As many of you know, I live in Blaine, Washington. Not only do I live in Blaine, but I LOVE Blaine! The other night, my husband and I were cleaning up after dinner and there was a knock at the door - not unusual with the rush of school fundraisers this time of year...My husband answered the door, talked for a while, and came back in. When I asked who was at the door, he said, "Jason Overstreet; the guy running for the City Counsel" (for those of you not from the area - it's a very contested position) but before he could finish his sentence, I was out of the house trying to get Jason's attention and ask him some questions. He and his wife were "pounding the pavement" and turned around when they realized I wanted to talk...Not only did Jason and his wife listen to me (actively - you know, like ASKING questions and making notes!) but then I got a call from Jason a few days later..."Not sure if you remember me, but..." Well of course I remember you! He had been emailing the "powers that be" do get answers to my concerns and he emailed me the correspondence. Jason - never once (and I've lived a lot of places) has someone seeking a political office EVER done what you did! You LISTENED! You CARED! You COMMUNICATED! To sum it up, You ROCK! Remember folks, Democracy is all about the leaders listening to the masses...Well, Jason Overstreet, congratulations - you did it! Thanks, Jason, for laying down roots for a successful future in Blaine, WA!

-Emily Cross