To the editor:

During the 2008 state legislative session a bill seeking to eliminate the issuance of Washington driver licenses to illegal aliens was introduced and referred to the Senate Transportation Committee for consideration.

You likely know by now that the Senate Transportation Committee is chaired by the senator of the 10th Legislative District, Mary Margaret Haugen.

When my wife, Nancy Thompson, learned the bill was not scheduled for a hearing, she e-mailed Senator Haugen requesting the bill, at least, receive a hearing.

The senator informed us that she would not allow the bill a hearing as she opposed it on the grounds that, “We need to ensure that all drivers on Washington highways are duly licensed.”

She pretends to believe that the use of driver licenses is limited to highway safety? Every other citizen knows they are used for a wide array of purposes including credit, voter registration and employment requirements, including verification to board commercial airplanes and that even the truth of her safety issue is questionable. Washington, one of only a few states still issuing licenses to illegal aliens, thereby remains a magnet to those who exploit our opportunities, benefits and services.

Subsequent to her ludicrous licensing bill reply, I and other attendees at Langley Women’s League of Voters forum last week heard her veiled threat — without her re-election the ferry system problems will go uncorrected.

Incredulous, but I recall her promise to the voters in 2000 that Phase II construction of the Clinton ferry dock would not be funded unless she was re-elected.

All citizens of the 10th State Legislative District and of Washington state have endured more than enough of Ms. Haugen’s “services.” I believe we will find Linda Haddon a competent and trustworthy state senator.

Bill Thompson

Clinton