The voters of the 30th Legislative District have spoken but, unfortunately, the result is that two very dedicated public servants were not re-elected. Linda Kochmar and Teri Hicklel have spent years working for the good of this community in a number of different capacities. They are not party rubber-stampers. They are our neighbors who listen with their hearts and lead with their heads.

The victors in the election for the 30th were selected and bankrolled by a large machine. It is a true shame that a political agenda was at the heart of their campaign, not the best interests of our community. It is a shame that voters were swayed by rhetoric and twisted facts without really getting to know all of the candidates. It was a violation of the grass-roots representation that we’re clamoring for: “get big money out of politics and listen to our voices”.

When the Lord closes a door, he always opens a window. Linda and Teri will take some well-deserved time to recover from a difficult campaign. I’m looking forward to once again seeing the proof of their mettle as they peer through the open window and begin the next chapters of their community service. You just can’t keep good people down.

As for the newly-elected 30th District representatives, I will be visiting their offices often to make sure they hear my voice and to remind them who they should represent.

Karen Clark, Federal Way