Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As your state senator, it is very helpful for me to hear directly from you, but I know it can be difficult to come to Olympia during the legislative session. That is why I created an annual 12th District “listening tour” after my first election to the Senate seven years ago.
These listening tours have really helped me hear directly from constituents on issues important to your communities, and the discussions each fall prepare me for the legislative session.
September 6-8 “listening tour” in new areas
With last year’s redistricting changes, the 12th District has added many communities. The new 12th District boundaries include much of East Wenatchee, all of Chelan County, and portions of Snohomish County (Index to Monroe) and King County (North Bend to Duvall).
Approximately half of the population of the new areas include the cities of North Bend, Carnation, Sultan, and Monroe, with the other half of the new area located in unincorporated King and Snohomish counties. A new feature of the new 12th District is the Cascade Mountains, including Snoqualmie Pass and Stevens Pass. I have worked hard throughout the year to outreach to all communities in the District and will continue my efforts by dedicating a good portion of this year’s listening tour to Westside communities.
Meet with me in person or by video conference
While I am looking forward to in-person meetings for this year’s listening tour, group meetings can still take place by Zoom or as traditional conference calls. My office will schedule the meetings approximately 20 minutes apart to accommodate as many groups as possible.
If you are interested in an appointment, either in person or via Zoom, please contact me at senatorbradhawkins.org or 360-988-3674.
Listening tour ideas successful in the Legislature
Hosting a listening tour each year allows me to hear directly from you in preparation for the upcoming session. Ideas shared during past listening tours have even turned into successful legislative action. For example, a suggestion by Leavenworth officials to dispose of brush and yard clippings resulted in a bill that became law in 2018.
A funding request related to the Saddle Rock trail in Wenatchee became a reality when it was included in the state capital budget two years ago, and a road paving project to a popular fishing location in Okanogan County was recently funded. A biochar demonstration project in the Methow Valley to reduce wildfire risk was also funded, as well as significant future improvements to the city of Wenatchee’s Community Center utilized by Pinnacles Prep School.
Funding for the new Wenatchee Valley YMCA was also recently secured in the capital budget. All were ideas first discussed with constituents during past listening tours. Besides legislative ideas, I also collect helpful comments that prepare me to make better decisions to represent you in Olympia.
Monroe “Town Hall”- Wed. Sept 6th at 6:30 pm
In addition to the various appointments available for scheduling, I will be hosting a Town Hall listening session at the Monroe School District Board Room (14692 179th Ave. SE) on Wednesday, September 6th, from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
This event is available to everyone, and no appointment is necessary. I plan to present information about the state budgets and preview the next legislative session. The remainder of the meeting will be available to hear your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions. Everyone is invited, so if you live in Monroe or nearby communities, I hope you’ll mark your calendars to join me!
Please schedule your meeting with me
I hope you will consider participating in this year’s listening tour. Please remember that these meetings are all prescheduled with specific times and locations. If you are interested in an appointment, please contact my office through my website’s Contact Me page at senatorbradhawkins.org or 360-988-3674.
Whether you can participate in the upcoming listening tour or not, please know that my position exists to serve you. Please feel free to reach out to me and my office anytime. For immediate assistance, call our Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000. Please like and follow me on Facebook @SenatorBradHawkins for my latest updates.
I appreciate hearing your thoughts and ideas about state government, and thank you again for the opportunity to serve as your state senator.
Sincerely,
Brad Hawkins
