I’m supporting Joan McBride for 48th District Legislature and here’s why.

In the past few years Washington State has drifted far from the high standards of the past. Our schools, parks, roads, bridges and social services were all top-ranked among the states. The pride that I felt in being from Washington State has changed into a dull longing for the past.

What has caused this fall from excellence has been the relentless push for lower taxes exemplified by the past support for Eyman-type initiatives. I must say that the support for this type of blind mistrust of the government process has been aided by many voters and politicians who wear the nominal label of “Democrat.”

In this coming election I am choosing to vote for candidates whose vision of Washington State is that we should be No. 1 in quality of life. Sure, I know that these efforts cost money, but I also know that serious legislators and senators can sit down, regardless of party, and hammer out an equitable tax system that raises revenue overall, but that supports the services we need.

I’m certain that Joan McBride is one of those candidates who will work assiduously to make us proud to be Washingtonians.

Jim Hitter, Kirkland