As an elected member of the Chehalis School Board, I have had the opportunity to work with legislators on issues that directly impact our students, schools and communities.
Through those experiences, I have learned that there is a significant difference between elected officials who say they listen and those who actually turn conversations into meaningful action. John Braun is someone who consistently does the latter.
Throughout my time serving on the school board, John has always been accessible, responsive and genuinely interested in hearing ideas about how we can improve public education. He doesn’t simply listen politely and move on. He asks questions, seeks to understand the challenges, and looks for practical solutions.
One of the best examples came in 2024, when concerns about unnecessary barriers preventing school districts from accessing special education Safety Net funding led to legislation that John championed. Together, we worked to address a complicated process that was costing districts valuable resources intended to support some of our highest-need students.
The result was common sense legislation, which passed unanimously through both chambers of the Legislature in a single session. This legislation removed unnecessary penalties for minor paperwork errors and required a simplified application process, helping school districts across Washington access critical funding.
What started as a conversation about a problem facing our schools became meaningful statewide policy in just one legislative session. That doesn’t happen without a leader who is willing to listen, work collaboratively and follow through.
What I appreciate most about John is that he understands good ideas don’t have to originate in Olympia or Washington, D.C. They often come from the people doing the work in our local communities. He respects those voices and understands that effective representation means giving them a voice and seat at the table.
At a time when politics can feel increasingly divisive, I believe we need leaders who are focused less on political theater and more on getting things done. I have personally witnessed John’s ability to build relationships, work across differences and deliver results.
I am proud to support John Braun for Congress because I know firsthand the kind of representative he will be: accessible, thoughtful, hardworking and committed to the people he serves.
Kelsi Hamilton
Chehalis
