The Rotary Club of Arlington welcomed Washington State Representative Dave Paul of the 10th Legislative District for an informative discussion about issues affecting our communities.
State Representative Dave Paul from District 10, a fellow Rotarian from the Oak Harbor Club shared a little bit of who he is and the work that he is doing in our state today with our club. He says that he even fights with the Representative from District 24 who has the “most beautiful district” He of course believes his is the most beautiful. Representative Paul was first elected in 2018, shared his background as a political scientist and longtime Skagit Valley College employee, as well as his experience serving on committees focused on higher education, workforce development, transportation, technology, economic development, and veterans. He started off on the K-12 committee education committee but switched to the technology, community and economic development committee knowing the importance of broadband to our community especially for the rural parts of District 10. They are trying hard to improve that knowing it is very difficult to have economic development without broadband access for all.
A major focus of his presentation was education and workforce development. Rep. Paul discussed the Washington College Grant and his efforts to make college and career training more affordable while connecting students with living-wage employment and apprenticeship opportunities.Rep. Paul said it is important to him to figure out what he can actually impact and affect by listening to the community and one of those things is college affordability and ways to improve our education systems and make that is leading to living wage jobs.
Transportation was another important topic, particularly improvements to 172nd Street, Highway 9, Island Crossing, and the region's ferry system. He encouraged community members to share their concerns and emphasized that hearing directly from residents, businesses, and public safety officials helps him advocate for transportation funding in Olympia.
Members asked questions about mental health services, broadband access, the FAFSA/WASFA graduation requirement, and Washington's tax system. Rep. Paul emphasized the importance of finding practical, sustainable solutions and working across party lines to benefit the communities he represents.
He encouraged Rotarians and other community members to continue sharing ideas and concerns with him, particularly regarding workforce development and ways to better connect education, apprenticeships, businesses, and community resources.
We appreciate Rep. Paul taking the time to visit the Rotary Club of Arlington and engage with our members in a thoughtful and open conversation about the future of our community and state.
