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This letter is a sincere thank you to the Honorable Representative David Paul and his legislative assistant, Mayzie Shaver.

Sometimes we are so dismayed by the polarization of national politics, that we forget those unsung heroes who represent us at the state level. Mr. Paul’s office truly understands the meaning of “public servant.”

I was working well beyond retirement age as my Social Security was insufficient to pay my rent. I lost my job. I kept looking for work, had several interviews, but no employment. I had been unable to communicate with Employment Security on my unemployment claim status due to their backlog. When the rent moratorium ended, I received a 30% rent increase. I was desperate as I couldn’t meet my rent before the increase. I was worried about being homeless as wait lists for subsidized housing are long. I contacted several non-profits without success.

I wrote the Honorable Representative, David Paul. He sent me a series of personal, not form, emails. He assigned Mayzie Shaver to also assist me. His office contacted the Department of Employment Security to see if my claim could be reviewed as it had been several months since the initial filing.

Due to their intervention, I am able to meet my rent as my unemployment claim was reviewed and allowed. This alleviated my financial anxiety and extended the time to find a job and affordable housing.

I am so grateful that Honorable Representative Paul’s office could find the time in their extremely busy schedule to help an individual constituent. It definitely restored my faith in the democratic process.

It would be wonderful if this responsiveness could extend beyond our state boundaries.

Again, my thanks to the Honorable Representative David Paul and his legislative assistant, Mayzie Shaver for listening and taking action.

Sincerely,

Maureen Zopf

La Conner