09/25/2025

WSPMA Members Meet with Senator Chris Gildon for Productive Discussion on Industry Concerns

On September 24th, 2025, members of the Washington State Pest Management Association (WSPMA) had the opportunity to meet with Washington State Senator Chris Gildon. The meeting, arranged by WSPMA Vice President Don Thompson of Independent Pest Solutions, also saw the participation of WSPMA Immediate Past President Luke Rambo and State Policy Affairs Representative Billy Olesen.

Senator Gildon, a veteran, realtor, and property manager, brought a unique perspective to the conversation as he is familiar with many of the challenges that businesses in the pest management industry face. His background in both the military and real estate provided additional insights into the concerns shared by WSPMA members. During the meeting, Senator Gildon expressed his concerns about the state budget, particularly as it relates to the broader economic environment in Washington.

WSPMA members took the opportunity to share their concerns about the increasing restrictions on rodenticides and the growing costs of doing business in Washington state. With the industry facing tighter regulations and rising operational expenses, the discussion highlighted the need for a balanced approach that takes into account both public safety and the economic challenges faced by pest management professionals.

One topic that Senator Gildon raised during the meeting was the impact of high minimum wages being imposed by cities across Washington. He inquired about how concerned WSPMA members were regarding these changes, sparking a productive conversation about how these increases can affect small businesses and the broader pest management industry.

Luke Rambo, WSPMA Immediate Past President, shared his thoughts on the meeting:
"We had a nice meeting with Senator Gildon, discussing the business climate in Washington State as well as industry-specific topics like the Neonic bill from last session and the potential for upcoming rodenticide legislation coming down the pipeline from activist groups. Senator Gildon was very open to what we had to say and encouraged us to reach out to him directly anytime. We look forward to continuing our conversations together, as well as other legislators representing our communities in Olympia.”

The meeting was an excellent opportunity to not only discuss critical issues but also to build a positive relationship with a legislator who has a direct understanding of property management. A huge shoutout to Don Thompson for his efforts in arranging the meeting—this kind of proactive engagement is vital for the continued success of our industry.

Both Don Thompson and Luke Rambo are in Senator Gildon’s district, making this connection even more significant for their ongoing advocacy efforts.

WSPMA encourages other members who are interested in arranging meetings with their legislators to reach out for assistance. If you want to schedule a meeting with your Senator or Representative, WSPMA is happy to help. Contact Billy Olesen, WSPMA State Policy Affairs Representative, at 360-441-1412 or via email at policy@wspma.com.

This meeting represents a step forward in building relationships with lawmakers and ensuring that the concerns of our industry are heard at the state level.