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Ross takes oath of office as
new 14th District Representative
Naches Republican will put local government
experience to work in Olympia
Charles Ross was
sworn in today as the 14th Legislative District’s new state
representative, three days prior to the start of the 2007 legislative
session. Ross, R-Naches, took the oath of office in a special ceremony
in the Washington Supreme Court chambers in Olympia. He succeeds
outgoing Rep. Jim Clements, R-Selah, who resigned his House seat upon
his appointment to the 14th District’s state Senate seat earlier today.
“I am deeply honored that the people of the 14th District have entrusted
me to represent their interests at our Capitol, and I promise to work
hard to make sure their voices are heard,” said Ross.
Ross joins the House after nine years as a member of the Naches City
Council, the past six of which were as the city’s independently elected
mayor.
“My familiarity with the policy-making process at the local level should
be a big help. I know how to balance a budget, I understand what it
takes to provide public services effectively and efficiently, and having
worked with Representative (Mary) Skinner and our new senator over the
years, I expect we’ll make a great team,” said Ross.
Now that he has taken office Ross can file legislation, and he has a
bill in the works.
“One of the primary functions of government is to ensure public safety.
My first bill will be aimed at putting teeth in the state traffic law on
eluding a police officer, and it’s because of an eluding incident in my
district that cost the lives of two innocent young men. I want that bill
to set the bar for the legislation I sponsor this session and next –
bills that are inspired by the people, families and employers I
represent and have statewide benefit.”
Most who won election to House seats in November will be sworn in during
a mass ceremony Monday. Chief Justice Gerry Alexander administered the
oath to Ross, who said he appreciated the quieter, intimate setting of
the Supreme Court chambers.
“The House chamber has this air of history and tradition, and that’s
great, but for a small-town guy like me a small ceremony was just fine,
thank you,” said Ross.
Ross has been appointed assistant ranking Republican on the House Public
Safety & Emergency Preparedness Committee, and also will have
memberships on the Local Government and Judiciary committees. He also
will be one of three assistant whips for House Republicans, House
Republican Leader Richard DeBolt announced today.
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