Letter: Voters should retain Larry Haler for another term in Olympia

I am writing in response to the Tri-City Herald’s decision not to endorse state Rep. Larry Haler for re-election.

As a member of the State House from Puyallup, I have worked closely with Rep. Haler since I took office in 2011. I have had the chance to see Larry in action as the ranking Republican on the House Higher Education Committee from 2011 through 2015. In his role as a higher education policy leader, Larry was a key supporter of legislation to make our colleges and universities more efficient, to freeze tuition in 2013 and to reduce tuition in 2015, and to place limits on the future growth of tuition. A proud booster of Tri-Cities, Larry convinced the Higher Education Committee to hold its 2015 interim meeting and tours at WSU Tri-Cities and Columbia Basin College.

Larry is a bipartisan collaborator who holds a seat on the powerful House Appropriations Committee. His service in local and state government dates back nearly three decades; his breadth of experience and his investment in relationships makes a real difference for the citizens of Tri-Cities.

Citizens of the 8th Legislative District will be well-served by retaining Larry Haler for another term in Olympia.

This story was originally published November 4, 2016 at 4:14 AM with the headline "Letter: Voters should retain Larry Haler for another term in Olympia."