We should work towards equal opportunity (fair outcomes) rather than using government to enforce equal outcomes. Minimum wage activists are pushing an agenda of equality over fairness. I don't think wages are something state government should be in the business of regulating. It's not because I don't care about the minimum wage workers, that couldn't be further from the truth. Rather, I feel we should be raising workers out of poverty through education and job training rather than by raising the minimum wage.
Just over a week ago, I was at the Stranger with my fellow Port of Seattle Commissioner Position 3 candidates and the question of minimum wage came up. Both of my opponents are for increasing the minimum wage to $15, but I am not. It's not because I don't care about the minimum wage workers, actually that couldn't be more from the truth. Today I'm going to explain my views on minimum wage and why I believe it shouldn't be treated as a welfare program.
