January 10, 2016

Podcast: Community Cafe:
State Senator Christine Rolfes – a conversation for BCB listeners

<i>Podcast: Community Cafe:</i> <br>State Senator Christine Rolfes – a conversation for BCB listeners

BCB Community Cafe Bainbridge Island - 150In this podcast interview, recorded in early January, State Senator Christine Rolfes shares some personal anecdotes and also previews the 2016 session of the State Legislature that starts on Monday January 11th.

Christine with flagsTopics explored for BCB listeners during this 25-minute podcast conversation include:

0:40 How is your family coping with your busy schedule as a State Senator?

2:05 What are some of your favorite activities and destinations around the island?

3:05 Reflections on the grass roots candlelight vigil on Dec 14th at the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial

5:15 Thoughts about the 25th anniversary in 2016 of home rule and all-island local government on Bainbridge

8:05 Issues that divide or unite the voters of the State — eastern, West Sound and Seattle

9:56 Wildfires as a humanitarian – and forest management – concern that unites east and west

"I believe the Court has done us a favor ... [W]e have difficult decisions to make that will require real compromise to reach real solutions" - Sen. Rolfes, responding to Court ordering legislature to adequately fund K-12 public education.
Senator Rolfes reports that, once again in 2016, funding for public education and responses to the teacher shortage are key issues.
12:09 Senator Rolfes’ statewide listening tour focusing on the needs of public education, and responding to teacher shortages

13:56 Preview of this year’s legislative session debates on public education funding

16:32 Ways the education funding issue applies to local districts including here in Bainbridge and North Kitsap districts

18:07 What it’s like to work with Governor Inslee on his commitment to environmental and climate change issues

19:44 The Governor’s op-ed article – humanitarian values toward refugees

20:38 The Governor’s support for adequate funding of ferry service

21:14 Issues about military veterans, and the recent award Senator Rolfes received from a veterans organization.

23:01 Wrapup of other issues this year

23:45 How to reach Senator Rolfes during the legislative session.

This is the second annual overview conversation with Senator Christine Rolfes that BCB has hosted for listeners in her 23rd Legislative District, which includes Bainbridge Island.

Credits: BCB host, audio editor and social media publisher: Barry Peters. Note: This podcast recording was trimmed and condensed for quicker listening.