea party icon David Hedrick. So I am biased, but I'm going to say he dominated the 3rd district speeches to the assembly Saturday. Fellow candidates Herrera and Castillo lacked Hedrick's fire and substance. It felt like they were telling us what we wanted to hear, while Hedrick spoke with conviction about the liberty he loves. The delegates (almost 1200 of them this year) responded much more vigorously to Hedrick than his competitors. Alternates not seated on the floor watched the proceedings on screens in a separate room, and I'm told even they were on their feet cheering for David Hedrick.
We caught up with David during the lunch break afterward, as he worked the crowd in the park across the street. Delegates were talking about him, some walking up to shake his hand with refreshed looks on their faces. He's different, and it shows.
Hedrick seems to be gaining momentum recently after strong showings at candidate forums and the convention, positive press reports, and unveiling a revamped website provided by supporters right here in Centralia (myself included). Watch the speech and learn more at http://www.DavidWHedrick.com/.
Clint Didier: I'd done my homework on Senate candidates, and I knew his principles looked good on paper. But I never expected the effect he had on me in person. I first encountered him at the patriot coalition event at the Red Lion on Friday. He walked in -- straight off the plane from a dramatic last-minute Palin meet -- absolutely *engulfed* the podium (he's a Super-Bowl-ring-wearing former tight end who still looks battle-ready at 51), delivered a quick, impassioned speech, and followed it by the most concise, honest, extensive, and numerous answering of questions I've ever seen. And when they ran out of question cards, he called on folks from the audience. Then he was gone.
I sat there with a silly grin and considered the past few minutes (was it minutes?). I'd nodded, clapped, screamed, jumped to my feet, and blinked away tears, all seemingly involuntarily. Here was a man who loved liberty, had the character, passion, and inspiring personality to back it up, and was in a position to really do something about it. I'm being dramatic because it was. Clint Didier is amazing.
Of course he did well the next day speaking to the floor, too. Rossi was nice enough -- shallow and uninspiringly perfect as usual. Akers actually made some sense, but he's too narrowly fiscal (what about liberty, Paul?). Didier? He was mad as hell and ready to beat tyranny to a bloody pulp (ideologically, of course!). Like David Hedrick. Like me. Like most of us. The convention loved him, and so do I. Learn more at http://www.ClintDidier.org/.
We heard a lot about liberty and the constitution from a lot of candidates. I am convinced that at least Didier and Hedrick meant it.
The two highlights of the event for me were 3rd Congressional District candidate David Hedrick and U.S. Senate candidate Clint Didier.
I was already a supporter of local tea party icon David Hedrick. So I am biased, but I'm going to say he dominated the 3rd district speeches to the assembly Saturday. Fellow candidates Herrera and Castillo lacked Hedrick's fire and substance. It felt like they were telling us what we wanted to hear, while Hedrick spoke with conviction about the liberty he loves. The delegates (almost 1200 of them this year) responded much more vigorously to Hedrick than his competitors. Alternates not seated on the floor watched the proceedings on screens in a separate room, and I'm told even they were on their feet cheering for David Hedrick.
We caught up with David during the lunch break afterward, as he worked the crowd in the park across the street. Delegates were talking about him, some walking up to shake his hand with refreshed looks on their faces. He's different, and it shows.
Hedrick seems to be gaining momentum recently after strong showings at candidate forums and the convention, positive press reports, and unveiling a revamped website provided by supporters right here in Centralia (myself included). Watch the speech and learn more at http://www.DavidWHedrick.com/.
Clint Didier: I'd done my homework on Senate candidates, and I knew his principles looked good on paper. But I never expected the effect he had on me in person. I first encountered him at the patriot coalition event at the Red Lion on Friday. He walked in -- straight off the plane from a dramatic last-minute Palin meet -- absolutely *engulfed* the podium (he's a Super-Bowl-ring-wearing former tight end who still looks battle-ready at 51), delivered a quick, impassioned speech, and followed it by the most concise, honest, extensive, and numerous answering of questions I've ever seen. And when they ran out of question cards, he called on folks from the audience. Then he was gone.
I sat there with a silly grin and considered the past few minutes (was it minutes?). I'd nodded, clapped, screamed, jumped to my feet, and blinked away tears, all seemingly involuntarily. Here was a man who loved liberty, had the character, passion, and inspiring personality to back it up, and was in a position to really do something about it. I'm being dramatic because it was. Clint Didier is amazing.
Of course he did well the next day speaking to the floor, too. Rossi was nice enough -- shallow and uninspiringly perfect as usual. Akers actually made some sense, but he's too narrowly fiscal (what about liberty, Paul?). Didier? He was mad as hell and ready to beat tyranny to a bloody pulp (ideologically, of course!). Like David Hedrick. Like me. Like most of us. The convention loved him, and so do I. Learn more at http://www.ClintDidier.org/.
We heard a lot about liberty and the constitution from a lot of candidates. I am convinced that at least Didier and Hedrick meant it.
Matthew Trent Endorses David Hedrick for 3rd District Congressional Race
I'm proud to endorse David Hedrick for Washington's 3rd district US congressional race.
David Hedrick is a man of integrity and an uncompromising constitutional conservative. He's a real person, not a politician. I believe Hedrick would be the kind of citizen-statesman our founders envisioned.
He has the intellect, passion, and principles to go toe-to-toe with the toughest opposition. His policy is simple: tell the truth and obey the constitution.
David is a Christian, a family man, and an ex-Marine. He can't be bought or broken. He is the representative we desperately need to stand for our liberties in Washington DC. I hope you'll consider giving him your support as well.
Learn more at: http://DavidWHedrick.com
David Hedrick is a man of integrity and an uncompromising constitutional conservative. He's a real person, not a politician. I believe Hedrick would be the kind of citizen-statesman our founders envisioned.
He has the intellect, passion, and principles to go toe-to-toe with the toughest opposition. His policy is simple: tell the truth and obey the constitution.
David is a Christian, a family man, and an ex-Marine. He can't be bought or broken. He is the representative we desperately need to stand for our liberties in Washington DC. I hope you'll consider giving him your support as well.
Learn more at: http://DavidWHedrick.com
Centralia City Councilor Trent calls for lower taxes, not more spending
PRESS RELEASE
March 2, 2010
Centralia City Councilor Trent calls for lower taxes, not more spending
Amid plans for a giant, taxpayer-funded sports complex which involve big new debt and raiding reserve funds, Centralia City Councilor Matthew Trent proposes a conservative alternative to stimulating local tourism.
Washington State levies a 2% hotel/motel tax that is deductible from sales tax and does not increase total tax. Centralia additionally levies a non-deductible, optional 2% hotel/motel tax that does increase the total consumer lodging tax. The total 4% goes to the city for tourism related activities and nonprofits.
Much of the city funding for the proposed sports complex project will be debt against the city's hotel/motel tax fund.
"My toddler will be an adult before this new debt is paid. Impacts to the general fund aside, spending hotel/motel money on a sports complex will reduce Centralia's funding of local activities and nonprofits and ensure continuance of a tax which discourages tourism. If statutory limits change, we could even see the tax raised."
"From federal bailouts and failed stimulus programs to the tax-and-spend shenanigans of Olympia, people are angry. Private businesses and families have had to tighten their belts. Cutting taxes means people keep more of their hard-earned money, which results in more consumer spending, private capital investment, and business growth."
"The city budget was tight last year, and revenues so far this year look even lower. This is deficit spending at the worst possible time. Instead of new programs and more spending, government must step back to allow the free market, the real source of America's prosperity, to work. My faith is in the fine businesses and individuals of our community."
"Accordingly, I have requested that the Mayor and City Manager have an ordinance drawn up to repeal the city portion of the hotel/motel tax. I hope other council members will join with me to make this a reality."
"Eliminating this optional, additional tax would put Centralia tourism at a competitive advantage without deficit spending or increasing the size of government. It won't solve the world's problems, but it's a start. And it's something our fiscally conservative citizens can agree with."
For more information contact:
Matthew Trent
mtrent (at) cityofcentralia.com
360-520-0746
Post-election thoughts...
Thanks so much, everybody, for your support. I am honored and humbled by this opportunity to represent you on the Centralia City Council.
I promised fiscal responsibility, respect for and defense of our God-given rights, and a departure from politics as usual. And now as a city councilor, I've sworn an oath to our state and federal constitutions. I intend to keep those commitments.
My faith is not in government force. Rather, I believe in you, the individuals of our community. You are the innovators, the risk takers, and the hard workers who drive our economy. You are the churches, charities, and volunteers who shape our values and care for our needy. You keep us informed, organized, supplied, entertained, and healthy. Government's job is to keep you free in these pursuits, not pursue them for you.
As freedom's pillars of life, liberty, and property erode, so do our prosperity and moral fabric. Of course it doesn't start or end in Centralia, but every level and locale has a role to play.
And so my challenge to us all is be involved: write letters, attend meetings, read, talk, reason, educate, pray, love, hope, and even fight. History teaches that preserving the blessings of liberty isn't easy. But let it not be said that we did nothing.
In Liberty,
Matthew Trent
I promised fiscal responsibility, respect for and defense of our God-given rights, and a departure from politics as usual. And now as a city councilor, I've sworn an oath to our state and federal constitutions. I intend to keep those commitments.
My faith is not in government force. Rather, I believe in you, the individuals of our community. You are the innovators, the risk takers, and the hard workers who drive our economy. You are the churches, charities, and volunteers who shape our values and care for our needy. You keep us informed, organized, supplied, entertained, and healthy. Government's job is to keep you free in these pursuits, not pursue them for you.
As freedom's pillars of life, liberty, and property erode, so do our prosperity and moral fabric. Of course it doesn't start or end in Centralia, but every level and locale has a role to play.
And so my challenge to us all is be involved: write letters, attend meetings, read, talk, reason, educate, pray, love, hope, and even fight. History teaches that preserving the blessings of liberty isn't easy. But let it not be said that we did nothing.
In Liberty,
Matthew Trent
Welcome!
You've found the home for my Centralia city council campaign. Thanks for stopping by!
I'm particularly interested in budgets and city finances, efficiency and transparency in government, community development that respects property rights, fair and affordable utility rates, and effectively leveraging technology.
A little about myself:
I'm 27 years old and have lived in Centralia since grade school. I graduated from both Centralia High School and Centralia Community College.
I've been married to my wonderful wife and best friend, Jenny, for 6 years. We are Christians. We have two little boys, Matthew Jr., and Jefferson.
I work as a computer network engineer at Lewis County's IT department. I enjoy motorcycling and playing guitar in my spare time.
I see the role of government at all levels as recognizing and protecting the rights of people.
I'm particularly interested in budgets and city finances, efficiency and transparency in government, community development that respects property rights, fair and affordable utility rates, and effectively leveraging technology.
I think it's time for new ideas and fresh perspectives on the city council. I love Centralia and I'm passionate about better government.
You can get to know me better by checking out my Twitter feed or Facebook page. Or shoot me an email at matt@thetrents.org or a call at 520-0746.
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