Being a recent graduate from a local university has been a great accomplishment. I have made many memories in the 45th Legislative District, such as going to the Juanita Beach Farmers Market, the different festivals in Kirkland and the Woodinville Parade.

A memory that I am not very fond of is the amounts of time I sat in my car behind the wheel. To this very day, there are times where a 15-minute commute turns into a 45-plus-minute commute where I am driving less than 30 mph. The level of congestion for Eastside drivers needs to be resolved. The 520 bridge is paid for by drivers and the construction that is currently taking place is for a HOV land and bike path. It will not help with reducing congestion.

I know there are a lot of families living on the Eastside and I cannot imagine how they handle spending so much time in traffic. Our district is a wonder place to live and where I hope to raise a family someday. I am thrilled that 45th Legislative District state-senator candidate Brendan Woodward believes in a multi-modal transportation and sees the importance of reducing traffic for Eastside drivers like me.

Arlan Paloalto, Kirkland