The Platform
Andy Kallinen - For Klickitat County Commissioner - The one to trust.
Government works best when it is closest to the people. He'll work to make government REAL at the county: Responsible, Effective, Accountable, Limited
Get to Know Andy
Andy attended Central Washington University and obtained a degree in Law and Justice. He obtained an Army ROTC scholarship and worked on fishing boats in Westport Washington to pay for college. He's married to his wife Kris for almost 30 years and they have one son, Niko.
The values, problem solving and leadership skills he acquired during his 20 years in the Army National Guard and Coast Guard reserves will be tremendous assets for the board of commissioners. Andy served in many positions to include platoon leader, battalion staff officer and an Armor Cavalry company commander as a Captain with nearly 100 soldiers in his command.
Andy brings over 30 years of law enforcement experience working for the state of Washington. Apart from traditional law enforcement experiences, his duties as a ranger have required him to operate public facilities, manage a budget, supervise the parks operations and personnel. Andy has forged relationships with federal, state, tribal, county and city agencies and staff.
As a member of WFSE Union Local 1466, Andy has been elected to the executive board and his currently serving his 4th term after taking a break from those duties after 6 years. In 2016, Andy helped draft language for SHB 2765 and worked behind the scenes with legislators and leaders from the Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs (WACOPS) and the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) to build the support needed to get a pro-police bill passed into law. In 2025 and 2026, Andy returned to his union executive board and delivered key testimony in advancing HB 1182 and SB 5379 through committees before they stalled in fiscal. Andy is also currently serving as a member of the High Prairie Community Council.
Andy wants to be your next County Commissioner because he's dedicated 38 years to federal, state, union, and community service and he wants to finish more than 40 with service to the county he has called home for the past 33 years. His background has equipped him with the leadership, bureaucratic insight, and problem solving skills needed to address critical issues, including public safety, energy, transportation, mental health, and the economy. During his campaign for State Representative in District 14, Andy gained a deep appreciation for local government as the level of governance most directly connected to and impactful to our daily lives. He is committed to building strong relationships and effectively representing the county he calls home.
Major Issues
- Public Safety - Is the number one responsibility of government – With a degree in Law and Justice, and over 30 years in Law Enforcement – Andy will work with the board of commissioners to ensure that we have enough law enforcement officers that counter the state’s 51st out of 51 officers per capita including Puerto Rico. Our 911 center and jail must be adequately staffed while also retaining quality personnel in these critical roles once they are obtained and trained
- Energy - In spite of the plethora of energy projects in the county, rates to our citizens continue to rise. Andy will work with the BOC to ensure the county is fairly compensated when hosting Energy development projects and that best outcomes for our rate payers are pursued.
- Transportation - Everyone needs roads and transportation options to get to work, to get to school, and to get to businesses to do things we all need to make a living. While the state highways show continued decay under state budget priorities, Andy will prioritize maintaining our county roads and transportation opportunities.
- Mental Health - When we look at subjects and behaviors that drive public safety issues and crime, we find mental health at the root of so many. Andy has significant experience with close family members that struggle with Mental Health and will work to ensure we have the best resources we can get to help us manage this impactful issue.
- Economy - Olympia continues to deliver jaw dropping policies. Andy will collaborate with the BOC and stakeholders to optimize existing county revenue sources such as sustaining landfill contracts and work hard to replace lost contracts. As a former Army officer, Andy developed skills to analyze problems, develop solutions, and execute courses of action. Our rural lifestyle is a cornerstone of Klickitat County and he believes we can enhance existing tourism and create new opportunities for our businesses to profit from those who visit or pass through our county. The court house flag is a prime example.
Coming Soon
Online Donations - Under Construction
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