The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

To the Editor:

When I announced my candidacy in January for position 1, Washington State House of Representative – Legislative District #16, I imagined discussions on neighbors’ doorsteps and forums with engaged citizens. I imagined listening, learning, agreeing and agreeing to disagree. However, the word pandemic did not come to mind, yet here we are. According to the 4 county health departments that make up LD#16, each have confirmed cases of COVID 19 and sadly, 4 people have died in Benton county.

My campaign plan and strategy required a swift rework. In lieu of the recommendations from the CDC and Department of Health, gatherings will be postponed indefinitely, and canvassing will have to wait. I plan to use digital mediums to communicate plans and ideas and will organize virtual tele-gatherings. Campaign objectives remain the same, the process will adjust to our new reality. I continue to listen to people and hear their concerns. I continue to communicate my thoughts and positions on important issues, and like all campaigns, I work to raise money in support of my campaign.

As a nurse with 35 years of experience, I will continue to serve my community in my profession. This crisis highlights the need for strong leadership at all levels of government. Nurses are innovative, we will do whatever it takes to make things better. We can’t always fix the problem, but we make it better. That’s the kind of servant leadership I have to offer the 16th Legislative District.

I would like to recognize the unrelenting and invaluable work of state and local government health departments. They are our link to data and evidence. They keep us informed and advocate for us.

I would like to recognize the essential employees in our community. Despite the risk and anxiety of coronavirus, many continue on; health care workers, EMS, law enforcement, pharmacies, grocery stores, USPS, banks, utility workers, food preparation and delivery services. Please be careful and smart. When you see Purell, use Purell.

Please see my website for information on my campaign, electfrances.com. Thank you for your time, take care of yourself, wash your hands and stay home. Learn to crochet, bake a cake, read and spend time in the garden. We will get through this, together.

Frances Chvatal

(Chvatal is a candidate to represent the 16th Legislative District in the State House of Representatives. The seat is currently held by Rep. Bill Jenkins, R-Prosser, who plans to run for the 16th District Senate seat.)