Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This summer continues to be packed with events in the district and in other parts of the state! Over the past month, I have joined several of my legislative committees on tours around Washington to observe best practices. I also had the honor of attending the Paddle to Muckleshoot. Read on to learn more!
Paddle to Muckleshoot
I was honored to be invited to Alki Beach for the landing ceremonies of Paddle to Muckleshoot. Each year, Tribes from all over the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, and Alaska take part in a canoe journey, gathering at the end to celebrate. This year, the Muckleshoot Tribe hosted. As canoes arrived, some having traveled for over a month, each canoe family asked formal permission from the hosts to come ashore. It was a beautiful exchange of respect and culture. The landing ceremonies were followed by a potlach and several days of celebrations.
The state of Washington exists alongside 29 federally recognized Native American tribes. Our governments are always seeking to build better relationships and co-mange our natural resources. It was a pleasure to bear witness to this longstanding tradition and celebration.
Yellow Island Visit
I recently joined the Environment & Energy Committee members for a trip to Yellow Island in the San Juans.
Tucked in between San Juan and Orcas Island, Yellow Island is run by the Nature Conservancy to preserve a natural ecosystem largely untouched by humans. Only one person lives on Yellow Island. The island is used for ecological research into the restoration of native species as well as the rate of invasion of non-native species. It is home to over 50 species of wildflower as well as the only cactus species native to western Washington.
You may know that we have several preserves in the 29th Legislative District in the Spanaway area. This was a good opportunity to learn more about Washington’s ecological heritage and ways that we can preserve it for current and future generations.
WSU Hanford Oral History Project
My mom and I did an interview with professors from Washington State University Tri-Cities. My mom shared her migration story from Mexico to Pasco, Washington where she still lives today. I shared about growing up in the Tri-Cities and my journey to Tacoma where I am proud to call home.
America is a patchwork of journeys and stories. Our district is made up of lifelong residents, military transplants, and immigrants. We all bring something unique that contributes to the health and vibrancy of our community. I am happy that WSU Tri-Cities is taking the time to uplift the many different journeys of the people who call the Tri-Cities and Washington home.
Benton/Franklin County Auditors Offices
Several weeks ago, members of the State Government Committee were joined by Secretary of State Steve Hobbs for a tour of the Benton and Franklin County Auditor’s Offices. While I left assured that our elections remain secure, well run, and well monitored, we clearly still have more work to do to enfranchise voters and encourage turn out!
Voting is a right and should be a seamless process in Washington. Next year, we will consider legislation to improve the ballot-curing process. When a voter’s signature does not match the signature that the auditor has on file, that ballot is challenged and it must be ‘cured.’ However, our process for curing ballots can be cumbersome and research shows that it affects people of color, young and older voters, and people with disabilities disproportionately. That is why we will continue pushing until we have 100% Democracy!
Thank you for reading my newsletter. Hearing from you is the most important part of my job. Please do not hesitate to keep reaching out throughout the interim with your thoughts and ideas.
Sincerely,
Sharlett Mena
State Representative
29th District