Letters to the Editor
Letter to the Editor | Thank you, Rep. Valdez
Thank you Dr Michelle Valdez:
I have known Dr Michelle Caldier (now Dr Michelle Valdez) for over 20 years. She was a delegate for the Washington State Dental Association before she successfully ran for a seat in the WA State Legislature, District 26 in 2012. She recently announced that she will not seek reelection after 6 successful terms. For me, she was a dual representative: one for my profession of dentistry, and two for my 26th District. She was a force in both forums.
She would bring new ideas and perspectives to the floor that challenged the status quo, but she would never be intimidated by any inevitable resistance, which would often-times border on bullying. She lobbied for the best interests of her constituency , whom she kept in close communication. If a solution she proposed failed, she would accept the defeat with grace, but always kept an eye on a chance to re-introduce it.
She is an open-minded moderate, which today, unfortunately, is a rare breed near extinction in legislative bodies throughout our country. Citizens in the 26th District, and Dentists throughout the state, will be forever grateful to her, and will forever miss her talents and efforts on their behalf.
Victor J. Barry, DDS
Gig Harbor