I have been impressed with our 48th Legislative District Sen. Cyrus Habib. He is simply one of the most remarkable individuals I have ever had the pleasure to know.

Even though he became completely blind by age 8, through the excellent Bellevue Public School System, he was able to proceed to be near the top of his class at the International School. This allowed him to attend Columbia University, be selected as a Rhodes Scholar and then become a Yale-educated attorney and law professor at Seattle University.

His choice to pursue public office first as a representative and then as a state senator thereby giving back to his roots, is admirable. In the Legislature, Cyrus has championed the most important issues impacting our state, fighting to fund education for every Washington child, prime-sponsoring statewide paid sick and safe leave so that no family has to choose between a pay check and taking care of a loved one, and prime-sponsoring the Washington Voting Rights Act so that communities of color are equally represented in state government. These show his commitment to help all of the people he represents. Cyrus is now running for lieutenant governor because he can look beyond what the position entails today and help his fellow legislators craft innovative solutions. He is the only candidate who has a real vision for this office and our state.

Many people think of the lieutenant governor as a ceremonial position — Cyrus has introduced ideas to allow it to become a forum for inclusion and abiding by the Constitution

For example, this past year he authored and introduced new legislation to allow people to testify remotely. This is particularly important for those of us across the state who can’t afford to take a day off of work to drive down to Olympia. This legislation would allow us to have our voices heard on important issues that affect us.

CyrusHabib brings new ideas and a fresh approach to make government work better for all Washingtonians, and I urge you to support him to be our next lieutenant governor.

Becky Lewis

Bellevue