Dear_Neighbor,

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in the Legislature! During my years of service at the Capitol, my sense of awe and appreciation has only grown, and I am ever more grateful for your confidence in me as your representative and as a lawmaker.

Here on the Eastside in the 45th District, we enjoy a very high quality of life in beautiful surroundings, our local economy is vibrant, and our kids benefit from excellent public schools. I’ve worked to help keep it that way. Serving you in the Legislature, I’ve stayed in tune with your values and priorities, continuing to focus on strengthening families and children, supporting high-quality public education, keeping our communities safe and healthy, and promoting a more just society.

RECENT CHALLENGES

In the past several years we have experienced very trying times, facing unprecedented disruptions to the economy, to our health and safety, and in our politics. We are still recovering and adjusting in the wake of the global COVID pandemic that threatened our health and our very lives.

We have faced many historic challenges simultaneously, from the economic uncertainty and hardship during and after the pandemic, to the climate crisis bringing worsening natural disasters and wildfire smoke, to an uneasy sense of insecurity from public disorder and crime.

Although the pandemic is now effectively in the rear-view mirror, its effects on our society, our economy and our politics have been long-lasting. We still must meet the need to protect public health, we are still struggling to keep people housed and businesses afloat, and our students face the ongoing challenge of learning loss and social isolation arising from that period.

We have faced many historic challenges simultaneously, from the economic uncertainty and hardship during and after the pandemic, to the climate crisis bringing worsening natural disasters and wildfire smoke, to an uneasy sense of insecurity from public disorder and crime.

Although the pandemic is now effectively in the rear-view mirror, its effects on our society, our economy and our politics have been long-lasting. We still must meet the need to protect public health, we are still struggling to keep people housed and businesses afloat, and our students face the ongoing challenge of learning loss and social isolation arising from that period.

 BROKEN POLITICS

Our most urgent challenge is the sharply polarized political environment, which has largely paralyzed government at the federal level. Exhibiting blatant disregard for the rule of law, the federal regime has decimated the civil service with intentional cruelty, hollowed out entire federal departments, illegally withheld appropriated funds from the states, abandoned our global leadership in scientific research, and turned on our allies and cozied up to our adversaries, among countless other abuses and excesses. The federal regime isn’t even hiding its brazen corruption and incompetence, seeking to “move fast and break things” and to “flood the zone” so we can’t effectively respond.

Our own communities have been traumatized by shocking federal actions, particularly as masked ICE agents snatch people out of their vehicles and off the streets, even shooting protesters. This has eroded our recent hard work to prevent that same violence and distrust in our local law enforcement here in our state.

STEPPING UP TO GOVERN AND SERVE

The task of effective governance has necessarily devolved to the states, as the federal regime has largely abdicated its commitment to the general welfare (while conducting warfare abroad and retributive “lawfare” against perceived enemies at home). Federal neglect has presented us with severe budget challenges. Despite our relatively strong local economy, deep federal cuts to health care and food assistance have forced us to find billions of dollars to ensure that all our people are healthy, fed and housed, particularly the most vulnerable. We’re encountering further economic uncertainty from worsening inflation and the adverse effects of the (illegal) tariffs and foreign wars. In contrast to the national political scene, the Washington State Legislature has picked up the mantle to meet the budgetary challenges, addressing the needs of our families, schools, workers and businesses, and continuing to make a positive difference for our communities.

SUPPORTING OUR EASTSIDE COMMUNITIES

Throughout my service in the Legislature I’ve been able to work effectively for common-sense solutions that matter to Eastside families, particularly in support of our great public schools and expanding opportunities for higher education, as well as strengthening our response to the growing problem of mental illness.

I strive to rise above partisanship to forge practical solutions with a common-sense approach. I’m not beholden to the party machine or the thundering herd of lobbyists at the Capitol. I listen to you and I speak with an independent voice, using my knowledge and experience to get things done. I remain accessible and responsive and I keep my focus on preserving and enhancing our high quality of life here.

It’s difficult to describe in words the sense of responsibility that comes with serving you in the Legislature. I truly appreciate what an honor it is to represent you! Please share your comments and concerns with me and I’ll continue to be in touch.  Thanks very much for your support, and please stay safe and healthy!  

 

Political Season is Upon Us!

Our campaign for reelection to the House is well underway, and I’m planning to go back into the neighborhoods once again to meet you and other voters. Listening to you helps ensure that I’m keeping my finger on the pulse of our community, so I can represent you more effectively in the Legislature.

iThroughout my service in the Legislature, I’ve worked effectively for common-sense solutions that matter to Eastside families, particularly in support of our great public schools and expanding opportunities for higher education, as well as strengthening our response to the persistent problem of mental illness.

I strive to rise above partisanship to forge practical solutions with a common-sense approach. Not beholden to the party machine nor intimidated by the thundering herd of lobbyists at the Capitol, I listen to you and speak with an independent voice, using my knowledge and experience to get things done. I remain accessible and responsive, keeping a focus on preserving and enhancing our high quality of life here.

It’s difficult to describe in words the sense of responsibility that comes with serving you in the Legislature. I truly appreciate what an honor it is to represent you! I hope that I can earn your support for another term in the State House.

In the meanwhile, I need to hear from you, so please share your comments and concerns with me and I’ll continue to be in touch.

All best wishes,

Roger