As a former mayor of Issaquah, I’ve had the pleasure on occasion to cross paths with individuals whose ability to lead and whose passion for working for our communities was obvious. One of those people is Essie Hicks.

I’m glad that Essie Hicks is running for Washington state’s 5th Legislative District, seat one. Essie’s practical experience, working on such issues as local bond and levy campaigns for our schools, and her formal education, with a Master’s degree in public administration, are an ideal combination for public service and for the Legislature.

Over the years I have known Essie, I’ve seen that she is committed to high-quality, fully-funded public education. She is committed to representing small business owners and understands the challenges facing them, having been a small business owner herself. She is committed to solving the daily transportation challenges that people all over the district face through maintaining rural and urban roads and increasing transit.

Essie’s greatest commitments is to listen to all of us in the district and turn what she has heard into action on our behalf and on behalf of people throughout Washington. We need Essie’s practical experience in Olympia.

When Essie recently announced her candidacy, I stood with her and other supporters in the historic heart of Issaquah. I encourage everyone to join me in support of Essie Hicks for state representative.

Ava Frisinger, Issaquah