Senator Bob Oke understands that there are other issues than the Tacoma Narrows Bridge that are important to the residents of the 26th District, and he works hard to solve these, too. Senator Oke knows, for instance, that preserving and expanding open space is important to district residents, and as chair of the Senate Natural Resources Committee, he found ways to advance this goal.

Even in a time of tight budgets, Senator Oke was able to secure funds so that the State Department of Parks and Recreation could initiate a natural resource inventory and complete a plan for a major State Preserve in Kitsap. Because of his leadership, there is now a Plan to preserve approximately 712 acres at and around the Nels Johnson and Square Lake parks, off Lake Flora Road. The State Preserve Plan, which had extensive public participation, was a joint effort of the State and Kitsap County. It is grounded in a detailed survey of the area’s wildlife and critical habitat and focuses on preserving the habitat and creating opportunities for passive recreation and environmental education.

This kind of vision and commitment to Kitsap residents’ future is the reason why we should support Senator Oke and reelect him for another term in the State Legislature.

Linda Niebanck, President
McCormick Land Co., Inc.
Port Orchard.