YOU CAN DROP YOUR BALLOT OFF UNTIL 8 PM, NOV. 6TH, AT DROP BOX LOCATIONS:

ISLAND COUNTY DROP BOX LOCATIONS AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY:

We would like to congratulate you for being named a 2012 Friend of Farm Bureau.

This award is presented to legislators who achieved an 80 percent or greater vote record during the 2012 session on significant legislation identified by the Washington Farm Bureau. As you know, the Washington Farm Bureau is the state’s largest general farm organization, representing the economic and social interests of more than 41,000 member families.

We appreciate your leadership on and support of agricultural issues and look forward to working with you during the 2013 legislative session.

Sincerely,

  Director of Government Relations

Nine Washington state legislators received the Outstanding Legislator Award, including Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton.

The Community Employment Alliance announced its list at an awards luncheon in Seattle on Oct. 5.

The Outstanding Legislator Award honors Washington state legislators that have made exceptional efforts to support employment for people with disabilities.

“The ability to contribute to the communities in which we live is important to all of us. The individuals involved in supported employment programs simply want the opportunity to do meaningful work, be independent and contribute their unique talents and skills to our communities. In doing so, we all benefit. These programs have been successful in making their hopes a reality, and I will continue to be a strong advocate,” Smith said.

The Community Employment Alliance is a nonprofit advocacy organization with a membership network of 50 businesses and employment service providers

throughout Washington. Its members provide services to more than 10,000 people with disabilities each year. The alliance’s mission is to advocate, educate and partner for employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

From Whidbey News-Times

OLYMPIA — A Whidbey Island lawmaker who asked why the state’s newest ferries list, vibrate and consume so much fuel isn’t satisfied with the answer she’s received from the leader of Washington State Ferries.

Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton, said the Aug. 17 response did not ease her concerns about the design and durability of the 64-car vessels and now she wants to meet with those running the ferry system.

“The answers in this letter are substantially inadequate,” Smith said Wednesday. “They simply do not match what I’ve learned from other professionals with intimate knowledge of the vessels and their challenges.”

Read More…

OLYMPIA – A Whidbey Island lawmaker is raising questions about the design, durability and cost of operating the state’s newest ferries between Coupeville and Port Townsend.

Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton, sent a letter this week to leaders of the state’s transportation department and Washington State Ferries asking why the boats list when empty, vibrate during travel and use more fuel than the larger Steel Electric vessels they replaced.

In the letter, she poses nearly two dozen questions about the Salish and Kennewick, the 64-car, 750-passenger boats in use on the route. The inquiry applies as well to the Chetzemoka, the first boat in this class used on the run, she said.

“Since the legislative session ended, I’ve had a number of conversations with a lot of different people about these issues,” she said Friday. “I’ve ridden the (Salish) and I saw firsthand the list. I experienced some of the vibration. When I saw these things first hand, I felt it was critical we had clear and transparent answers.”

Read more…

 NFIB (National Federation of Independent Businesses)
Small Business Endorses Rep. Norma Smith for Re-Election
Clinton lawmaker had 100- percent, pro-Main Street voting record in the Legislature
“Thanks to Rep. Norma Smith’s hard work, small businesses now have up to seven days to correct most minor rule violations before a citation is issued,” said Patrick Connor, NFIB’s Washington state director. “As the prime sponsor, Rep. Smith successfully negotiated and won unanimous passage of two priority bills giving small business some breathing room before state inspectors can impose costly fines or other penalties. Rep. Smith has proven that real regulatory reform is possible. We look forward to her continued leadership on this important effort.”

Washington State Farm Bureau:
Based on the recommendations from local Farm Bureau Chapters, the Washington State Farm Bureau PAC has made the following endorsement to State Representative Norma Smith.

Skagit/ Island Counties Builders Association:
“Thank you for your service and for your willingness to continue to serve. We appreciate everything you do to support small business in Washington state.”

Washington State Auto Dealers:
“Your willingness to listen to our issues and your support is appreciated.”

“Manufacturing and production offers the best hope for 70 percent of the Washingtonians who don’t have college degrees,” Smith said, urging the legislature to focus “like a laser beam” to enhance the manufacturing economy while protecting clean water and clean air.