On March 12, the 23rd Legislative District delegation of Sen. Rockefeller and Reps. Appleton and Rolfes met with constituents in Manette and Poulsbo. Kudos to our elected leaders for open government and meeting with the 140  constituents in Poulbso for 90 minutes.

I attended and posed a question to the delegation: “Given Washington state’s $7.7 billion biennial shortfall, would you A) Support a bill declaring all public-sector contracts null and void under emergency provisions; and B) Would you support ending the current public-sector union collective-bargaining monopoly held by union bosses?”

Rep. Rolfes replied, “This is not Wisconsin” and answered with a “No” and “No.” Rep. Appleton dodged the question totally.  However,  Sen. Rockefeller stated, “Everything is on the table.”

A forum attendee said as the forum wrapped up: “We are doomed with these legislators.” I say: Hope springs eternal.

Truth be told: The $7.7 billion Olympia budget shortfall is certainly bracing.

James M. Olsen
Bainbridge Island