October 5, 2021
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
A couple weeks ago, I concluded my fifth annual 12th District listening tour. Traveling throughout North Central Washington with my staff had become an annual tradition every fall, the time of year when legislators begin planning for the upcoming legislative session. However, due to ongoing issues related to the COVID pandemic, my 2021 listening tour was held September 14-15 in a “virtual” format again this year. The tour included two full days of Zoom meetings, connecting with people all throughout the district.
 Thank you to the Chelan County Commissioners, Sheriff Brian Burnett, and county staff for their helpful updates during my recent listening tour. We discussed police reform laws, affordable housing, wildfire issues, insurance costs, and more.
Listening tours have become an annual tradition
In past years, I have visited Leavenworth, Cashmere, Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, Chelan, Quincy, Coulee City, Soap Lake, Bridgeport, Pateros, Twisp, Winthrop, Waterville, Mansfield, and Mazama – all communities in our vast 12th Legislative District. Despite all of the communities we have visited over the years, there are some still remaining on my list for direct visits during a future year’s listening tour. The size of our district can make some decisions more difficult in Olympia, but I try my best to learn the range of issues affecting us and to represent the entirety of our district when making decisions. Hearing the diversity of voices throughout the region each year – even if virtual this year – helps me do my job better. During this year’s listening tour, COVID response and the state’s economic outlook was a major topic of discussion. Community members discussed water, transportation, recreation, school, health care, vaccine mandates, wildfire, and other issues. This feedback will be very helpful for me when casting important votes in Olympia.
Listening tours help me serve you better
Hosting a listening tour each year allows me to hear directly from you in preparation for the upcoming session. Ideas shared during past listening tours have even turned into successful legislative action. As examples, a suggestion by Leavenworth officials to dispose of brush and yard clippings resulted in a bill that became law in 2018. A funding request related to the Saddle Rock trail in Wenatchee became reality when it was included in the state capital budget two years ago, and a road paving project to a popular fishing location in Okanogan County was recently funded. A biochar demonstration project in the Methow Valley to reduce wildfire risk was also funded as well as significant future improvements to the City of Wenatchee’s Community Center utilized by Pinnacles Prep school. All were ideas first discussed with constituents during past listening tours. Besides legislative ideas, I also collect helpful comments that prepare me to make better decisions to represent you in Olympia.
 Thank you to all of the community groups who participated in my 2021 listening tour. Included in this photo is my conversation with members of the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust who met with me to discuss conservation and outdoor recreation issues.
Looking ahead to the 2022 legislative session
As I reflect upon discussions from last month’s listening tour and look ahead to the legislative session, I will be better prepared to represent us in the state Senate. If you were not able to participate in my recent listening tour, please know that you can connect with me anytime throughout the year. I appreciate your willingness to share your thoughts and ideas with me. I learn a lot through listening.
Thank you for your support
I hope you were able to participate in this year’s listening tour, either through the Zoom meetings or the in-person opportunities. Your encouragement and support have been terrific throughout my listening tours over the past five years. Whether you were able to participate this year or not, please know that my position exists to serve you. Please feel free to reach out to me and my office anytime by email, phone calls, or letters. I appreciate hearing your thoughts and ideas about state government.
Listen to my recent local radio interviews
Leading up to the legislative session and each week during session, I will be calling our local radio stations to participate in live interviews about the latest topics in the legislative session. If you'd like to hear my most recent interviews, click on these links for KOHO and KOZI. A couple weeks ago, I participated in a full-hour interview on KPQ’s “The Agenda” with Dave Bernstein. We discussed a variety of topics, including my listening tour. Click on this link to listen to my Full KPQ Interview. If you have any questions, please contact me anytime.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your state senator.
Sincerely,
Brad Hawkins
State Senator
Brad Hawkins
12th Legislative District
E-mail:
brad.hawkins@leg.wa.gov
Website: senatorbradhawkins.org
107 Newhouse Building
- P.O. Box 40412 | Olympia, WA 98504-0412
(360) 786-7622 or Toll-free: (800) 562-6000
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