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This past week I had the opportunity to meet and hear Carolyn Long, candidate for Congress in the 3rd District. Carolyn is down-to-earth, approachable, passionate and well-prepared for this position. Growing up in rural Oregon, she learned to work hard on her family farm and in their produce stand. She put herself through college working in the produce department at Safeway, where she learned the importance of union support for benefits and a living wage. For the past 24 years, Carolyn has taught political science at WSU Vancouver. A recent course she has developed teaches people how to have productive conversations across the idealogical divide, a skill our country desperately needs. Indeed, according to her website, she has been honored for her work in promoting civil discourse, teamwork, collaboration and cooperation. She knows how to reach across the aisle.
I was struck by the depth of knowledge Carolyn has regarding the issues and in understanding our government. She is quick to admit when she doesn’t have an answer, but promises to think it through from a different perspective. What she wants for our district is what we all want to improve our lives: better infrastructure, better access to affordable healthcare, a clean environment, support for small business, fair taxes, pay equity, sustainable jobs, and broadband internet access for rural areas. As the only one of her family to earn advanced degrees, she is quick to point out the need for developing and supporting many educational paths into the workplace.
Most of all, I came away happy that there is a positive, pragmatic force in politics like Carolyn. Carolyn does her homework. She does not build her campaign on name calling, inflammatory language, negative attacks on her opponents and their party, nor whine about how unfairly she is being treated. With Carolyn Long, we would see an uplifting presence in Lewis County, someone who would show up and listen to our voices and help us fix our problems. Her campaign slogan sums her up: “People before Politics.” I hope you go to an event and meet Carolyn, or look her up on her website and read her personal story, and how she plans to serve Lewis County and SW Washington. Electlong.com
Susan Roden
Chehalis
