We have many critical issues facing us...

Among those are:

Economy, Jobs & Training

We need to focus on the long-term investments and policies central to the creation of good jobs which will in turn bolster our economy, for example:

• Focus and investment in public transportation produces twice as many jobs per dollar as investing solely in roads
• Clean energy/green jobs can provide a bridge from poverty to economic independence for low-income and unemployed individuals

Transportation, Energy & Climate

Serious inroads against climate change cannot be made without supporting mass transit.  Given that, I believe:

• Increased public transit and improvements in highway & arterials are critical to the 1st LD
• It is imperative that we reduce dependency on fossil fuels and increase local use of renewable energy
• That increased use of mass transit improves energy efficiency and renewable energy development

Environment & Quality of Life

We must safeguard the natural gifts we have in the Northwest by:

• Reducing pollution and improving air and water quality starting in our own back yards
• Promoting energy efficient neighborhoods and business areas
• Understanding the local ecosystem and how to better renew and improve aging suburbs
• Enabling municipal energy financing programs and energy efficiency improvements

Education

This is the pathway to a solid social and economic future.  I believe we need to focus on:

• Early education and alternative education paths for high-school students
• Defining "college readiness" and help students succeed in post-secondary studies
• Children receiving the necessary training and tools to participate in a digital world
• Making college affordable for all, ensuring equitable financing to disadvantaged students