Stronger Families. Stronger Communities. Stronger Washington

On May 6, Peter Abbarno, candidate for State House of Representatives in the 20th Legislative District, spoke with former Monroe Correctional Facility inmate Richard Dugger. Mr. Dugger was released from prison by the Governor into Cowlitz County and tested positive for COVID-19.

The Governor bowed to the demands of inmates who threatened to “take hostages” and damaged the Monroe Correctional Facility. This is not the kind of leadership we need in Washington state.

According to the Governor, he released inmates from prison to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission within the prison. Instead, the Governor released a COVID-19 positive inmate into Cowlitz County. The Department of Corrections did not test inmates before release. Where are the Governor’s priorities?

Luckily, Mr. Dugger did the right thing. He identified that he could be COVID-19 positive and isolated himself to protect his family and others. That act should be commended.

Peter Abbarno, candidate for State House of Representatives in the 20th Legislative District.

Join the Elect Peter Abbarno Campaign

www.ElectPeterAbbarno.com

Most Recent Posts

Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics

May 16, 2026 |

For years, state Rep. Peter Abbarno has proudly supported Special Olympics athletes and families throughout Lewis County and across Washington state. Whether participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, jumping into freezing water during the annual Polar Plunge,...

Building Legacies Through Scholarships

May 9, 2026 |

By Peter AbbarnoFor the C-C Chamber of Commerce In communities like Centralia and Chehalis, we understand something that can be easy to overlook: the most meaningful investments are not always measured in dollars. They are measured in lives changed, values carried...