HANSVILLE — With the general election on the horizon, local candidates are ensuring their platforms are heard by stepping out into the communities they hope to serve. Among them is Christine Rolfes, the Democratic challenger for the second position on the 23rd District in the House of Representatives, and Sherry Appleton, who is seeking reelection in the 23rd District.

They will both be in Hansville on Sept. 16 to meet community members, discuss issues and enjoy hot dogs.

“The issues we’re hearing about overall are public education, health care, ferries and transportation, and a little bit about dredging from people in Hansville,” said Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Island), who is challenging incumbent state Rep. Bev Woods (R-Kingston). “I’ve done some knocking on doors in Hansville, and those are the concerns that are repeated.”

Appleton, who is being challenged by Bainbridge Island Republican Earl Johnson, reiterated that those were the issues that she has also been hearing about, and hopes to discuss during the meet and greet in Hansville.

“People are concerned with public education, healthcare and certain transportation,” she said. “Those are the three big ones. People in Hansville also especially seem concerned about the environment.”

As a part of her platform, Rolfes said the way public education is handled in Washington state needs to change.

“We need smaller classroom sizes, and we need to offer pay that attracts good quality teachers,” she said. “Being a mother, I know that kids have to have a good, stable learning environment.”

As for health care, Rolfes served on the Kitsap County Board of Health, and Appleton said she feels that Rolfes has a good grasp of what will best serve residents in the district she would represent if elected.

“It’s such a huge issue,” Rolfes said. “If it’s not a personal crisis, you know someone who is having problems. We need to make the system affordable.”

Rolfes said the state needs not only a cheaper health care system, but also a more robust system that promotes wellness.

“The best way for me to understand the issues is to listen to (residents),” Appleton said. “What concerns are biggest, listen to the concerns, and I’ll have a better idea of how everyone would like them solved. Then I know how to act.”

Appleton has been out of the limelight since her husband, Ron, died on Aug. 7.

“It was time to get back out there,” Appleton said, noting that while she wasn’t actively campaigning, her group and effort were still progressing. “Ron wanted me to continue on with my campaign, so I am. It felt like it was time.”

“Sherry is such a wonderful person,” Rolfes said. “Sherry’s so dynamic, she’s been so active in her campaign. I don’t think anyone would fault her for taking time off to grieve her husband. It won’t hurt her at all.”

This will be Appleton’s second campaign event of the election season, her first being the Eggs and Issues this Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m. at Ponderay Cafe, 610 Callow Ave. in Bremerton.

The meet and greet at Buck Lake Park is hosted by the Hansville Democrats.