I recently had some very positive meetings with Rep. Michelle Ugenti concerning a citizen-driven effort to help kids with pediatric autoimmune disorders.

These childhood disorders, which appear as severe anxiety, attention deficit disorder, marked deterioration in school learning and performance, etc. have recently been recognized by the state legislature through an awareness day on October 9 of each year.

Even in the midst of a busy primary campaign, Michelle Ugenti took the time to listen, learn and then offer to help on these issues by raising public awareness through her participation in a House of Representatives sponsored hearing later this summer.

Her willingness to advocate for her constituents, in bringing these family-based issues to the table, should be applauded and recognized for what they are -- true representation of the folks who elected her to office.

I have written in the recent past about how Sen. Michele Reagan and Rep. John Kavanagh were primary sponsors of a Fountain Hills/Scottsdale constituent-driven effort that resulted in significantly increased transparency, accountability and fairness of election laws in our state.

In that same spirit of constituent advocacy, Rep. Michelle Ugenti’s actions on addressing these pediatric autoimmune diseases is a clear indication of her great concern and compassion for the kids, parents and families of these affected families.

For these efforts she deserves our wholehearted support and gratitude.