I am writing in response to the multiple letters extolling the qualifications of Ramiro Valderrama for Washington state representative. While I have been a supporter of Councilman Valderrama since he first ran for his Sammamish City Council position, I cannot help but be more than a little concerned about his decision to declare as a Republican, and the ensuing implications (based on recent trends in Washington state legislation).
Rep. Roger Goodman continues to do a fantastic job of representing his constituents, and I don’t have to worry that, rather than listen to the people in his district, he will decide to vote strictly along party lines. Since moving to Washington 28 years ago, that has never been a concern of mine.
But after having no representation in the U.S. House since 2005, watching state legislators abandon promises and principles to hew to party lines, and watching the state GOP twist itself into knots to justify, if not condone, the GOP presidential nominee’s heinous behavior, I need some assurances from Mr. Valderrama.
If he were running as a Republican to try to restore some credibility to a seriously damaged political machine, I would listen. If he has declared as a Republican because he is on board with their platform and ideology, I’m afraid we all need to consider the ramifications of further gerrymandering and some of the other legacies of the GOP in recent years.
We can’t afford the ruinous economic policies, the environmental devastation and the ideology-over-facts stance the current Republican Party seems to thrive on. We can’t afford to ignore climate change, deny evolution and persecute people that are different from us. While not delighted with past behaviors and random statements from the current head of the state GOP, Susan Hutchison — a prime example of ideology before rational thought — has gone beyond the pale trying to defend Donald Trump. While I appreciate Mr. Valderrama’s public service to date, Roger Goodman has my vote in the hope that we can embrace critical thinking, rational fiscal policy, well-funded schools and a government by and for the people of Washington state.
Steven Baker
Sammamish
