Washington is moving in the wrong direction. Too many families are still out of work. Schools are under funded. Olympia has been wringing it hands for years, instead of rolling up its sleeves. That must change.

But real change — not just new political promises from those who have repeatedly failed Washington’s families — will require a competent new leader as Washington’s governor. The more I learn, the more I understand that Rob McKenna is the governor we need.

Rob has the heart, skill and vision to get Washington back on track. He has a solid plan that makes sense. As attorney general, Rob showed he knows how to make government more efficient, insist on excellence and inspire workers to give their best.

As a realtor, I appreciate the fact Rob McKenna listened to small-business owners in the 14 Small Business Roundtables he hosted throughout the state. The small-business owners who can actually create new jobs told Rob how state government can help, and avoid hurting, the family businesses that can create good jobs for other families who are still out of work.

Rob McKenna has the ability to work with everyone, even those who disagree with him. Rob worked “across the aisle” with Democrats, Independents and Republicans to pass dozens of bills to protect Washington consumers. That skill is badly needed in Olympia.

Based on what I’ve heard from both candidates, and based on what they actually accomplished for Washington families, the clear choice for governor is Rob McKenna.

Kristen Greenlaw, Redmond