As a candidate challenging for a seat in the State House of Representatives, I would like to take just a few moments of your time before ballots arrive and remind you how important this election cycle is to our community. Even with the vast amounts of media we consume each day, I realize that not everyone is tuned in to local politics. Equally, many are turned off by politics altogether.

Let me assure you, though, there are a number of very important issues the Legislature will address next year that will significantly impact your life. Just last month, our state’s Office of Financial Management warned the Legislature that there would be a budget shortfall of at least $1 billion. This estimate doesn’t include any additional education funding mandated by the state Supreme Court under the McCleary decision, nor does it anticipate the passage of I-1351, which will mandate smaller class sizes and cost an estimated additional $3.5 billion. Although Washington’s economy has been slowly picking up strength, and state tax revenues are projected to increase by 8 percent during the last biennium, state spending is again expected to rise even faster, requiring tough budget decisions by our legislators.

The chronic underfunding of education that recently drove the Supreme Court to hold the Legislature in contempt is not a problem that arose overnight. Inadequate education funding and other problems, like rapidly rising college tuition and higher property taxes, have only been getting worse. Yet, the 45th Legislative District has re-elected the same two state representatives for nearly a decade.

If you aren’t already too cynical about politicians and want to simply throw your ballot in the trash, please ask yourself this question — “What success stories can I look to from our current state representatives and do they have the independence and political courage to make the tough decisions that we face in 2015?” If history is a good indicator of the future, the answer is probably “no.” Voters should not allow longtime, incumbent politicians to be so comfortable in their positions to think they can safely impose a state income tax to cover their spending. Although some can afford to pay higher taxes, many can’t.

So before you vote, please try to tune out the ideological bickering you’ve heard over the past few months. If you’re not satisfied with the way Olympia is functioning, stop voting for the same name or party year after year. Try something new and be vocal about the obvious need for change. You probably don’t believe it, but Olympia does belong to you. I would be honored to get your vote.

For those of you who are tired of receiving political mailers, robo-calls and being harassed by canvassers and numerous organizations this campaign season, please consider this a public service announcement: Mail your ballots in early! It is important that you vote, but the added benefit is that the earlier you send in your ballot, the sooner all of the voter contact will stop from both parties.

Joel Hussey

Redmond

Editor’s note, Joel Hussey is a candidate for state representative, Position 1 from the 45th Legislative District.