PATRICIA IRVING, Kennewick

I was surprised and disappointed that the Tri-City Herald did not endorse Sen. Maria Cantwell for re-election. During her two terms in the U.S. Senate, Maria Cantwell has been a tireless advocate for working families and small businesses. Being the owner of a small, high-tech business here in the Tri-Cities, I have found Sen. Cantwell to be a strong advocate for endeavors that will promote job growth. She has visited my company several times as she developed strategies for supporting advanced manufacturing and renewable energy technologies. Maria's leadership, as chairwoman of the Energy Subcommittee of Energy and Natural Resources, has provided crucial support to many initiatives in this community, including the Mid Columbia Energy Initiative and small modular nuclear reactor development.

In addition, Senator Cantwell has led the charge to hold oil companies and big banks accountable and spearheaded efforts to protect consumers. As one of the founding members of the Washington State STEM Education Foundation, I greatly appreciate Maria's advocacy for education, including Delta High School, CBC, and WSU Tri-Cities.

Maria Cantwell is a superb leader for our nation, our state and our community and I urge voters from this region to support her in the coming election.