We have an opportunity this fall to change the direction of Washington. Rob McKenna for governor of Washington state is that opportunity.

Rob has worked a lifetime building the qualities that only a natural statesman possesses. I have known and met every governor since I was a little kid, when I was invited to sit in the governor's chair. I feel Rob McKenna will be one of the greatest governors that Washington has ever been blessed to have in Olympia. We need nothing less.

Rob McKenna's leadership comes at a critical time, when the housing recovery, especially here in Whatcom County is sputtering to recover, when our unemployment rate here is also historically high and our own Western Washington University is suffering a 16 percent hike in tuition. Those are all critical challenges that must be handled wisely in order for a substantial economic recovery.

Rob McKenna has a specific plan to provide solutions to these challenges. He will create jobs, support homeownership and our economic recovery and reform our education system. And, he is an experienced state leader who gets things done. He has proved it in his eight years as the state's attorney general.

Many of us feel that this is the most important election in our lifetime. Please vote for Rob McKenna who I believe is the clear choice for governor on Nov. 6.

Jon Soine

Bellingham