State Reps. Jay Rodne, Chad Magendanz to host transportation meeting, town hall events

State Reps. Jay Rodne, Chad Magendanz to host transportation meeting, town hall events

As part of their listening tour around the 5th Legislative District, Reps. Jay Rodne and Chad Magendanz will host an informational transportation meeting in Issaquah Sept. 26. The meeting will include local transportation leaders as well as a representative from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The goal of the meeting is to empower citizens to ask questions about a possible transportation tax package the governor has said may come forward for a vote in a special session during the November 21 and 22 scheduled legislative committee days. The details of the informational transportation meeting are as follows:

Thursday, Sept. 26, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Issaquah Police Department, Eagle Room
130 East Sunset Way, Issaquah

A panel of elected officials representing local communities and lawmakers serving on transportation committees in the state Legislature will be on hand to answer questions.

“We’re pleased to host this event so that constituents can ask questions, share their views and get more information on what kinds of projects are being considered should an agreement be reached on a new transportation tax package this fall or next session,” said Rodne, R-Snoqualmie and member of the House Transportation Committee. “We know there are many long-overdue road projects in our part of the state and elsewhere, but before we head back to the Legislature we want to have a clear understanding of where Fifth District taxpayers stand on new and higher gas and car taxes, particularly in this fragile economy.”

Both legislators believe a compromise could be reached if accountability and transparency measures for the WSDOT are passed in conjunction with a transportation tax package.

“Taxpayers recognize value when they see projects moving ahead in a timely manner and within budget. However, some of the recent costly errors with the 520 Bridge project and others around the state have eroded public confidence,” said Magendanz, R-Issaquah. “If we want to ask Washingtonians for more of their paychecks in the form of gas taxes and vehicle and weight fees, we must ensure them every dollar is being spent efficiently and effectively to move cars, freight and aid in job creation. I am looking forward to hearing what the experts say and listening to the many questions I know constituents have on this topic.”

The two lawmakers are also hosting several local town hall events to allow constituents to ask questions of them directly and learn more about what may be topics of discussion in the 2014 legislative session beginning next January. The details are as follows:

Saturday, Oct. 12
Enumclaw, 10 a.m. to noon
The Krain
39929 264th Avenue S.E.

Saturday, Oct. 12
Black Diamond, 1:00 to 4 p.m.
Black Diamond Bakery- Banquet Room
32805 Railroad Avenue

Monday, Oct. 14
Maple Valley, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Maple Valley Community Center
22010 SE 248th Street

Wednesday, Oct. 23
Carnation, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
4621 Tolt Avenue

Saturday, Oct. 26
Snoqualmie, 10 a.m. to noon
Snoqualmie Fire Station, Training Room
37600 S.E. Snoqualmie Parkway

Saturday, Oct. 26
North Bend, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Mount Si Senior Center, Large Multipurpose Room
411 Main Avenue South

Tuesday, Oct. 29
Issaquah, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Issaquah Police Department, Eagle Room
130 East Sunset Way

“We look forward to the many conversations with constituents about how we can make our communities stronger and improve state government,” Rodne said. “We have a lot of new Fifth District residents after the last redistricting, and we are excited to get to know their issues as we approach the next session of the Legislature.”

“These informal gatherings are about listening to both our new and existing constituents. We want to hear ideas on legislation that can address an issue in our communities, thoughts on issues of importance to folks being debated at the state level and solutions that ensure we are serving the district to the best of our abilities,” Magendanz said.

No RSVP is necessary to attend the events. Constituents who are unable to attend are encouraged to send questions and comments to Rodne and Magendanz at Jay.Rodne@leg.wa.gov and Chad.Magendanz@leg.wa.gov.

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