HANSVILLE — Armed with hot dogs and handshakes, Christine Rolfes, the Democratic challenger for Position 2 in the 23rd District for the House of Representatives, and Sherry Appleton, who is seeking reelection to Position 1 in the 23rd District, enticed voters to Buck Lake Park last Saturday afternoon for political discussion and lunch.

The event was hosted by the Hansville Democrats, who invited the public to share its comments and concerns about the state of the district with the two candidates.

“I thought it went very well,” Appleton said. “It was very successful. People seemed interested in what we had to say.”

The informal event drew about 20 people who trickled in during its two-hour span, Appleton and Rolfes said. Those attending brought up the three key issues that Rolfes said she has been hearing about since she started campaigning: health care, education and transportation.

“There was a time, about when we moved here, that the public transportation was such that we could be a one-car family,” said Hansville resident Susan Harrington, adding that she’d like to see public transportation back at that level again and feels that Rolfes will ensure that happens.

“We’d especially like to see another Democrat in the House,” said Hansville resident Jack Harrington. “I don’t think we’re getting the best representation right now. I hope that changes.”

Appleton said she heard a lot of the same ideas that she’d been hearing since coming to office: lower ferry fares and a single-payer system for health insurance.

Education was also a paramount issue at the event, Appleton said.

“I think there is only one solution for our education system, and that is early education,” she added. “We need to start enrolling children early, from birth to 3 years old and up to help alleviate our educational concerns. Children need to be ready to read and write when they get to the first grade.”

Though not among the “three key issues,” Rolfes said Hansville residents are especially concerned about the environment. With members of the community working hard on the Hansville Greenways and other natural settings, Rolfes said many residents are hoping to continue their work with the backing of the state.

“One issue a number of people are instrumental in has been the Hansville community planning effort for the trails and greenways,” she said. “We talked a lot about quality of life, and the (Washington State Department of) Fish and Wildlife proposal for the boat ramp that is being discussed for Hansville.”

For some residents, the meet and greet might have swayed their decisions when the general election ballot arrives in November.

“I think they’re both great candidates,” said Hansville resident Tom Ritley. “They understand our concerns about the environment and traffic development. I think they’ll better represent the entire district.”