I want to tell you about my friend, Sen. Dean Takko. He isn’t part of the loud, brash new political arena that is our current landscape.

I usually find Sen. Takko on the phone while he drives the vast distances that are the 19th District. He is always at meetings with citizens.

He shows up. He listens. And he understands that governance isn’t about sound bites. It’s about hard work, relationships and figuring out complicated issues.

Takko has been a fighter for Grays Harbor. He helped us with the North Shore levee project, Montesano’s Waste Water Treatment facility, projects at Satsop and Aberdeen and the beaches. Sen. Takko reflects the Harbor using common sense before politics.

As the chair of the Senate’s Local Government Committee, he has helped me and other mayors on the Harbor work through the challenges we face.

He is absolutely dedicated to this goal and helping each of our cities, its citizens and our businesses have a strong voice to protect our rural lifestyle and traditions. Takko fights for this because he grew up, worked, raised a family and continues to live in a community just like ours.

Sen. Takko is not flashy. He is a serious person who works very hard with lawmakers from both parties and around the state to get things done. That’s what we need and it’s why I’m proud to support him. Please remember to send in your ballot when it comes in the mail!

Vini Samuel

Montesano