To the editor:

If more than seven years of Republican (GOP) rule has not convinced you that it is time to change the direction of this country, you have an easy choice for State Representative, Position 2, Barbara Bailey.

You can vote for her with certainty that she will continue her ultra-conservative voting pattern.

No expansion of healthcare for needy children, or anyone else; forget about negotiations for lower drug prices with drug companies or for importing lower-priced drugs from Canada; and forget about protecting the environment through reasonable and necessary regulations regarding land usage and growth.

Bailey and her fellow GOP Republicans are intent on undoing the progressive government programs of the past 70 years that protect workers, families and the environment from the unchecked power of big business and industry (think Haliburton). Look at Bailey’s vote in support of Bush’s initiative to privatize Social Security for proof.

On the other hand, if you believe that we deserve leadership that is driven by intelligence and compassion, not ideology — then Patricia Terry is your clear choice.

Helping people has been her entire professional life. As a registered nurse for more than 30 years, she gained an insider’s perspective on our healthcare crisis. She earned a master’s degree in public administration. She’s an adjunct professor teaching budget management at Seattle University. She currently serves on the Island County Community Health Advisory Board and served as president of the Washington State Association for Healthcare Quality. She is also an active member of the National Association for Healthcare Quality Leadership Council.

Based on her proven record of excellence and her intelligent, nonpartisan approach to complex issues, she has served by appointment with a number of government agencies.

There is no other candidate for State Representative, Position 2, who even comes close to Patricia Terry in terms of intellect, understanding of the myriad complex issues facing our district, the state and ensuring that public policy decisions place people before partisanship. We need a nurse in the House (of Representatives)!

Shirley Reith Bennett

Coupeville