Dayton Chronicle - Your Hometown News Source

OLYMPIA–To say that the last few years have been challenging is a major understatement, and serving as your voice in Olympia has been no different.

I knew starting as a new legislator in the middle of a pandemic wasn’t going to be easy. The legislative process is unique under normal circumstances, even more so when it’s almost entirely virtual. Each day I am learning something new, and in my short time serving the 16th Legislative District as your state senator, I am finding that while there are ups and downs, it is truly an honor to be a voice for the people I represent.

As I headed to Olympia last session and again this January, I knew restrictions would be in place. I knew committee hearings, meetings and floor sessions would be totally different. I understood that in-person connection with constituents would be limited, and Zoom was becoming a way of life.

So much of what we do as legislators is working through the details of issues and bills to find common ground and the best solutions. Fundamentally, we all serve because we want to make a difference in our communities. We want to make the best decisions for those we represent. Each lawmaker has a different perspective and may view an issue from a different worldview.

This is where it has become challenging for lawmakers. Over the last two years, we haven’t had the opportunity to interact with one another and have important conversations around legislation we’re considering. Without these conversations, much of our work has become mostly one-sided. We have quickly seen bills and budgets proposed and then rushed through without input from the public or entire legislative body. Being in the majority party means you hold most of the cards and essentially, all the power. This majority has used it to muzzle the opposition.

This is evident by many of the police-reform bills passed last year. Republicans tried to warn Democrats that they would make our communities less safe. As I have spoken with constituents around the district, I have heard the personal stories about the implications of these decisions. Crimes have escalated and many feel that our communities are less safe. It didn’t have to be this way; we could have worked together to bring forward policies that addressed police reform without the risk to public safety.

There is good news. Your voice has been heard loud and clear regarding these issues and we are working to restore some of the tools our police officers rely on that were stripped away last year. Even as a legislative minority, Senate Republicans led the effort to amend Senate Bill 5919, which would allow officers to pursue vehicles if they have reasonable suspicion–a major improvement from policies enacted last year requiring probable cause. This bill is now in the House of Representatives, and it is my hope that the House will pass this vital piece of legislation to restore public safety throughout our state.

These past two virtual sessions are a good reminder that the best representation comes from listening. Your voice in our state government’s legislative process is so impactful. As I tour throughout the region this summer and fall, I look forward to meeting with the residents of the 16th Legislative District to hear how I can continue to best represent their priorities in Olympia. It is my hope that next year, legislators will be able to work together in-person to build relationships, establish trust and collaborate on solutions that work for people living in every corner of our state.

Sen. Perry Dozier, R-Waitsburg, represents Washington’s 16th Legislative District.