12. I've touched on some obvious big issues, but are there any issues that the media and general public are overlooking? What are they?
The uneven/mal distribution of income is a huge issue imbedded in the many points above. The ever-increasing disparity in income and wealth generated between the 40th and 90th percentile range indicates a fundamental flaw in applied public policy. All social indicators perform poorly as the income distribution grows more and more unequal. This is a public policy issue, which requires a multidimensional fix.
In the more purely political sphere, I find as I go door-to-door the clear option for some is to simply disengage from the political process altogether. This results from frustration with obvious recent failures to reconcile differences large and small at the Capitol. The 48th District can establish an identity and presence in the Legislature if the will to participate is nurtured. I see this as an opportunity. It can happen through regular listening sessions held throughout the 48th, which would engage constituents not comfortably linked to the Capitol and possibly alienated from politics in general. My goal is to implement a plan, which will help develop identity, community, and a voice within the 48th District.