A Washington-based manufacturer, Delta Camshaft, is planning to relocate after nearly five decades in the state. The company’s owner, Jon Bodwell, has cited escalating costs, rising crime, and a deteriorating political climate as the main reasons behind his decision to leave.
Founded by Bodwell’s family in 1977, Delta Camshaft manufactures and repairs camshafts, critical engine components that regulate how an engine draws in air, fuel, and expels exhaust. Although Bodwell stated that the company is not closing, he emphasized that it will relocate to a new location, continuing to serve its customers in the future.
Rising Costs and Escalating Crime Concerns
Bodwell’s frustration stems primarily from the increasing operational costs in Washington state, which he argues have made it increasingly difficult to run a business in the area.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, he stated that his insurance premiums have skyrocketed by 20% in recent years, and his power bills have also surged, with an additional 13% increase expected. The steep rise in utility costs was further exacerbated when his electricity bill nearly doubled last month.
“The cost of power, the cost of insurance, everything is increasing by large increments,” Bodwell said. “It’s not like one or two percent; it’s huge. My insurance went up 20%. My power bill is going up. The claim is supposed to go up another 13%. But just last month, it almost doubled.”
However, crime has been another significant factor in Bodwell’s decision to leave. He noted the rampant graffiti and criminal activity in his area, stating that his insurance premiums have increased drastically due to rising crime in Seattle.
Bodwell said his conversations with local law enforcement indicated that criminals now have more legal protections than business owners, making it harder for him to secure his business and property.
“Because crime is running rampant, my insurance policy on the building is skyrocketed,” he explained. “Officers I speak with say it takes longer to write a report than it does to arrest a person. The criminals basically have more rights than I do as the building owner.”
Impact of Rising Crime in Washington
The crime issue in Washington is reflected in FBI reports as well. Seattle ranked fourth-worst out of the 30 largest U.S. cities for total crime, according to a 2024 FBI crime report released in August. For Bodwell, this is an ongoing challenge that has only worsened in recent years.
Business Climate in Washington: A Growing Trend of Relocation
Bodwell’s decision to leave is part of a broader trend in Washington state, where many businesses are considering relocating due to the rising cost of living, crime, and increasing taxes.
A recent survey by the Association of Washington Business found that 44% of business leaders in the state are considering moving their personal residences out of Washington. Additionally, businesses are now more likely to expand outside of Washington than within the state.
One of the major political moves that has contributed to this discontent is the passage of the “millionaires tax” by Washington state Democrats in March. This income tax on the wealthy, signed by Governor Bob Ferguson, has been a point of contention, with progressives advocating for it and conservatives opposing it.
Bodwell’s Personal Frustrations and Hopes for Change
In his interview, Bodwell expressed frustration not only with the economic and political environment but also with his own health issues, which he says prevent him from engaging in politics to help reverse the state’s direction.
Despite being 56 years old and struggling with lung and heart issues, Bodwell lamented that if he were younger, he would consider running for office to fix the problems he sees in Washington.
“If I was in my mid-20s or 30s, I would go into politics to stop what’s occurring now,” he said. “Unfortunately, I’m 56 with some very bad health issues that won’t allow me to be around for a whole lot longer. But I definitely, I wish I could go back to get involved in politics to stop what’s occurring.”
A Costly Move with Long-Term Hopes
Bodwell acknowledged that the decision to relocate his business would likely cost him upwards of $100,000, but he believes the move will be worth it in the long run.
Reflecting on the real estate market, he admitted that a few years ago, he should have sold his building when property prices were higher. However, with many people leaving the area, there is now an oversupply of buildings for sale.
“A few years ago, I should have sold it,” Bodwell said. “Now there’s just a ton of buildings for sale in the market because everyone’s leaving.”
A Larger Pattern of Discontent in Washington
Bodwell’s story is just one example of a larger pattern of businesses and individuals choosing to leave Washington state due to rising costs, crime, and political dissatisfaction.
While taxes and crime are key factors, Bodwell’s decision is also reflective of broader concerns with the state’s political climate, particularly the shift toward progressive policies such as the millionaires tax.
As businesses continue to leave, it remains to be seen how Washington will respond to this growing trend. For now, Bodwell and others like him are forced to relocate in search of a more favorable business environment.
