Rep. Marcie Maxwell talks politics, issues with Bellevue business women

By Lindsay Larin • July 17, 2009 1:51 pm
Rep. Marcie Maxwell (center) told members of the Bellevue Business and Professional Women to pay attention to issues and candidates. From left: Christine Addison
Rep. Marcie Maxwell (center) told members of the Bellevue Business and Professional Women to pay attention to issues and candidates. From left: Christine Addison

Rep. Marcie Maxwell made a guest appearance at the Bellevue chapter of Business Professional Women’s (BPW) July luncheon this past week.

Maxwell, who represents the 41st Legislative District, recently finished her first term in Legislature in Olympia, representing 130,000 people and five school districts. Part of her district includes south Bellevue.

“I finished my first session in Olympia and I love the work. We balanced the budget and got out on time,” Maxwell said, who also is Legislature and Associate Broker for Windermere Real Estate. “We did some education policy work and work in the transportation area with the Viaduct and 520. We dealt with so many issues. We started out with 3,000 bills and we approved just under 600 bills. It can be exhausting at times, but very rewarding,” she added.

Prior to her recent role as Legislature, Maxwell held leadership positions on the Renton Chamber of Commerce and as the Renton School District Board of Directors.

“Bettering public schools is a huge passion of mine. Education is a huge opportunity and key to raising the quality of life in the community and making sure we have a solid workforce,” Maxwell explained. “I plan to continue the work in education on a grander scale in my new role.”

Along with Maxwell, Bellevue City Council candidates Betina Finely, Patsy Bonincontri and Vicki Orrico attended the BPW luncheon.

“It’s extremely important for the community to support the current candidates and really get to know them,” Maxwell said, adding, “They’re here to serve you, and year-round, you should let them know about what issues you care about. Making a stand is how change is made.”

Maxwell spoke about the top issues brought to the Legislature’s attention this year through e-mails sent by community members. The issues that flooded Maxwell’s inbox included concern about the puppy mills, Fish and Wildlife Commission, decriminalizing Marijuana, the Alaskan Way Viaduct and the Volunteer Chore Services.

“The people who care deeply about those issues are very affective lobbyists,” she said. “They get their voice out there and they get heard. We read those e-mails. We pay attention,” she said.

Lindsay Larin can be reached at 425.453.4602.