We are fortunate to have Islanders such as Maureen Judge in our community. We are fortunate that she, along with many here, step up to serve our community. Judge, the Democratic candidate for state Senate in the 41st District is smart, articulate and gutsy. She has taken on serious challenges to our community in the work she has done as the leader of the Washington Toxics Coalition and as a volunteer in the community. There is no doubt that if she were not running against Islander and incumbent Steve Litzow in the race for the Legislature, we would throw our support her way.

Steve Litzow is an eight-year veteran of the Mercer Island City Council and was elected to the state Legislature in 2010. His experience as a city councilman involved him in the very issues that concern the state as a whole; from transportation to the environment and budget issues. Litzow was always clear about his views — whether they were popular or not.

As another Legislative session looms, we are hoping to see bipartisanship practiced rather than promised. The need to accomplish real change is acute — lawmakers must find a way to solve the education funding process, and other tough issues that cannot wait. For his part, Litzow has made headway. He, along with Ed Murray, the state Senate majority leader, was presented with the Warren G. Magnuson Memorial award for recognition of bipartisan leadership during the 2012 Legislative session.

Judge focussed on one vote by Litzow — one that would limit access to women’s health and reproductive choices — as indicative of Litzow’s allegiance to party. But it was a vote against other parts of the measure. It does not reflect his view on reproductive health.

It is our belief that Litzow has made good use of his time in the Senate — he has forged relationships and made real progress in the areas that Islanders care about.

If Judge were to prevail over Litzow as state Senator, she would become the fifth person to hold that seat since 2008. The 41st District can do without more change in its leadership.

We say, re-elect Steve Litzow for state Senator for the 41st District.