March 20, 2009

13th District lawmakers declare 'teleforum' a huge success and thank residents for their participation

Rep. Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum, and Rep. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, declared their joint 'teleforum' this week a huge success, saying the opportunity to speak directly to a large group of constituents over a wide range of topics was invaluable.

"I think one of the most encouraging things about using the teleforum technology is to see the level of participation from constituents," Hinkle said.  "We had so many people on the line listening in and asking questions.  Through our poll questions, the questions people asked and the subsequent discussions, it was very apparent early on that we're very much in-sync with those we represent.  We're working together towards the same goal - to make Central Washington, and specifically the 13th District, the best place in Washington to live, work and raise a family."

Hinkle and Warnick reported that 863 people participated at one time or another throughout the hour-long teleforum.  Forty-nine people opted to talk to the phone screeners to present a question or topic for discussion, and 17 of those people went live on the air.

"We have a very involved district," Warnick said.  "It's obvious that our citizens know the issues that are important to them and they're not afraid to speak out and get involved.  We were able to talk directly to folks who have either written a letter or e-mailed about a specific issue and then give updates on those issues.  And it was great to hear so many familiar voices."

Hinkle and Warnick also expressed their gratitude that citizens would take time out of their day, especially around the dinner hour, to learn more about, and be involved in, the issues lawmakers are dealing with in Olympia.

"I'm so grateful for the citizen involvement we experienced," Warnick said.  "We're living in some difficult times right now and it would be easy for some to just disengage from the process.  But our district isn't like that.  When things get tough, they get more involved to change things for the better."

"People were very gracious with their words of encouragement, but they also want to hold our feet to the fire," Hinkle said.  "I work for the people of my district.  When they tell me how we should approach a problem or where we should expend our efforts, I say, 'Message received,' and get to work."

The results of the poll questions asked during the teleforum were as follows:

1) What is the best way for the state to deal with the almost $9 billion budget shortfall and economic situation?

Cut Taxes = 33%
Cut Programs = 57%
Increase Taxes = 7%
Increase Programs = 3%

2) If you were prioritizing the state budget, please tell us which you would fund FIRST:

Education = 28%
Health Care = 26%
Transportation = 14%
Public Safety = 28%
Environmental Protection = 5%

3) Should the state subsidize children's health care for families of four making more than $60,000 a year?

Yes = 9%
No = 91%

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For more information, contact: Brendon Wold, Senior Information Officer: (360) 786-7698