This Mike I Like...

Representative Mike Sells , 38th Legislative District, (Position 2) has had an excellent freshman term in Olympia. In the two legislative sessions he has participated in, Mike has sponsored and co-sponsored bills that are already bringing good things to the citizens of this district. Mike is Vice-Chair of the Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Education and also sits on the Housing and Transportation Committees. From his work on these committees, Mike has been able to help move legislation through that is bringing vital transportation projects to Everett and Marysville as well as many other parts of the state. He is an effective advocate for affordable housing and “green building” while stressing the “responsible” in responsible growth.

It is his role in education, however, that is helping to distinguish Mike Sells as a truly effective leader. Mike has had bills signed into law in both of the past two sessions that deal with diverse aspects of education. Along with his district partner, John McCoy (D-Tulalip), Mike has established a legislative priority for needed apprenticeship training. In the 2005 session they co-sponsored and had signed into law a tuition tax credit for apprenticeship training at the community college level. He is working in partnership with the cities of Everett and Marysville and the Snohomish County Council to help establish a four year college in the region. In the just ended session of the legislature, Sells and McCoy combined to sponsor legislation to fund 250 additional upper division or graduate level positions at Everett Community College. Governor Gregoire signed the legislation into law on March 23rd.

Even with the busy schedule he and all of our legislators deal with when they are in session, Mike is always quick with responses to constituent questions and concerns. He is willing to listen to a variety of view points and doesn't back away from making decisions. The one common theme I have found in the conversations I have had with him is ‘value from the vote’. Mike’s primary concern on every issue is, “Will this vote bring value to the folks in the 38th LD and the State of Washington?” I believe he has represented my values well in Olympia and I look forward to working for his re-election this year.


Peace,

Chad (The Left) Shue