Promising to uphold the Constitution and to "faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of the office," Mike Hope, R-Lake Stevens, Snohomish County, was sworn-in tonight as the new state representative to the 44th Legislative District. The 44th District includes Lake Stevens, Snohomish, Mill Creek and parts of Marysville. Judge Tam Bui administered the swearing-in. About 30 people were in attendance at the event, including family, friends and supporters.

"It's such an honor to have the people of our district entrust me with decisions that affect their daily lives," Hope said. "I'll work every day to continue to earn their trust and do what they tell me is their best interest."

Hope was sworn in before the legislative session in January when other freshmen legislators are sworn in because his predecessor was appointed to the position. Election results were certified Monday, Dec. 15.

"I'm looking forward to becoming an active part of the Legislature. Being in Olympia two weeks ago for orientation really got me excited about the work ahead of us and the great people I'll be working with," Hope said.

Hope noted his main priorities for this year's session are balancing the state budget without raising taxes, reducing classroom sizes, and funding transportation projects that are vital to keeping citizens moving through their lives.

As a police detective, he's also interested in criminal justice and public safety issues, and believes he would bring another perspective to the Legislature from that position.

Mike Hope is a 10-year veteran of the Seattle Police Department and owns a student athletes' gym with his wife, Sarai. Hope was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and has his bachelor's degree from John Carroll University in Ohio. He earned his master's degree in Policy Studies from the University of Washington. Hope is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served in the reserves for eight years. Sarai and Mike reside in Lake Stevens and enjoy coaching high school sports.

Rep. Hope can be contacted through his new office in Olympia at (360) 786-7892 or by e-mail at hope.mike@leg.wa.gov.