Elected Experience: Current State Senator; State Representative (2007-2011); Bainbridge Island City Council.

Other Professional Experience: Prior to holding elected office, I worked for the U.S. Agency for International Development as an advisor and business development officer. I moved to Bainbridge in 1992 to work on water resource and open space issues for Kitsap County.

Education: BA Economics, University of Virginia; MPA, University of Washington.

Community Service: I volunteer with my daughters' team sports, attend Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church, serve on Advisory Boards of Kitsap Community Resources, Silverdale YMCA, Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition and Kitsap Advisory Council of BEST (entrepreneurial training).

Statement: As your State Senator I’ve championed the issues important to Kitsap families. Together we’ve achieved great results in the face of tremendous challenges - from small but important things like building a new crosswalk in Kingston to big things like creating the nation’s best oil spill prevention and response laws.

I have been the leading advocate in the legislature for public education funding. That means pushing for high standards, reducing class sizes, expanding early learning programs, lowering college tuition, and investing in work force training and four-year degree programs at Olympic College.

I passed laws to help veterans enter the civilian workforce, to help military spouses find jobs, and to enable unemployed mid-career entrepreneurs to start their first businesses. I secured funding for congestion relief on SR-3 and 305, for much needed new ferries, and for cleaning up Port Gamble Bay and Eagle Harbor.

I love Kitsap County and want to continue to improve our unique quality of life. I will work to get our region the support we need for transportation, education, and job creation, and to end the partisan gridlock that short-changes our kids. I would be honored to receive your vote.