Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you in Salem for the past two years. Never in my life have I learned so much in so short a time or felt that my professional work has had more import or more meaning. Dealing with serious and complex policies that affect Oregonians, including education, health care, and criminal justice, as well as land use, housing, and transportation, has been both sobering and humbling. It has also been an inspirational and gratifying journey. This has been due in no small part to the guidance I have received from constituents and my legislative colleagues. Serving in this capacity has given me a chance to further the important goals for the improvement of our lives, the health of our families, and the success of our communities. These are goals that I will carry forward as I serve our communities in other ways.

Moving forward, it is my hope that our elected officials strive to overcome the tribalism and partisanship that has so deeply divided our communities and our government, both here in Oregon and around the country. One of my  personal goals as a legislator has been to rise above the  partisan mentality in our government that has led to gridlock and bitterness at a time when we most need cooperation and compassion. I continue to hope that we will move beyond this polarization, reject radical ideology, and return to civility, genuine dialogue, and a focus on doing what is right, rather than what is politically expedient. In doing so, we must recognize that we have so much more in common than we are different.

As I said in my very first legislative newsletter, I welcome your input and value your perspective. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to my office to share your views and engage in the legislative process to help me to better serve you. I have always tried to represent my constituents and the people of our State to the best of my ability. Even as my time in the Legislature ends, and I go on to continue my public service in other ways, I feel like the luckiest guy in the world to have the support of so many friends, family members and, of course, my wonderful wife, Paula.

As always, it is an honor to serve as your State Representative.

Sincerely,