Leslie's Blog

I have frequently written posts about the Washington Policy Center's work. I get a copy of their newsletter and in the latest one their article on Citizen's Guide to Initiative 985 (pdf file) particularly interests me--traffic congestion has been a big issue for me in my campaign for State House Rep. in the 36th District.

This Initiative is Tim Eyman's work "Reduce Traffic Congestion Act of 2008." "It is an effort to implement some of the recommendations made in a recent performance audit conducted by the Washington State Auditor's Office (SAO)." I have not always been in favor of Tim Eyman's initiatives, but in this case I am.

My campaign website is: www.blossforthe36th.com

Queen Anne, Magnolia, Wallingford, Green Lake, Fremont, Ballard and Redmond, Washington Real Estate Property Listings. Just click on the blue "homes search" button and then click on the area you wish to view. You can also search by street address or the MLS number.

I lost my race but it was such a worth-while experience.  I learned so much and thoroughly enjoyed meeting people and hearing their stories.  I have learned that one person can make a difference and that we should follow our passion.  I will be keeping my hand in politics and lend support for issues that I feel are important.  I will say that many of the skills it takes to be a good real estate agent are the same for an elected official.

I haven't been completely out of real estate during my campaign and name recognition is something I now have in my district.  I will now focus on helping people buy and sell homes which is also great fun for me.

Queen Anne, Magnolia, Wallingford, Green Lake, Fremont, Ballard and Redmond, Washington Real Estate Property Listings. Just click on the blue "homes search" button and then click on the area you wish to view. You can also search by street address or the MLS number.

I have been against Washington State getting a State Income Tax (both of my opponents and the Governor want it.  The Washington Policy Center has a new booklet out--and there is a very interesting chapter on tax policy. It says:

Recommendation 1) Avoid enacting a state income tax. A state income tax would have a negative effect on the Washington economy. Comparisons among states show that income taxes reduce state competitiveness, add cost and complexity to the tax code, and reduce the incentive for people to work, save and invest. The absence of an income tax is one of the few clear advantages Washington’s business climate has over those of other states. Before you vote please take the time to read their information.

Before you vote please take the time to read their information.  The Primary is on Tuesday, August 19th.

My campaign website is: www.blossforthe36th

My real estate website is:  www.lesliebloss.com

Cleaning up Puget Sound etc., is important to me and as I was campaigning last night, I met two wonderful women (Jan Hollingsworth and Karen Bowman).  They are both nurses and very involved and interested in things like "Pollution in People."   We shared a glass of wine and they gave me many resources and contacts to check out.   I will give you web addresses and more information when I have a little more time--right now I need to fly!.

My campaign website is:  www.blossforthe36th.com

My real estate website is:  www.lesliebloss.com

The Seattle Times today has an article entitled "Run it by the truth squad: Gregoire and state income tax" by Ralph Thomas. She is saying that "now is not the time" but how long will it take before she pushes for it--right after the election? She does believe "eventually we will have one."

Both of my opponents are very clear that Washington should have a state income tax. I believe we do not have a tax problem--we have an out-of-control spending problem. I feel we need to stand firm on the stance that we do not want to be raising taxes just because lawmakers cannot make a decent budget!

Recently, the Governor is starting to show signs of "belt tightening." There are examples of this in the article "State to raise camping fees in Washington Parks;" and a video by KING 5's Lori Matsukawa "Gov. Chris Gregoire has ordered state agencies to cut hiring, travel and fuel costs as the weak economy continues to dry up tax collections, and she's asking colleges and other statewide elected officials to follow suit."

I still maintain that it is very important that the lawmakers in Washington State start being FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE. And, you voters in the 36th district can start to make that happen by voting for me for State House Representative, rather than my big spending opponents that want a state income tax!

The Primary in August 19th--please remember to vote!

My campaign website is: www.blossforthe36th.com

Queen Anne, Magnolia, Wallingford, Green Lake, Fremont, Ballard and Redmond, Washington Real Estate Property Listings. Just click on the blue "homes search" button and then click on the area you wish to view. You can also search by street address or the MLS number.

I received an endorsement today that I am very pleased and proud to receive.  It is from the King County Police Officers Guild.  I think that my work on Katie's Law probably had something to do with it.  I have always felt that police officers were my friends and when I was little I would wave at them when they went by.  I even took the test to become a King County Cop and passed--but things got in the way and I let that opportunity pass.

The Primary Election is on August 19th and I hope every one exercises their right to vote.  I often think about the people that would love to be able to vote or that their vote would actually mean something (like in Zimbabwe).  Another thing that comes to mind is how long it took for women to gain the right to vote in this country.

I really would encourage people to become involved in the grass roots level--we really can make a difference.

My campaign website is: www.blossforthe36th.com

Queen Anne, Magnolia, Wallingford, Green Lake, Fremont, Ballard and Redmond, Washington Real Estate Property Listings. Just click on the blue "homes search" button and then click on the area you wish to view. You can also search by street address or the MLS number.

Did you read The Seattle Times article "More Demands on Your Dollar"? Seattle Public Utilities proposed rate increases of "29% for garbage collection and 18 percent for water next year." And, King County Metro Transit is considering a bigger increase than the planned 25-cent bus-fare increase or else have service cuts.

We need to get the costs of utilities down not up. Maybe we need a desalination plant like Tampa Bay, Florida has. Maybe we need to harness more wind power so that we can get cheaper electricity and afford to use electric cars or retrofit our own. There will be a $2.7 billion dollar shortfall when the Legislature meets in January. Both of my opponents want a state income tax.

Maybe we need to start thinking about our getting the state's finances under control! Maybe we need to elect some Legislators that are actually concerned about voter's pocket books rather than raising taxes to take care of the shortfalls!  The Primary election is August 19th.

My campaign website is: www.blossforthe36th.com

Queen Anne, Magnolia, Wallingford, Green Lake, Fremont, Ballard and Redmond, Washington Real Estate Property Listings. Just click on the blue "homes search" button and then click on the area you wish to view. You can also search by street address or the MLS number.

A friend emailed me a link to an article in the IBDeditorials.com, entitled "The Toughest Test?" It is about how the Alain Leroy Locke High School in the Watts area of Los Angeles has now been taken over by Green Dot Public Schools (a nonprofit group that operates a dozen smaller charter schools in L.A). The have started their program this summer and the atmosphere is "orderly and few of the students are challenging the new rules."

L.A. does give some public money to charter schools and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation contributed some funds. "Green Dot, run by Rock-the-Vote founder Steve Barr, said that the Gateses and other reform-focused philanthropists would jump at the chance to help any public school like Locke that is trying something that works. So money is no excuse." (This may be one of those successes in schools that Olympia should take a look at.)

My campaign website is: www.blossforthe36th.com

Queen Anne, Magnolia, Wallingford, Green Lake, Fremont, Ballard and Redmond, Washington Real Estate Property Listings. Just click on the blue "homes search" button and then click on the area you wish to view. You can also search by street address or the MLS number.