7th District lawmakers encourage residents to participate, share views

Reps. Joel Kretz and Shelly Short will host a one-hour town hall over the phone with their constituents Thursday, Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m.  To participate, residents should call toll-free 1-877-229-8493 and then enter pin number 15429.

The legislators will again use this popular technology to communicate with constituents about the issues they’re facing in Olympia.  The event works much like a call-in radio show, where participants ask questions of Kretz and Short directly during the hour.

“We’re facing some very difficult choices in Olympia, and we want to make sure we connect with the folks back home in a way that is convenient and cost-effective as we make major decisions,” said Kretz, R-Wauconda and deputy House Republican leader. “We hosted a telephone town hall last session that was the best-attended call of any others. It was a huge success with hundreds of constituents on the line and asking questions. This is just one more way we can reach out to residents and hear their views.”

Last year, the 7th District representatives hosted a town hall phone call that exceeded their expectations. Constituent feedback was very positive on the format and ease of use.

“The participation we’ve had in past telephone town halls has been tremendous,” said Short, R-Addy.  “Citizens in our district are very involved in their communities and in local and state government issues.  I’m looking forward to hearing from folks back home and discussing common-sense solutions to the problems we face.”

Constituents who are unable to join the call are encouraged to call, e-mail or write the representatives. Kretz can be reached at joel.kretz@leg.wa.gov or (360) 786-7988. Short can be reached at shelly.short@leg.wa.gov or (360) 786-7908.

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For more information, contact Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7252