u/MichelleDBennett

I’d like to share how something that happened at the Salmon Days parade recently affected me personally and also impacted my children.

I was marching in the parade with my children as a candidate for our upcoming election. My children are nine and 13. It was a great and sunny day with awesome vendors, music, great bands, and wonderful performers.
As we went by a number of spectators, some of them flipped us off, put their thumbs down, and some booed and scowled. My girlfriend/fiancé was present as well.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions certainly. That said, I think we should all be civil and respectful, especially when there are children present.
It’s difficult to explain to your children why some people would behave in such a way, especially when they love their mama so much.
Again, everyone’s entitled to their opinions, but do you really know the person that you’re flipping off? Do you know what they really believe or stand for? Unless you know the person personally, you certainly do not.

I support peaceful discourse, kind behavior, and civility. I think it’s important in all walks of life to be kind and thoughtful.

It was also ironic when after the parade, I sat next to the tent for some of these people who were displaying these negative actions to come up to visit and socialize. There was a giant sign on this tent that said, “No hate in Washington state.”
I had to wonder, is that statement true only if people agree with who they believe you are?
I’ll tell you what though, I went over, started conversations, and befriended people who were working inside that tent. We had great conversations.
We don’t have to hate each other, ever.

Hi everyone-

I am new to posting on Reddit.

I am running for Washington state House of Representatives, Legislative District 5.

I voted as Democrat in the past and considered myself a Democrat from childhood (my dad used to be the chairman of the Democratic Party where I grew up).

Just recently, after disagreeing with several bills, legislative initiatives, unfunded mandates, one size fits all housing regulations, raiding of pension funds, gutting of public safety laws, an unconstitutional income tax that surreptitiously includes pensions and retirements, and questionable ethics of some members (and I know that there are more than a few Republicans in the same boatI), I switched parties to just right of center on the political spectrum.

Washington state House of Representatives is about local politics. This seat will not have impact on a national level. I do want to fairly and ethically serve the people of my district.

Listening is important. it is especially important when you sign up to serve people in your Legislative District.

I am very interested to learn what people want most from their legislator. What would you like to see changed in our states? What issues are most important to you?

I’m interested in having civil and respectful

Please go easy on me :)

Michelle Bennett