Senate election: O’Ban works for everyday people

Re: “Nobles leads our West Pierce legislative picks,” (TNT endorsement, 9/30).

Whenever a story in The News Tribune features a legislator who is proposing something good for everyday people, almost without fail that legislator is Tacoma Sen. Steve O’Ban.

For example: “Docs who serve low-income families shouldn’t have to pay higher B&O Tax, senator says,” (12/5/19), or “Alleged killer about to be released in Lakewood from Western State. State senator says no.” (9/10/17).

Both show O’Ban working to keep our community healthy and safe. Headlines where he’s actually named are even better: “O’Ban calls on Legislature to provide ST3 car-tab relief in counter to Eyman’s $30 plan (2/26/19), and “How to help people with mental illness who refuse care? Sen. O’Ban has a plan,” (2/1/20).

As one of the few Puget Sound Republicans in the Washington Senate, O’Ban has the rare opportunity to both represent an urban area and speak truth to power (i.e. Gov. Jay Inslee) in Olympia.

With that in mind, I’m inclined to agree with this headline from the last time O’Ban ran for office: “We endorse: O’Ban… in Legislative District 28.” (9/14/16).

This story was originally published October 8, 2020 at 8:50 AM with the headline "Senate election: O’Ban works for everyday people."