As a parent, teacher and member of this community, I believe Gov. Chris Gregoire is the best person to continue leading our state.  I am voting for her, and I urge all voters to cast their ballot for her. 

Throughout her first term, the governor prioritized education, health care and our economy. Today, children have more opportunities to succeed in school and life, and greater access to medical coverage. The governor also focused on increasing jobs and small businesses. We must re-elect Gov. Gregoire because she always sides with Washington families and delivers the results we need.

Our students demand varying levels of attention, but they all need capable and motivated educators. Gov. Gregoire reinstated voter-approved initiatives to reduce class sizes and raise teachers’ salaries. As a result, Auburn educators have fewer students in their classrooms and are able to spend more individual time with each one. While we have a way to go in salaries, Gov. Gregoire has demonstrated the need to pay educators more competitive salaries. 

Beyond investments in classrooms, the governor focused on tools for our youth to succeed in the workplace.  She revamped state math and science standards, giving students necessary skills to compete in a global economy.  During her first term, she increased college scholarships for low-income students.  Science and engineering programs in our state universities were expanded. Vocational programs grew because she insisted on opportunities for those seeking immediate employment.

Students must be healthy to succeed. Gov. Gregoire protected our younger kids by signing the toughest toxic toy bill in the nation.

 The governor expanded health care to 84,000 more state children, with the goal to cover every child by 2010.

Gregoire also created more than 200,000 new jobs. She’s doubled our exports, making our state the third best in the country to do business according to Forbes magazine. 

Join me in voting for Democrat Chris Gregoire in the Aug. 19 primary.

 – Cathy deJong