In this election, the voters of the 23rd Legislative District had a bright-line choice between a business leader, me, or a trial lawyer, Mr. Hansen. Congratulations are in order to the victor in this election.

While the voters have made their selection, the greater battle is enjoined over the broader issues of Olympia reform and downsizing. There is no question I have rung the bell for liberty and reform.

I will double my efforts in the critical battle against the current Olympia money cycle of corruption: out-of-state special-interest money combined with public-sector union money pouring in to Democrat incumbents.

The issues of $39 billion in unfunded/underfunded public-sector labor union liabilities, K-12 funding/performance, regulatory reform with B&O and Labor and Industries, and care of the neediest citizens demands immediate attention from our newly elected 23rd Legislative District delegation. We will be tracking each of these.

While this 2012 tactical skirmish is lost, as General Douglas MacArthur famously said in the his retreat from the Philippines in March 1942, I shall return. As one Norwegian to another, I wish Mr. Hansen due speed in solving the Olympia dire fiscal crisis facing the people of the State of Washington.

James M. Olsen
Bainbridge Island