Well, the highly-anticipated election seemed to be over as soon as it arrived, in stark contrast to the long, tiring campaign season. Although I ran unopposed in this year’s election, I am no less honored for the opportunity to serve the 9^th District for another four years.

Post-Election Update

Governor: I was disappointed that Rob McKenna didn’t overcome the 28-year Democratic stronghold in the Governor’s mansion. He would have made a great governor. I am keeping an open mind, however, that Governor-elect Jay Inslee’s experience and interest in Washington State’s future will bring about compromise, reform and a sustainable direction for our state. I look forward to working with him.

Initiative 1185: Once again, the people of Washington have re-affirmed that they do not want the Legislature to raise taxes without a 2/3rds vote.

Initiative 1240: This measure also passed, allowing up to 40 charter schools to be started in Washington in the next 5 years.

LD 10: Barbara Bailey’s victory in the 10^th District is good news. Bailey’s ideas and vision for Washington will be a great addition to the Senate. I look forward to working with her.

LD 17: Sen. Don Benton, who I have also strongly supported in his re-election, is still in the fight of his life—two weeks after the election. Sen. Benton is currently ahead by a little over 100 votes, but ballots are still being tallied, and Clark County just discovered nearly 1,200 ballots that were never counted. Election officials are processing these right now, though the race is still likely headed for a manual recount.

Leadership of the Senate is in the Balance

Sen. Benton’s re-election is critical. As it stands now, the Democrats have the majority in the Senate by three seats. Barbara Bailey’s election and, hopefully, the re-election of Sen. Benton would narrow that majority to just two seats. There are two moderate Democrat Senators who are interested in forming a bipartisan coalition—wherein both parties share committee chairmanships and even potentially lead the Senate.

In short, there is a chance that the Washington State Senate may have a bi-partisanship coalition for at least the next legislative session.  This is good news for Washington.

Regardless of the ultimate shakedown in the political leadership, I will work diligently on your behalf to represent you and to unite the Senate to address such critical issues as the estimated 300,000 unemployed citizens in Washington State.

On the Road Again

In the meantime, I’ve been busy representing the 9^th District on both sides of the mountains.

• This past Monday, I had a great time at the Legislative Luncheon with school district officials, superintendents and career & technical directors from the Tri-Cities area. It’s important to connect with industry experts and better understand the issues facing all sectors of the district—education being paramount.
• Yesterday I was in Olympia attending a State Committee on Pension Policy meeting, and then hustled back over the pass to attend the Whitman County Cattleman’s Association Annual Dinner and Auction in Palouse. It was a full day–productive and rewarding.
• I’m excited for one of the biggest sporting events of the year—the Apple Cup. I’ll be attending on Friday, and while it is hard rooting against any Washington team, I’ll be cheering for our District’s home team in Pullman. Go Cougs!
• A couple of weeks ago, I stood with the Associated Students of Washington State University (ASWSU) Senate and WSU President Elson S. Floyd’s tuition plan, and requested the Senate Ways and Means Committee draft legislation for the upcoming 2013 Session. The plan increases tuition costs by the consumer price index and I believe it’s a step in the right direction toward a sensible statewide tuition policy.

Keep in Touch During Session

As the 2013 Legislative Session gets closer, I would appreciate hearing from you. I need to hear clearly what issues are most important to your family, livelihood and to the 9^th District. I welcome your ideas, concerns and feedback as I shape my objectives in 2013.

Lastly, have a blessed Thanksgiving. These are uncertain times. But, we have much for which to be thankful. While it’s not perfect, we live in a great country that’s still ripe with opportunity. In hard times we hold our loved ones closer, find contentment with less and never lose our hope in the American spirit of ingenuity and innovation. I look forward to the progress we can make in 2013.

Sincerely,

Mark Schoesler