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 booming, and our kids go to the best schools. I’ve worked to help keep it that way. In the Legislature I’ve stayed in tune with your values and priorities, continuing to focus on strengthening families and children, supporting our public schools, keeping our communities safe and healthy, and promoting a more just society.

Recently we’ve endured trying times, however, coming out of a global pandemic that threatened our health and our very lives. We faced so many historic challenges at once, from the economic disruption arousing uncertainty and hardship, to the climate crisis bringing worsening wildfire smoke, to an uneasy sense of insecurity from public disorder and crime.

At the height of the pandemic, we had to meet urgent demands to protect public health, to keep people housed and businesses afloat, and to face the challenge of “remote learning” for our students in school. It was such a challenging time for all of us. Even the Legislature held its sessions entirely remotely on Zoom for two years.

We also passed a transformative package of transportation investments with a sharp focus on social equity and environmental sustainability, and we enacted landmark legislation to cap and curb carbon emissions and the use of fossil fuels. A sharply polarized political environment has largely paralyzed government at the federal level, even to the point of blatant disregard for the rule of law.

The task of effective governance has necessarily devolved to the states. In contrast to the national political scene, the Washington State Legislature is functioning quite well, addressing the needs of our families, schools, workers and businesses and making a positive difference in our communities.

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.

Throughout 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