Editor,

On Dec. 27, 2018, Dave Paul drove to La Conner to talk to residents about their request for help in funding a new library. It was the holidays, he was not yet sworn in, but he was already on the job.

He listened, asked questions, concluded it was a good investment of taxpayer money and then led the effort to allocate state funds to the project.

As a result of his focus on the needs of his constituents and his ability to work effectively with legislators of both parties, including Rep. Norma Smith, the La Conner and Swinomish communities are today building a vital new public resource.

That was my introduction to Dave Paul.

My introduction to Bill Bruch was a flyer that arrived in my mailbox in July. It was a lurid, fear-mongering piece that claimed Dave Paul “wants graphic comprehensive sex ed taught beginning as early as kindergarten.” That is a flat-out lie.

The legislation Bruch pointed to does not stipulate sex education in grades K-3. Since then, Bruch has held a fundraiser for more than 400 people, 90 percent of them unmasked. He has rejected social distancing and face masks, and called for opening the schools and for achieving “herd immunity” by just letting people get infected.

The contrast could not be greater.

If you want a representative who is honest and informed, believes in facts and science, is an experienced, effective and respected legislator, listens to his constituents rather than conspiracy theories and devotes his time and energy to bettering health care, education and economic opportunity for the people he serves, join me in voting to re-elect Representative Dave Paul.

Jim Airy

La Conner