La Conner Weekly News - Your independent hometown award-winning newspaper

Democracy works best when we listen to each other – and work together in good faith to tackle the issues most important to our community.

That may sound old-fashioned today. Yet those three concepts – the values of listening to each other, working together and focusing on the common good – have never been more important to the future of our community and to our state.

We live in an age where the angriest voices often get the most time on cable news shows and the most clicks on social media. They treat politics as war and talk about people who don't agree with them as the enemy. I think this leads to chaos and dysfunction and it isn't what our community wants.

Disruption and dysfunction may help certain politicians become famous – but it doesn't help our local families and businesses.

That's why I've spent so much time traveling to every corner of the 10th District and listening to everyone I met. Of course we won't agree on every issue, but I've found that we have much upon which we agree. People want better K-12 schools, stronger career and technical programs and more affordable higher education. Our communities need improved ferry service, safer neighborhoods and a prosperous economy that works for everyone.

And it is why I've pushed, for years, to make it easier for you to get informed and involved in your democracy. Few people have the time to drive down to Olympia and spend the day. I'm happy to say that our efforts were successful and the legislative process is now much more accessible.

Today you can testify in committee remotely, watch every vote on the House or Senate floor and take part in telephone town halls or virtual town halls without leaving your home. You can look up the history of any issue or legislation and share your thoughts with lawmakers by email, phone, or regular mail.

Instead of sending one or two printed newsletters every year as in the past, most lawmakers are sending e-newsletters, which cost virtually nothing compared to printed material and can be sent whenever there is breaking news or an event to announce.

These are not small things to me. Every time we give people more options to take part in their democracy, we improve it. The Washington Legislature is comprised of part-time citizen-lawmakers. I believe it's important not just for lawmakers to have regular jobs back home, but to be as close as possible to the people they represent.

That's why I always encourage people to contact me with their comments, questions and ideas.

The House and Senate will tackle big problems this session – including housing affordability and public safety – and that work will be better because the foundations of our democracy are strong.

And keeping them strong means listening to each other with respect, working together in good faith and continually pushing for the common good.