Dear friends and neighbors,
Often when people think of the work that the Legislature does in Olympia, they think of big budgets, massive transportation projects and complex public policy. In reality, a lot of the work we do flies under the radar.
One of the parts of my job that I value the most is bringing capital projects to our district. These projects might not garner statewide headlines but for local communities they can have a massive impact.
This session, I am working to secure funding in the capital construction budget for a downtown revitalization project for Carnation. This project will create new sidewalks, lighting and other street improvements with the goal of transforming downtown Carnation into a historic tourist attraction and shopping destination. A similar project transformed historic downtown Duvall and boosted its economy dramatically.
I am also fighting for additional funding to replace the old and undersized Black Diamond Elementary School with a new, state-of-the-art building. Right now, more than 40 percent of the school’s students are housed in portable buildings. The construction of a new building would group all students and teachers under one roof in a safe and comfortable learning environment.
These kinds of investments can make a world of difference locally. For small business owners in Carnation, the revitalization of downtown means more foot traffic and better profits. For the kids at Black Diamond Elementary, a better learning environment can help them better pursue their dreams.
Best regards,
