Hardy will be powerful advocate

Thank you, Karen Hardy, for challenging incumbent state Sen. Shelly Short. Short has earned an F in health care. (“We need leaders who will fight for our health,” Oct. 12, 2018).

For residents of the 7th Legislative District, job insecurity, the opioid crisis, and dismal access to mental health and primary care are the perfect storm for despair. Why would anyone vote for more of that?

Having taken care of patients in this region for over 30 years, first as an ICU nurse and now as a primary care provider, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when people have no local access, or must prioritize rent and food before medication or preventive health care. A simple illness or chronic condition becomes life-threatening. The ER becomes a substitute for preventive care.

Short’s voting record shows she has little interest in preventing these physical and financial tragedies. It’s time to retire her and elect Karen Hardy. Karen has the wisdom and experience to forge real public health solutions. As a state senator, Karen Hardy will be a powerful advocate for the underserved families of Northeast Washington.

Lori Feagan

Spokane