The Passion of a Young Advocate: Insights from Noah Lamberton
A Personal Journey in Public Health
My name is Noah Lamberton, and as I approach my senior year at SAMI High School in Tacoma, I find myself deeply engaged in the issues of public healthcare access for low-income communities. My commitment to this cause stems from my family’s rich history in healthcare. Both parents are established professionals in the medical field, and my grandparents also dedicated their careers to healthcare, including two grandfathers who co-founded the only hospital in the small, rural town of Brewster, Washington—an area that previously struggled with healthcare access.
The Intersection of Education and Finance
In addition to healthcare, I developed a keen interest in public education while interning with the Tacoma Public Schools Finance Department last spring. This experience provided me with valuable insider knowledge about the financial challenges facing the district. Seeing firsthand how funding issues impact students and teachers has strengthened my resolve to advocate for equitable public education.
A Memorable Meeting with Michelle Caldier
One of the highlights of my internship was meeting Michelle Caldier, a significant voice in Washington State politics. Initially nervous about meeting someone so influential, I soon found her to be approachable and open during our discussion. The conversation felt more like catching up with a family member than a formal interview, and I left with a fresh perspective on several critical issues.
Caldier’s breadth of knowledge impressed me; she skillfully navigated a range of topics from healthcare to education, demonstrating an understanding that extends beyond her background in dentistry. For instance, when discussing the lack of fluoride in Gig Harbor and Bremerton’s water systems, she articulated a straightforward view: “If fluoridation is what communities want to have and they vote for it, then they should be able to.”
Tackling Homelessness
Caldier also addressed the homelessness crisis in our state. Her passionate advocacy for providing assistance to the most vulnerable populations resonated with me. She emphasized the critical need for programs designed to protect these individuals, showcasing her belief in community support and compassion.
What truly shifted my perspective was her nuanced understanding of the housing crisis. She explained it is not solely driven by rising home costs but also by factors like inflation and increased demand, which complicate the process of creating new housing developments. This multifaceted view made me realize how interconnected various issues are, especially those affecting low-income communities.
A Deep Dive into Education with Deb Krishnadasan
Another pivotal experience was engaging with Deb Krishnadasan, who illuminated the importance of public education. With a strong grounding in the public school system, having served on the Peninsula School Board and leading several successful campaign initiatives, her commitment to education is palpable. “We have to provide education to all,” she stated, and her legislative efforts aim to bolster Washington’s public education through thoughtful reforms.
Community Engagement as a Priority
Krishnadasan values community input, dedicating two to three hours daily to gather voter feedback. This commitment to doorbelling, even in non-election years, speaks volumes about her dedication to understanding constituency concerns. She believes open dialogue is essential for capturing the community’s pulse.
Accompanying her on doorbelling trips in Gig Harbor, I was struck by her attentive approach to listening to residents. Each conversation reinforced her philosophy of “listening to all sides and bringing them together.” Through her legislative efforts, she aims to represent a diverse array of constituents, focusing on working families, teachers, union workers, and individuals reliant on programs like SNAP and Medicaid.
This exploration of my experiences and observations highlights the issues of public healthcare and education shaping my community. Engaging with local leaders like Michelle Caldier and Deb Krishnadasan has inspired me to continue advocating for solutions that promote equity and accessibility in healthcare and education.