Dear Neighbor,
Summer is almost upon us and school will be out soon – time for Little League, barbeques and fun at home!
Campaign season is also upon us, and I’m now venturing into the neighborhoods every day to introduce myself, to “take the pulse” of the 45th District and tune into voters’ most prominent concerns. 
I’m going to visit more than 10,000 homes in our area between now and November, so watch out – I’ll be in your neighborhood soon! Stopping to listen to you and your neighbors is a critical part of my job because I need your input to be effective for you in Olympia
We continue to struggle through challenging and uncertain times, slowly and painfully digging out from the most severe economic crisis in more than 80 years. As I visit with folks I find myself on the receiving end of some pretty intense emotions, frustration with the slow recovery for the business climate, and anger directed at our political leaders.
I’m listening carefully and I understand, because I share many of the same sentiments. At my own kitchen table my family has had to figure out how to make ends meet. I’m impatient with the lack of truly courageous political leadership, as well. In this historic economic crisis we haven’t enacted the type of fundamental reforms that could prevent future fiscal disasters.
The budget struggle this year in Olympia was difficult but we held our ground,balanced the budget without raising taxes and without cutting education funding . Beyond the budget debate we accomplished a lot of other important work, and as one of the few legislators with expertise in criminal law and the justice system, I fought successfully this year in my continued efforts to reduce the harm from drunk driving and from domestic violence.
In my first three terms I’ve been able to score some big wins in the Legislature, including landmark bills to improve public safety and to expand early childhood education, along with dozens of other measures that found new efficiencies in government, helped our local cities and counties and protected small businesses and consumers.
It is difficult to describe in words the feeling of responsibility that comes with serving in the legislature. I truly appreciate what an honor it is. Thank you for the opportunity to continue serving you! Please share your comments and concerns with me and I'll continue to be in touch.
I hope I can count on your vote this November!
