Carlyle aims to be ‘ombudsman’ in Olympia

John Burbank has conceded, and Reuven Carlyle says he’s ready to tackle the tough issues in Olympia. “I plan to do everything I can to earn a reputation as a legislator who is a true ‘ombudsman’ for state government who first and foremost helps the people of our district to get the world class customer service from state government they deserve,” he said. We’ve posted statements from both Carlyle and Burbank after the break below…

Reuven Carlyle:

First, let me say that I want to publicly express my deep appreciation to Rep. Helen Sommers for her 36 years of dignified and honorable service to our community. I am so humbled to succeed her in the legislature.

Second, I received a very gracious and generous phone call from John Burbank this morning offering his congratulations on my win. I am deeply appreciative of the call and am proud of the race we waged together as Democrats. I thank John for his commitment and for the spirit that drives his impressive public service.

Third, I ran for the legislature because I believe–heart and soul–that we are a more educated, passionate, dynamic and engaged community than our policies and our politics reflect. We are so much more than what we’ve become. I am excited to tackle some of the tough issues and give it everything I have to make a difference.

Finally, my goal is to be a citizen legislator who listens well, hears the silence as well as the noise, and advocates policies that reflect the values of our community. I will take strong and clear stands on real issues impacting real families and promise never to hide behind the institutional bureaucracy of state government. Finally, I plan to do everything I can to earn a reputation as a legislator who is a true ‘ombudsman’ for state government who first and foremost helps the people of our district to get the world class customer service from state government they deserve.

Thank you for the honor of this opportunity to serve our community.

John Burbank:

Yesterday was an historic day, a huge leap forward for our country, with the election of Barack Obama, and for our state, with the re-election of Chris Gregoire and the election of Peter Goldmark. I would have liked to have been able to say that I could join them as a very junior legislative lawmaker, but that didn’t happen.

What did happen is that we ran a campaign focused on the need for affordable health coverage for everyone, full funding for public schools, a transportation and transit system that is well-funded, convenient and fast, protecting our environment, and starting up the green economy. We don’t have years to debate these issues – they must be resolved, and they must be resolved quickly.

That’s why I ran for the legislature, and why I will continue my work and advocacy for everyday citizens in our city. Thank you to everyone who supported me and worked on my campaign. I congratulate Reuven Carlyle and urge everyone to work with Reuven, to help move these issues forward in the state legislature.

The 36th District is a unique community comprised of Magnolia, Belltown, Ballard, Crown Hill, Queen Anne, Greenwood/Phinney, and Fremont. We tend to be strongly democratic and can be a powerful influence to push the right public policies and get good people elected. I’m proud to be part of this community and I plan to work hard with our representatives and through my organization, the Economic Opportunity Institute, to move a progressive policy agenda forward for our community and our state.