To help our community members make informed choices in the upcoming election, we asked candidates running for important local, state, and national seats to participate in our Forum to help you get to know them better. We will share responses as they are submitted. Stay tuned to become acquainted with your local legislative leaders.

Motivated by SB431 and gravel and mining operations circumventing the local control that zoning boards have to develop a plan for their community, Luke Howell is campaigning to hold the office as State Representative in the 63^rd district. Luke is running for the position of State Representative so he can make a difference in the areas where his top priorities lay: mental health 911; suicide by firearm prevention; fix the roads and a comprehensive infrastructure plan; police reform, including better mental health training and mental health support services; and small class sizes and better pay and benefits for all educators, including support staff. When relaxing in front of a good movie, Luke favors Sci-fi, “Star Wars,” Marvel movies, and “Forrest Gump.” And pizza and fajitas are his go-to favorite meals.

NAME
Luke Howell

AFFILIATION
Democrat

POSITION SEEKING
State Representative

DISTRICT POSITION REPRESENTS
63rd House District

EMAIL
Howellfamily2005@gmail.com

WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR RUNNING FOR OFFICE?

I’m concerned about SB431 and gravel and mining operations circumventing the local control that zoning boards have to develop a plan for their community. I’m tired of divided politics and politicians that make decisions without community input or that only benefit special interests.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS ELECTED OFFICE?

• Mental health 911.
• Suicide by firearm prevention.
• Fix the roads and a comprehensive infrastructure plan.
• Police reform, including better mental health training and mental health support services.
• Small class sizes and better pay and benefits for all educators, including support staff.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESTRICTIONS OF THE OFFICE?

In everything I’ve ever done, I’ve tried my best to be an effective communicator, cooperative co-worker, and good listener. I want to tone down the divisive rhetoric and work with all of my colleagues, both red and blue, to make the 63^rd a better place.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO SUPPORT THE GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY IF ELECTED?

• Fair pay.
• Raise the minimum wage.
• If COVID-19 has taught me anything, it is that far more of us are essential than we realized, and we need better pay, increased wages, and benefits that allow the shrinking middle class to invest again.

FAVORITE CAMPAIGN SONGS

“Good Day” by Nappy Roots; “Just Breathe” by Pearl Jam.

FAVORITE MOVIE GENRE

Sci-fi, “Star Wars,” Marvel movies, and “Forrest Gump.”

FAVORITE BOOK

Just one? “The Bible,” “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance,” “Lord of the Flies,” “Lord of the Rings,” “Billy Budd,” “Harry Potter,” and Mark Twain.

FAVORITE FOOD

Pizza or fajitas.

The General Election will be held on November 3. Luke Howell is seeking this seat as a Democrat.