Peter’s Blog
Are You Prepared For Flooding?
Catastrophic flooding is one of the most important issues facing our region. Past floods have cost our community personally and financially. The threat of damaging localized and future catastrophic flooding is holding back many communities from reaching its full...
2020 Brings Tax Increases For Many Local Businesses and Families
On April 28th, the Washington Legislature adjourned after passing a $52.4 billion two-year state operating budget. To help fund the budget, the Governor signed a tax package worth at least $830 million over the next two years, despite unprecedented revenue from...
Minimum Wage Increases on January 1st: JOBS v. WAGES
The state minimum wage increases on Wednesday, January 1, from $12 an hour to $13.50. In cities, like Seattle, the minimum wage is already higher than the state’s and in SeaTac, minimum wage is $15.64. Family Wage Jobs aren't created by focusing on the word 'WAGE'....
Governor Uses Emergency Reserves For Homelessness
Homelessness has become a catastrophe; especially on the West Coast, and in particular, Seattle. Homelessness is not cause, but the result of substance abuse, mental illness, traumatic experiences, and the list can go on. I wouldn't criticize the Governor for where...
Unpopular Road Usage Charge Seeing Light At End Of Overpriced Tunnel
To the disappointment of many Washingtonians; especially, in rural Washington, the State is one step closer to replacing the state gas tax with a new system where drivers are tracked and charged on a per-mile basis. What Would A Road Usage Charge Do To Your Family...
10th Annual Centralia Lighted Tractor Parade Dazzles Downtown
The Centralia Downtown Association's 10th Annual Lighted Tractor Parade dazzled downtown Centralia on Saturday, December 14th. See and relive the parade! https://www.facebook.com/KMNTCountry/videos/2558389924244708/ The Family at the Althauser Rayan Abbarno Christmas...
Motion Passes to Give Property Tax Increase Back to the Community through Local Organizations
On December 10th, Councilmember Peter Abbarno made a motion to give back the 1% property tax levy increase to local community organizations. The motion passed unanimously. The full Council Meeting can be seen at City of Centralia Council Page. I was opposed to...
Legislative and Governmental Forum Highlights Need for Continued Cooperation.
Cascade Mental Health Care’s sixth mental health forum this week was highlighted the efforts of many local and regional orgnaizations addressing homelessness, substance abuse, mental health, and the lack of housing. I want to thank the amazing staff at Cascade...
ABATE of Lewis County joins Peter Abbarno on AM1470 KELA
https://youtu.be/yEOAZ32nidU Paul Mordick with ABATE of Washington, Lewis County Chapter joined me on AM1470 KELA / KMNT Radio to discuss the legislative advocacy of Abate of Washington for motorcyclist rights and their amazing community service projects. To support...
Centralia Council Reverses Course: Increases Property Tax Levy 1%
In what was described by Mayor Lee Coumbs as a "Miniscule" Tax Increase, the City County gathered 4 votes to increase the Property Tax Levy by 1%; the 3rd time in 4 years the City Council has increased the property tax levy by 1%. I am disappointed by the vote, but...
Abbarno discusses King County-City of Seattle plan to bus homeless out of Puget Sound on AM1470 KELA
This week, Peter Abbarno, attorney and Centralia City Councilmember, discussed the controversial King County "homeward bound" plan to bus homeless individuals in King County to communities outside the Puget Sound. https://youtu.be/nsZOWv4DTuo King County budgeting to...
Peter Abbarno and Kim Witham discuss The Forgotten Children’s Fund on AM1470 KELA
Peter Abbarno and Kim Witham recently discussed the Forgotten Children's Fund on AM1470 KELA radio. Kim and her husband Mark, manager at Les Schwab, brought the program to Lewis County several years ago. https://youtu.be/kIUnsCwC5dI
