It’s time for a change in the way the 5th District is represented in the state Legislature. Voters have the opportunity in November to vote for a quality individual for state representative, and that person is Barbara de Michele.

I have known Barb for over 10 years. I have learned first hand that Barb meets her obligations, and then some.

As an active member of her local community, Barb was elected to the Issaquah School Board in 1995. Over the years, I saw Barb grow into a regional education leader who is respected throughout the Eastside. She organized 10 Eastside school boards into a coalition that began discussion, for the very first time, on issues of common concern. Thanks to Barb’s leadership, our Eastside education leaders began speaking with one voice and with a solid, comprehensive agenda.

This is the kind of leadership we need to help us with the challenges facing our local schools. The Snoqualmie Valley School District, and all of the school districts in the 5th, are listed among the most under-funded in the state by the Washington PTA. Under-funding issues cannot be solved locally – they require a state-wide focus and passionate, can-do advocacy. Barb de Michele has proven time and again that she can work with people to get results.

On Nov. 2, join me in voting for Barb de Michele for Position 2, State House of Representatives.

Rudolph V. Edwards

North Bend