Meeting Krishnadasan Changed My View on Politics

Personal Experiences and Insights from Local Political Engagement

My name is Pearce Eyford, and I am a senior at Bellarmine Preparatory School. In addition to my studies, I work at the YMCA, where I help manage the shower program. This initiative provides essential resources such as showers and snacks to individuals in need, including the homeless population. Through this experience, I became interested in understanding how local leaders create meaningful change that benefits those who are most vulnerable in our community.

One of the most impactful experiences I had was sitting down with Senate candidate Michelle Caldier. She struck me as an open, honest, and deeply thoughtful individual. Her journey has been marked by significant challenges. She was born with blindness in one eye due to complications during birth, grew up in foster care, ran away at 17, and had a child at 19. Later in life, she lost vision in her other eye due to glaucoma. Despite these hardships, Caldier remained determined. She pursued a career in dentistry while raising a child and eventually dedicated part of her practice to serving senior citizens in assisted care.

When Medicaid dental benefits for these individuals were cut, it sparked her interest in politics. Caldier’s drive to make a difference is evident in her approach. She is not afraid to take on tough issues and remains focused on her goals. She once said, “People either like me or they don't,” which reflects her confidence and authenticity.

Caldier’s platform includes supporting vulnerable communities through special needs funding and school-related initiatives. She also aims to protect women in prison from sexual assault and address the impact of inflation on Washington families. Importantly, she maintains strong connections with both Democratic and Republican representatives, showing that political divides do not hinder her ability to build bridges.

Another candidate I met was Deb Krishnadasan, who shares a similar commitment to public service. She served two terms on the Peninsula School Board and became its president, where she founded a public school advocacy group. Under her leadership, several funding campaigns were successful, leading to the construction and modernization of schools.

Krishnadasan’s approach is centrist, emphasizing collaboration across party lines. She believes in looking at both sides of an issue and has built strong relationships with people from all walks of life. During a doorbelling event, she encountered someone who initially seemed disinterested but ended up sharing concerns about food insecurity for their family. This experience reinforced her belief in the importance of listening and connecting with constituents.

Her plans include using the state’s rainy day fund to offset federal cuts to programs like SNAP and Medicaid. She recognizes the significant impact these cuts have on families, particularly those receiving $66 less per month in food assistance. Krishnadasan is committed to fighting for these programs and ensuring that local communities have the support they need.

One of the most memorable moments during my time with Krishnadasan was visiting a family who had recently lost their teenage son to suicide. They expressed a need for legislation to combat cyberbullying. Another family shared their story after a house fire, highlighting the importance of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. These interactions underscored the real-world impact that senators can have and the emotional connection they can build with their constituents.

Through these experiences, I gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of local politics and the dedication required to serve others. The insights I gained from meeting these candidates have broadened my perspective on how leadership can shape the future of our community.