I was surprised to learn that the Legislative Round Up on Dec. 2 at Bainbridge High School was an annual event organized by the North Kitsap and Bainbridge school districts. If you are on the NKSD mailing list, you would have learned about it on Dec. 1 — which may explain the negligible turnout from North Kitsap.

Although I appreciated the presentation by Sen. Rolfes on SB 6130, I was surprised to hear that she does not think students should have to pass assessments to graduate. Does anyone remember why state testing was initiated in the first place? Students were graduating with minimal literacy and numeracy. Admittedly, the system has turned something that should be simple into a costly, complicated and ever-evolving nightmare, but should we throw the baby out with the bath water?

Rep. Appleton agreed with her and reminded us that “kids should be kids.” She also encouraged parents to warn their children about the long-term repercussions of breaking the law and that if they do to make sure they don’t get caught!

I was dismayed by Rep. Hansen’s vocal contempt for anyone with a different view of the Constitution than his own. His pompous, dismissive attitude was a bad example for the civics class in the audience. Apparently, he is not aware that our present situation between the Supreme Court and the Legislature is extremely rare and that we have three equal branches of government.

Sometimes there is no clear right answer, so be respectful.

Loretta Byrnes
Poulsbo