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Caldier to run for Seaquist’s seat Staff report
Dr. Michelle Downey Caldier, a Republican, announced Dec. 12 she will run for state representative in the 26th District for the seat currently held by Democrat Larry Seaquist (D-Gig Harbor). Seaquist, who was elected to the seat in 2006, is up for re-election in November 2014. “I’ve never been that political,” said Caldier. “I have devoted my career as a dentist to helping the elderly in Caldier nursing homes and advocating for the poor.” Caldier, who lives in Port Orchard, successfully lobbied with others to restore adult dental Medicaid that the Legislature cut in 2010. Finally, in January of next year, people with low incomes will have Medicaid dental coverage again. But Caldier said that the mountains of paperwork and regulations surrounding Medicaid prevent many providers from being able to accept
“The people of this community have given so much to me. Teachers, my family, and my friends. I want to give back to the community that gave so much to me.” – Michelle Caldier Medicaid, leaving many patients without consistent care. “Making the process more efficient will bring more medical providers into the system and ensure that Medicaid works for those who need it,” said Caldier. Caldier is an affiliate professor at the University of Washington Dental School and said she sees the financial crunch her students at the UW face with increasing tuition costs and a higher debt load when they graduate. Caldier said tuition at the University of Washington was $5,880 in 2006 and has more than doubled at over $12,000 today. “People in our community are los-
Friday, December 20, 2013 • Port Orchard Independent
KNITTIN’ TREE
ing some of the opportunities I had,” said Caldier. “That is not right. It kills the dreams of parents and students.” Caldier said that, after building her dental practice for the past decade, she is excited for the chance to serve. “The people of this community have given so much to me,” said Caldier. “Teachers, my family, and my friends. I want to give back to the community that gave so much to me.” Caldier is fourth-generation Kitsap County resident and a graduate of Central Kitsap High School. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in cell and molecular biology from the University of Washington and graduated from the UW School of Dentistry in 2001. Caldier is the owner of Golden Age Dentistry in Kenmore, that provides dental services to the elderly in nursing homes around Puget Sound. From 2008 to 2013, she served as chair of the Access to Care Committee of the dental society. She has been an active foster parent, raising two grown foster daughters and her teenage biological daughter.
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Kitsap Bank/Coutesy Photo
Kitsap Bank and Soroptimists International of Port Orchard joined together to sponsor the 21st annual Knittin’ Tree clothing drive. The holiday project is designed to collect warm sweaters, gloves, mittens, hats, lap robes, and slippers that helps needy children and seniors in the South Kitsap community. More than 875 knitted items were collected.
FS 40 C-E Trimmer
16995
$
Lightweight, fuel-efficient trimmer STIHL Easy2Start™ system makes starting almost effortless Simple and reliable starting procedure with stop switch that returns to the start position for added convenience
BG 55 HANDHELD BLOWER
KIT INCLUDES:
149
$
95
MS 170 CHAIN SAW
$
179
95 16” bar †
Proven handheld blower at an affordable price
Lightweight saw for wood-cutting tasks around the home
Great for quickly cleaning driveways, sidewalks and hard-to-reach places
IntelliCarb™ compensating carburetor maintains RPM level
Optional vacuum and gutter kit attachments available
Anti-vibration system for more comfortable operation
WOODCUTTER HELMET WOODCUTTER CHAPS PROTECTIVE GLASSES NYLON TOOL BAG TRANSPORT AND STORAGE BAG LUGGAGE ID TAG
All prices are SNW-SRP. Available at participating dealers while supplies last. © 2013 STIHL †The actual listed guide bar length can vary from the effective cutting length based on which powerhead it is installed on. © 2013 STIHL
Peninsula Feed & Power Equipment 901 Bay St Port Orchard
Gig Harbor Ace Hardware 4816 Point Fosdick Dr Gig Harbor
$149.95 SNW-SRP