Meet Joel Hussey, 45th Legislative District Candidate

Editor's note: Patch has submitted questionnaires to all 45th Legislative District candidates, and plans to post the responses verbatim as we receive them.

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NAME:  Joel Hussey

OFFICE SOUGHT:  State Representative, 45th District, Position 1

PARTY AFFILIATION:  Republican
 

TOWN OF RESIDENCE:  Redmond

CURRENT OCCUPATION:   Owner of Tailwind Capital LLC

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND:  Over the past 20 years, my business activities have focused primarily on the aviation sector: leasing, financing and trading commercial aircraft.  Since 2007, my company Tailwind Capital has managed and marketed aircraft for institutions and airlines around the world. Before founding Tailwind, I spent seven years with an Abu Dhabi-based aircraft and ship leasing firm, serving as President of its U.S. subsidiary. I traveled extensively in the Americas, Asia and Middle East doing business development and marketing. Before that, I was Chief Financial Officer of Boullioun Aviation, a Bellevue, WA based aircraft leasing company.  During my twelve years with Boullioun, the company grew from a start-up into one of the largest commercial aircraft lessors in the world.  Prior to Boullioun, I worked with the Big 8 accounting firm KPMG Peat Marwick in both audit and tax. 

WEBSITE:  www.joelhussey.com 

WHAT IS THE MOST PRESSING ISSUE FACING VOTERS IN YOUR DISTRICT:  The most pressing issue is our weak economy, high unemployment and the high cost of doing business in Washington, which makes employers reluctant to expand their business and create jobs.  We need to reduce the cost and complexity of doing business in Washington and streamline the regulatory process for opening new businesses and creating jobs.  As the economy improves and employment increases, state revenues will rise and enable us to fully fund K-12 and higher education, which is our state's paramount duty and top priority.

IF ELECTED, WHAT WILL YOU DO IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS IN OFFICE TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE?  I will work to improve the environment for business and employment growth in Washington, streamlining regulations which restrict business growth.  I will also work to make sure that K-12 and higher education are the highest priorities in the new budget.  For too long, our legislature has inadequately funded education in Washington and our kids have suffered.  We need to put our kids first.

DO YOU SUPPORT/OPPOSE REFERENDUM 74: SHOULD GAY MARRIAGE BE LEGAL IN WASHINGTON? BRIEFLY, WHY?  I do not support R-74, but will respect the will of the people under the referendum process.

DO YOU SUPPORT/OPPOSE, INITIATIVE 502 TO MAKE SMALL AMOUNTS OF MARIJUANA LEGAL TO PEOPLE 21 AND OLDER? BRIEFLY, WHY?  I oppose I-502, as I believe it will lead to additional public health and safety issues and costs, well in excess of any potential new tax revenues.