I am writing in support of Roger Goodman, my 45th District State Representative. I have volunteered for his campaigns since he was first ran in 2006 and his many legislative accomplishments for the people of our state have been my reward.

During this Presidential campaign we’ve scarcely heard a mention of the major problem facing our planet; climate change. Roger trained in environmental law and uses his knowledge of the laws that protect our air, water, species, habitat and other natural resources as he serves on the House Environment Committee. He worked with the Cascade Water Alliance to sponsor and pass key pieces of legislation that secured a safe water supply for the Eastside. His awareness of the challenges we face is vital and has consistently earned him the endorsements of the Sierra Club and leading Washington environmental groups represented by the Washington Conservation Voters.

Last year, as a member of the Public Safety Committee he joined other legislators in sponsoring and passing a bill that requires the Criminal Justice Training Commission to provide crisis intervention training to all full time law enforcement officers in Washington. This training will provide them with the tools and resources to respond effectively to crisis situations involving people with chemical dependency or mental health issues. In addition, for the last decade Roger has worked with a broad coalition of civic and health organizations, partnering with judges and state legislators to spur a shift from incarceration to treatment of offenders with addiction and mental illness problems.

Roger has provided us with solid leadership. His dedication, legal training and common sense approaches have led to solutions that go a long way toward making our communities more just and safer for all of us. Please join me in re-electing Roger Goodman.

Jeanette Merki, Kirkland