Dear  Friends and Neighbors  ,

As the new State Representative for the 34th Legislative District, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

On November 5th, 2007,  I was appointed by the King County Council to fill the unexpired term of state Representative Joe McDermott, who had moved up to the 34th District Senate seat. 

In March 2008 I returned from my first legislative session having served as your Representative.  I am pleased that my first session was successful as I worked to:

IMPROVE EDUCATION
We improved the State’s financial reserves, while increasing teachers’ salaries, providing more funding for non-certified staff in our schools, and improving our community college system.

ADDRESS OUR TRANSPORTATION PROBLEMS
The budget which we approved includes approximately $1 billion dollars to begin work on the Alaskan Way viaduct,  which is critical to the 34th District. The Governor convened a stakeholder group to look at options for the critical “mile in the middle” and that work continues.

We also began to address the crisis which our ferry system faces.  I am pleased that  we worked collaboratively to address replacing vessels and improving service.  This is long overdue.

PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
I fought to have our State address climate change through the Growth Management Act as I served on the Local Government Committee.     Today, I serve on a Land Use and Climate Change Advisory Committee, which will provide guidance to the Governor and the Legislature during the upcoming session regarding land use,  transportation, and climate  change.   The State and local governments must address this issue which affects our quality of life.

THE UPCOMING SESSION IN OLYMPIA IN 2009      
My priorities in Olympia will continue to include protecting the environment, improving education, tackling our transportation problems, and working for affordable housing and family wage jobs.  We can do more and I am committed to a progressive agenda;.

I am so pleased to represent you in Olympia and ask for your support.  There is more work to be done and I look forward to returning to the Legislature as your Representative.

Sharon K. Nelson