“The people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies that serve them.The people…do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist on remaining informed so that they may maintain control over the instruments that they have created…”

   The above text, from the state’s Open Records Act, is one of my favorites. It really captures how I feel about the role of government in our lives. Government is here to serve us, not the other way around. And, I support all of the 10 amendments in the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights, not just a few.

   Since being first elected to the state Senate in 1990, I have focused my time and energy on several important issues, most notably public safety and elections. I have prime-sponsored numerous pieces of legislation to encourage government accountability, and the protection of ballots and other important election materials. I also have worked to control property taxes, build public parks, keep sex predators out of neighborhoods, and crack down on meth crime.

   I also have been active in promoting the teaching of other languages in Washington’s public elementary schools, particularly Chinese and Spanish. Over the years, I have traveled to Honduras and China on charity and trade missions. In June 2007, I led a delegation of 11 Washington state legislators and seven educators to China. In 2003, I founded La Escuela de Esperanza (School of Hope), which provides teachers, education material and humanitarian relief for Honduran children.

   In the summer of 2003, I participated in an International Republican Institute program by teaching democracy to the women of the East Timor Parliament.  I also led a tour to the island of Atauro to show the members of that parliament how to hold town meetings.

   I always enjoy hearing from my constituents about issues, so please don't hesitate to call, write or e-mail me using the information below.

   It continues to be an honor and a privilege to serve in the Washington State Senate.

   Sincerely,

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