About Me, Mathew Hawkins, "The Hawk"

      I was born in Spokane, Washington, and raised in a family of six boys and two girls, along with parents who were raised during the Depression. Lining up as the 4th of 8 kids, we learned to adjust and get along, both within the family and the neighborhood.

We were taught about civic engagement and how to build strong homes and communities. Engagement meant to step in, not just verbally, but to deliver through action. Learning about work, we learned that good work ethics started in the home, as we engaged in small projects to earn money while also visiting others in need and helping as volunteers.

We learned about tolerance for others and the need to be respectful, regardless of age, gender, religion, or political beliefs. This did not mean we gave up our beliefs, but ensured that others could believe in whatever way they choose.

We took great pride in who we were, always trying to build a stronger name. The comment was always offered up as we left home, “Remember who you are”.

With a strong foundation in a K-12 program that reinforced the home and community values, I attended BYU in Provo to receive further training in Business Finance and Construction Technology.

Returning to Spokane, I embarked on a business career that included business development and ownership in various sectors, including commercial real estate, Restaurants, Education, and family life as a husband to Paula and father to 10 children.

 Throughout my lifetime, I have observed a shift in perceptions about being American. There was a time when people took pride in our founding principles and history, and both dominant political parties shared the same core American values. 

Today, however, we see a significant divide. To bridge this gap, we must return to a constitutional process, ensuring that the desires of individuals and communities are protected for generations to come.  To support the Constitution, we first need to understand it, which requires the ability to read and comprehend.

 Therefore, we must restore education so that learning is authentic and meaningful.  Our freedoms can only thrive if we respect the origins of those freedoms, which are rooted in "Nature's God." We have inherited much from our forebears, and if we serve as good examples, we can demonstrate to others what is available to them if they desire the same.  This journey is about restoring our ability to discern truth and reclaiming our freedom to choose and take action. 

 In recent years, I have become more actively involved in civic matters, reflecting on and, where necessary, re-evaluating what I learned in my youth. In 2024, I ran for Washington State Auditor to highlight both the necessary actions and the pathways to achieve meaningful results. Through this experience, it became clear that the people of Washington State require better representation in their State Senate, organized by county, similar to the structure of the U.S. Senate. This led to the realization that the challenges facing Washington State are mirrored across the other 49 states, where state governance has evolved into full-blown democracies.  

A lifetime of experience has taught me that while we can take pride in who we are, this pride can become a weakness if left unchecked. Therefore, I believe that discussions about our future must be framed within the context of the Constitution, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement. Although we may interpret the Constitution differently, much like we do with religious scriptures, we must always respect the need to seek out the truths contained within it. This effort is essential to finding a resolution that allows us to implement these truths, fulfilling the idea that “the truth can set us free.”